All patients should familiarize themselves with the terms of their insurance coverage. This will help you understand the hospital's billing proce­dures and charges. If there is a question about your in­surance coverage, a member of the Patient AccountingDepartment is available to speak with you by calling ext. 6878. The patient accounting department is open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. , Monday through Friday.

If You Have Health Insurance

We will need a copy of your identification 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 healthcare plan and their services may not be covered.

If You Are Covered by Medicare/Medicaid

We will need a copy of your Medicare card to verify eligibility and process your Medicare claim. You should be aware 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. Deductibles and co-payments also are your responsibility.

We will need a current copy of your Medicaid card. Medicaid also has payment limitations on a num­ber of services and items.

If You Have No Insurance

A representative from the patient accounts department will discuss financial arrangements with you. In ad­dition, a representative who is a representative from social services is available to assist you in applying for Medicaid or other government assistance programs. If you have further questions, please call ext. 4433.

Your Hospital Bill

Health insurance is a contract between you and your insurance company. Delnor is not part of that contract, however, the hospital will file claims directly with your insurance company on your behalf. Please understand that the ultimate financial responsibility for payment-in-full lies with you, not the insurance company. We have several payment options available to assist you in paying your bill.

Your bill reflects all of the services you receive during your stay. 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 include items your physician orders for you, such as X-rays or labo­ratory tests.

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 physicians, such as diagnosing and interpreting test results while you were a patient. Pa­thologists, radiologists, cardiologists, anesthesiologists and other specialists perform these services and are required to submit separate bills.

It is important that you are aware of your financial responsibilities:

Health insurance companies may not pay for the entire cost of services received at the hospital.

Delnor makes reasonable, good faith efforts to bill your primary and secondary insurance, follow-up if payment is not received, and, at times file appeals of denial on your behalf. Ultimately, any unpaid balances become your financial responsibility.

Delnor sets competitive fees for its services. Some­times insurance companies classify health-care provider fees as beyond what is considered 'usual and customary.' In these instances, the responsi­bility for payment of the differences lies with the patient.

If you have questions about these your bill/charges, please call patient accounts at ext. 6878. They are available to assist you from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.