Thanks for choosing Baptist Health Care! Often our patients have questions
concerning their hospital bills. This information is designed to help
answer some of those questions. Of course, if you still have questions
please call one of our customer service representatives at (850) 469-2000.
Our business office customer service lines are open Monday through
Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Billing Process
Usually you will receive your hospital bill within two weeks after discharge
or date of outpatient service. Your bill will contain a summarized list of
the supplies, drugs, tests and procedures provided to you by Baptist Health
Care. You should keep this copy for your records.
Insurance plans and payments vary widely and can be affected by many issues.
For example, many plans place specific requirements on patients, if these requirements
are not met, your insurance will not pay for your care. Should you have any
questions regarding your insurance coverage or requirements, please contact
your insurance company.
Baptist Health Care will file your insurance claims - including Medicare and
Medicaid based on the information you provide to us. The business office expects
payment from most insurance companies within 45 days of filing and will monitor
the status of your claim during that time. If you have supplemental insurance,
it will be billed after payment has been received from your primary insurance
company. For supplemental claims to be filed, the business office will need
a complete copy of any form(s) your insurance company may require. Should Baptist
Health Care have difficulty collecting from your insurance company, we may
ask you to call them or write a letter.
Once all insurance payments have been received or if your insurance company
does not respond with payment, you will become responsible for paying the balance
due.
If you do not have insurance, the hospital requires a preadmission deposit
and payment of your account as outlined below.
Payment Options
Payment for elective procedures must be made prior to or on the day of service.
For all non-elective procedures and services, the following payment options
have been made available to our patients.
1.) Insurance. Co-payments and deductibles should be paid at the time
of service. Using the information from your insurance card, Baptist Health Care
will bill
all insurance claims on your behalf. Please call customer service if you have
not supplied us with your current insurance information.
2.) Payment in full within 30 days. Cash, check, debit cards and all major
credit cards accepted.
3.) Interest-free payment options. You may be eligible to take advantage of
a an interest-free payment option. One-half of the estimated balance is due
at the time of service with the remainder due in six equal interest-free monthly
payments. Please call (850) 469-2000.
4.) Government assistance. If you meet financial and medical criteria, you
may be eligible for government aid. Baptist Health Care’s CSR Medical
Benefits Consultants, (850) 469-2084, can determine if this option is appropriate
for you. They will also help with the application process.
5.) Baptist Health Care financial assistance. If you meet specific Income guidelines
and require urgent or emergency care, you may qualify for assistance from the
hospital. Call customer service at (850) 469-2000 for further information.
Physician Billing Information
Your physician, as well as other health care professionals, will bill you
separately for services that are not included as part of your hospital bill.
Although these charges may be covered by insurance, they are your responsibility,
and you will need to make separate arrangements for payment. In addition to
your primary physician’s bill, you may be billed for:
- Consulting physician(s)
- Anesthesiologist
- Interpretation of diagnostic tests (such as EKGs or EEGs)
- Radiologist
- Pathologist
- Psychologist
- Emergency room physician
- Emergency medical services (ambulance)
Emergency Trauma Center Charges
The Baptist Hospital Emergency /Trauma Center is staffed 24 hours a day. Our
team is highly trained in life-saving procedures. This level of service is
figured into the care of every emergency/trauma center patient and will be
reflected in the total bill – even for patients being treated for problems
like a sprained ankle, flu symptoms or a sore throat.
Customer Service
If you have questions about your hospital bill, please call our customer service
department. Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday
from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Call (850) 469-2000. Your calls are welcome.
We will be able to help with your questions more quickly and accurately if
you have your account number and bill available when you call.
