“Surprise billings” in the news

07 Mar 2016

By: uenton Ihne, director, revenue cycle & patient financial services

 

The continual tightening of provider networks by insurers is causing more patients to get “surprise billings” and only then do they learn their provider is out of network.

TIME Magazine just published a story on this issue and it is likely to increase public debate and media attention.

Ultimately, insurers have the primary responsibility to provide an adequate network of providers and to communicate that to their consumers. However, Salem Health is able to provide some information to help patients make decisions.

When you are referring patients to Salem Health we can provide a good-faith estimate to the patient about his or her costs. Those estimates come with the following information:

• The estimate is an average of the billed charges for this service. Additional services, such as tests and supplies, may change the cost.
• The estimate is dependent on the accuracy of the patient’s benefits and the patient should check with the insurer to determine if services are in-network and to ensure the services are covered at the highest level possible.
• Physicians or other medical professionals that provide services will bill separately for their services and are not included in the estimate. We don’t know what their contracts entail so we can’t provide those estimates.
• Salem Health offers financial assistance. If the patient is interested we can also send a referral to our financial counseling team to help them get started. Information is available online at www.salemhospitalbill.com/financial_assistance. 

Patients can get these estimates by calling the Salem Health estimate line at 503-814-2678.