Hospital Bills and Insurance

Access to Care

CHRISTUS St.Patrick Hospital is an equal opportunity employer and treats patients without regard to age, race, color, sex, national origin, handicaps, or pay or source. No qualified individual with a disability shall by reason of such disability be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits for the services, programs, or activities of CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital, or be subjected to discrimination by CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital.

CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital may discharge a person who has received emergency services, or may transfer the person to another facility able to provide necessary services, when the appropriate medical personnel determine that discharge or transfer will not subject the person to a substantial risk of deterioration of his or her medical condition.
All patients should familiarize themselves with the terms of their insurance coverage. This will help you understand the hospital’s billing procedures and charges. If there is a question about your insurance coverage, a member of the Patient Accounting Department will contact you or a member of your family while you are here. Information is needed in order to process your claims.

If You Have Health Insurance

Taking Care of Insurance

Many changes have taken place in the health care industry in recent years, and many more are on the way. Some procedures and services that your insurance once covered in full may now be partially covered, covered in certain circumstances, or not covered at all.

If you have problems understanding your insurance benefits, contact your insurance carrier. Since insurance plans differ widely, check your coverage and ask questions before you are admitted to the hospital.

As a courtesy, CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital will file your insurance claim when you provide us with the pertinent information. Please remember that you are ultimately responsible for payment of all charges.

Sometimes, insurance carriers deny payment for services or procedures after they have been completed. Our office cannot be responsible for settling a claim dispute, but we can help you in your efforts. Your insurance contract is between you and your carrier.

Most insurance carriers require pre-admission approval, or pre-certification, for inpatient and outpatient services. This is your responsibility. All Workman’s compensation claims must be approved by your carrier before services are rendered.

If your insurance policy involves a deductible or co-payment, the amount of your estimated patient balance is due when you register.

We will need a copy of your identification card. We also may need the insurance forms, which are supplied by your employer or the insurance company. You will be asked to assign benefits from the insurance company directly to the hospital.

If You Are a Member of an HMO or PPO

Your plan may have special requirements, such as a second surgical opinion or pre-certification for certain tests or procedures. It is your responsibility to make sure the requirements of your plan have been met. If your plan’s requirements are not followed, you may be financially responsible for all or part of the services rendered in the hospital. Some physician specialists may not participate in your health care plan and their services may not be covered.

If You Are Covered by Medicare/Medicaid

Patients covered by Medicare will be billed for deductibles and co-payments after St. Patrick Hospital receives payment from Medicare. Our office will file any supplemental insurance claim for you.

We will need a copy of your Medicare card to verify eligibility and process your Medicare claim. You should be aware that the Medicare program specifically excludes payment for certain items and services, such as cosmetic surgery, some oral surgery procedures, personal comfort items, hearing evaluations and others. Deductibles and co-payments also are the responsibility of the patient.

We will need a copy of your Medicaid card. Medicaid also has payment limitations on a number of services and items. Medicaid does not pay for the cost of a private room unless medically necessary.

If You Have No Insurance

We Can Help

If you need help paying your bill, our financial Counselors or a Patient Account Representative, (337)491-7518, can suggest ways of making financial arrangements or applying for public assistance. Within the framework of sound business practice, we will make every effort to help.

Regardless of your situation, we will remain sensitive to your financial circumstances.

A representative from the Business Office will discuss financial arrangements with you. A hospital representative who is a representative of the Division of Family Services is also available to assist you in applying for Medicaid or other government assistance programs.

Your Hospital Bill

Your daily hospital room charges include your general nursing care, meals, room accommodations and equipment, linens, and the services of our heath car professionals.

Other charges depend on your physician’s orders, and can include charges for operating and recovery rooms, laboratory tests, x-ray studies, other diagnostic procedures, physical or respiratory therapy, medications, surgical and medical supplies, dressings, and other items.

You may be asked to make a partial payment when you are admitted. The amount will be based on insurance coverage, type of service and anticipated length of stay.

You may pay your hospital bill online at Bill Pay, a secure internet site which can be accessed from the main page of the hospital’s website, www.christusstpatrick.org.

Other Professional Services

Physicians’ fees, private nurses’ fees and fees for services of physician specialists, like an anesthesiologist, radiologist or pathologist, are separate from those of the hospital.

Please contact the physicians’ private offices if you have questions concerning their charges. Also remember that the financial arrangements between you and your physician are your responsibility.

The hospital is responsible for submitting bills to your insurance company and will do everything possible to expedite your claim. But you should remember that your policy is a contract between you and your insurance company and you have the final responsibility for payment of your hospital bill. We have several payment options available to assist you in paying your bill.

Your bill reflects all of the services you receive during your stay. Charges fall into two categories: a basic daily rate, which includes your room, meals, nursing care, housekeeping, telephone and television; and charges for special services which include items your physician orders for you, such as X-rays or laboratory tests.
If you have certain tests or treatments in the hospital, you may receive bills from physicians you did not see in person. These bills are for professional services rendered by these doctors in diagnosing and interpreting test results while you were a patient. Pathologists, radiologists, cardiologists, anesthesiologists and other specialists perform these services and are required to submit separate bills. If you have questions about these bills, please call the number printed on the statement you receive from them.

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