When You Come to the Hospital or Clinic
UC Health facilities participate with most insurance companies, Medicare and
Medicaid. Prior to your visit, check with your employer or insurance company to
see if you have access to health care services at one of our facilities;
otherwise, you may be responsible for all or a large portion of your bill.
Bring Your Health Insurance Information
Bring your complete health insurance information when you register. This
includes identification, all insurance cards and authorization forms. We will
ask you to sign forms such as a Release of Information and possibly additional
forms, depending on your visit.
Inform Us of Changes
If you are a current patient, please inform us if your personal or insurance information has changed since your last visit. A lack of current information can cause payment delays or denials that may ultimately leave you responsible for payment.
Copayments, Deductibles and Coinsurance
Copayments for both physician and hospital care and other balance you may owe are due on the day you receive services. If your insurance requires it, you will also need to pay for estimated coinsurance or deductibles related to your care.
In many instances, you will be notified prior to your visit to collect on the estimated out-of-pocket costs. This is done to expedite your check-in process and to provide you with more payment options.
If you have any questions regarding your copayments, deductibles or coinsurance requirements, please call your insurance company.
Making deposits
For certain procedures not covered by insurance, you may be required to pay a deposit or pay for the service in full prior to your care.
Authorization of Services
Most health plans require authorization, particularly for elective services, and may require you to notify your primary care physician. If your insurance company decides your service is not medically necessary, is a pre-existing condition, or is a service not covered, you will be asked to pay at the time of service.
Consent = Financial Responsibility
The person who consents to medical treatment will be financially responsible for the bill, including legal guardian of a child.
Medicare Patients: What to Expect
If you are a Medicare patient, you will be asked a series of questions regarding your status, including other insurance you may have, and your retirement date. These questions are required by law and must be asked each time you visit us. If you are covered by Medicare, we will submit your claims to Medicare on your behalf.
When Medicare Doesn’t Cover a Service
Medicare requires that we provide only those services approved by Medicare as deemed medically necessary. In the event the service is not covered by Medicare, we may ask you to sign a notice that makes you financially responsible for the services provided.
Additionally, we will bill you and/or your supplemental insurance carrier for services not covered by Medicare, such as self-administered medications and routine health exams. However, if neither Medicare nor your supplemental insurance covers these services, you will be responsible for payment of these services.
Financial Assistance or Payment Plans
If you anticipate problems paying your portion of the bill, please let us know. We can help you apply for other types of financial assistance or payment plans.
Please contact a Financial Care Counselor on your date of service or call our Customer Service department at 513-585-6200 or 800-277-0781.
After Your Visit
Respond promptly to requests from your insurance company for additional information. These requests must be handled before payment will be made by your insurance company.
Calling Us With Billing Questions
If you have any questions about your bill(s), please contact our Customer Service department, Monday through Thursday between 8a.m. – 9p.m. and Friday 8a.m. – 4:30p.m. Please call 513-585-6200 or 800-277-0781.
Who Can Discuss a Bill
Confidentiality is important. Our Patient Account Representatives may only speak with the patient or the person designated in writing by the patient to receive the bill(s) on behalf of the patient. This is required by both federal and state law.
Have Your Statement on Hand
To help us answer your questions efficiently, have a copy of your statement, insurance card(s) and any additional information available. Please note call volumes are heaviest on Mondays.
Mailing Instructions
To ensure that we credit your account properly, tear off the bottom portion of your bill and mail it in the envelope provided. If paying by check, write your Guarantor number on your check.