Community members interested in learning the potential costs for services provided can now call Salem Health.

Salem Health can provide a cost estimate for hospital services for a scheduled procedure within three business days. Community members interested in learning the potential costs for services provided at any Salem Health facility can call 503-814-2678. Once the caller has provided all the relevant information, staff in the billing and financial assistance office will work to provide them this good faith estimate.

This service helps uninsured or out-of-network patients to understand their potential costs for services provided at the hospital. Most insured patients, however, will find more useful information on costs by contacting their insurer, who can provide specific estimates based on their particular plan.

“We at Salem Health are committed to providing our community with the best service possible, from the highest quality medical care, to the best understanding of what hospital services might cost,” said Cheryl Wolfe, president and chief executive officer. “We believe that by pledging to turn an estimate around in three business days, we are helping our potential patients with useful information in a timely manner.”

“Kudos to Salem Health for enacting this patient-friendly policy,” said Philip Schmidt, associate vice president for public affairs at the Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems. “Oregon’s hospital community is deeply committed to a top-notch patient experience. By providing useful cost estimates in advance, Salem Health is continuing to fulfill that commitment.”

Salem Health reminds patients that the best way to make informed health care decisions is still in consultation with their medical professional team. For a complete understanding of out-of-pocket expenses, those with insurance should consult with their insurer.

Salem Health — an OHSU Partner — offers exceptional care to people in and around Oregon’s mid-Willamette Valley. It is comprised of hospitals in Salem and Dallas, a medical group of primary and specialty care providers, plus other affiliated services. For the second consecutive year, the hospital in Salem received the prestigious 2016 Truven Health 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals — placing it among the nation’s highest performing hospitals. “Like” us on www.facebook.com/salemhealth; follow us on Twitter: @salemhealth; and view us at www.youtube.com/salemhealth.