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FINANCIAL INFORMATION
St.
John's Mercy is committed to providing high-quality health care to members
of the community, including those in financial need. Consistent with our
mission, we treat all patients regardless of their financial status or ability
to pay.
Your bill reflects all of the services
you have received during your stay at St. John’s Mercy. 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 includes items ordered by your physicians, such as x-rays
or laboratory tests.
Professional Charges
You may receive separate bills for certain tests and treatments for professional
services rendered by pathologists, radiologists, cardiologists, anesthesiologists
and other specialists. These physicians, who may be needed to diagnose
and interpret test results, are required by the government and insurance
carriers to bill you separately. Some physician specialists may not participate
in your health plan and you may be responsible for part or all of their
bills. If you have questions about these bills, please call the specialist’s
office directly. The telephone number will be printed on your statement.
Insurance Claims
Please familiarize yourself with the terms of your health care plan. This will
help you understand the hospital’s billing procedures and charges.
Your insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance company.
As a courtesy, the hospital will submit bills to your insurance company
and will assist you in receiving the full benefit of your health insurance
plan. Please remember that payment of your bill is your responsibility.
The hospital has several payment options available to assist you.
If there
is a question about your health care coverage, a hospital representative will
contact you or a member of your family during your stay to obtain the necessary
information. We also provide several options for patients who receive services
without the benefit of insurance coverage to address differences in payment
requirements.
If You Have Health Insurance
We will need a copy of your insurance card. 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.
Medicare
Your Medicare card was presented upon registration to verify eligibility and
facilitate processing your Medicare claim. Please note 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. These noncovered charges, as well as deductibles
and co-payments, are your financial responsibility.
Medicaid
Presenting your Medicaid card upon registration helps us to process your patient
account effectively because the card contains information for identifying
St. John's Mercy as a participant in your health care plan. Medicaid does
not pay for the cost of a private room unless medically necessary.
Payment Options
Patient balances are due within 15 days after you receive your bill. Here are
your options:
- Full payment
may be made by cash, VISA, Discover or MasterCard.
- Other arrangements
may be made by contacting the financial counselor or Patient Accounting
department.
We also
seek alternatives for patients in temporary financial need and those uninsured
patients who cannot afford full payment of their hospital charges. Payment
plans and, if appropriate, bill reductions are offered to patients with demonstrated
need or an inability to pay.
To reach the
financial counselor’s office
during your hospital stay, call extension 8374. From home, call 636-239-8374.
A hospital representative is also available to assist you in applying for
Medicaid or other government assistance programs. To reach Patient Accounting,
call 314-364-4200 or toll-free, at 800-833-0799. You may also e-mail the
office at stjohnsbilling@stlo.mercy.net. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday
through Friday.
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