Mercy Medical Center is responsible for submitting bills to your insurance company and will do everything possible to expedite your claim.  You should remember that your policy is a contract between you and your insurance company, and you have financial responsibility for payment of your hospital bill.  We have several payment options available to assist you.

If You Have Health Insurance
We will need a copy of your insurance card and may also need certain forms, which may be supplied by your employer or your insurance company.  All patients should familiarize themselves with the terms of insurance coverage.  This will help you understand Mercy’s charges and billing process.

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 and 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 you receive here.  Some physicians may not participate in your health care plan and their services may not be covered.

If You Are Covered by Medicare or Medicaid
We will need a copy of your Medicare or Medicaid card to verify eligibility and process your claim.  Upon admission, you will be asked to sign the Advanced Beneficiary Notice (ABN) notifying you that if Medicare denies payment, you will be held responsible for that payment.  You should be aware that the Medicare program pays only for services that are determined to be reasonable and medically necessary.  You will be notified in advance if tests ordered by your physician are not covered according to Medicare guidelines.  Deductibles and co-payments are the patient’s responsibility.  Medicaid does not pay for the cost of a private room unless medically necessary.

If You Have No Health Insurance
A Patient Account representative will discuss financial arrangements with you.  We can also help you apply for Medicaid or other government assistance programs.

Professional Services
If you have certain tests or treatments at Mercy, you may receive bills from physicians you did not see in person.  These bills are for professional services they provided in diagnosing and interpreting test results while you were a patient.  Pathologists, radiologists, cardiologists, anesthesiologists, and others perform these services and are required to submit separate bills.  Please call the number printed on their statement for further information, if needed.

Payment Options
Payment options are available to all inpatients, outpatients, recurring patients, and Emergency Department patients at Mercy Medical Center.  Payment is expected in full upon receipt of notification.  Hospital bills may be paid with cash, checks, or credit cards including Visa, Mastercard, or Discover.  Credit card information may be sent to the Patient Accounts office using the space provided on the statement mailed to you.  Special arrangements may be made if a patient is medically indigent.

Past Due Accounts
All patient accounts which are 45 days past due will be reviewed for collection referral.  “Past due” is defined as not having received payment against the balance during a 45-day period.

Financial Counselor Office
This office, located on the first floor of Mercy, is open to assist you Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.  You may contact us at 563-589-9067.