Pre-Certification Information
It is the patient’s responsibility to call the insurance company for pre-certification or be sure their doctor’s office has made arrangements with the insurance company. If you fail to make pre-certification arrangements with your insurance company, you may be responsible for the entire bill. Medicare does not require pre-certification, but secondary or co-insurance may require pre-certification. This hospital bill for service rendered is your responsibility, regardless of whether or not you have insurance. We will try our best to offer any assistance in working with your insurance company, but your cooperation is needed. Your insurance company will be billed as a courtesy, based on the information you provided to us at the time of admission.
Financial Assistance
You may be eligible for financial assistance under the terms and conditions that the hospital offers to qualified patients. Patients seeking financial assistance must fill out the Financial Assistance Application (click here for the application) and return within 30 days to the hospital with the required documentation attached. A decision will be made based on the submitted information within 30 days of receipt. Decisions will be based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines. For more information about assistance please contact our financial counselor at 618-327-2220.
Understanding Your Hospital Bill
The following payments are required from you at the times services are provided:
- Insurance deductibles
- Co-payments
- Payment for services not covered by insurance
The bill you receive from Washington County Hospital reflects services received during your visit, which may included:
- Room
- Meals
- Therapies
- Pharmacy
- X-rays
- Laboratory Tests
- RHC physician services
- Surgery
- Supplies
- Emergency Room
Other Professional Fees
If you have certain tests or treatments in the hospital, you may receive bills from physicians you did not see in person. These bills are for professional services rendered by these doctors in diagnosing and interpreting test results while you were a patient. These services have been ordered by your attending physician. Pathologists, radiologists, pulmonologists and other specialists perform these services and are required to submit separate bills. Some of these providers may not participate in the same insurance plans as the hospital. If you have questions about these bills, please call the number printed on the statement you receive from them.
Insurance
If you have insurance coverage, we will bill your insurance carrier soon after healthcare services have been provided. However, if you do not have insurance coverage, you will receive the bill directly. The bill will clearly state the services provided and when your payment is due. For specific billing questions about your bill with Washington County Hospital, please call 618-327-2213 or 618-327-8236.