Marion Regional Healthcare System

Patient Billing Information & Financial Policy

Marion County Medical Center realizes that the cost of health care is a concern for our patients. We offer the following information to help you understand our financial policy and aid you in planning for payment. Any member of our financial staff will be glad to discuss payment arrangements with you or a family member.

To help you when making decisions, OUR REGISTRATION STAFF CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH AN ESTIMATE OF THE CHARGES ASSOCIATED WITH THE TREATMENT AND SERVICES YOU ARE EXPECTED TO RECEIVE. Please keep in mind this is only an estimate. Actual charges may vary, depending on the treatment your physician orders for you. You are encouraged to ask us any questions relating to the services you may receive.

HEALTH INSURANCE POLICIES (FULL OR PARTIAL COVERAGE)

AS A COURTESY, MARION COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER WILL FILE YOUR INSURANCE CLAIM FOR YOU. Therefore, at registration, you will be asked to present your health insurance card and sign a form assigning insurance benefits to the hospital. Please review your policy for pre-admission and managed care plan requirements. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT ALL PRE-APROVAL REQUIREMENTS ARE MET. If applicable, you will need to present the appropriate referral form from your primary care physician, or a claim form from your employer. IF YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN FAILS TO MAKE PAYMENT WITHIN THE 60 DAYS FROM THE BILLING DATE, YOU WILL BE ASKED TO MAKE OTHER ARRANGEMENTS.

MANAGED CARE

Marion County Medical Center has entered into contracts with various managed care organizations, including Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO), Point-Of-Service (POS) programs and Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO). There are two important facts you should know prior to receiving services at Marion County Medical Center:

• It is your responsibility to verify that Marion County Medical Center is a participating provider in your managed care plan.
• ANY ILLNESS/CONDITION DEFINED AS “NON-EMERGENCY” BY YOUR MANAGED CARE PLAN MAY REQUIRE YOU TO NOTIFY YOUR PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN IN ADVANCE OF RECEIVING HOSPITAL SERVICES.

To verify that Marion County Medical Center is part of your managed care plan, we recommend you contact your managed care plan for a complete listing of participating hospitals, anesthesiologists and physicians.

REGARDLESS OF YOUR MANAGED CARE PLAN, MARION COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER WILL PROVIDE THE NECESSARY TREATMENT YOU REQUIRE. Please refer to your plan’s Member Handbook for an explanation of what services may be responsibility.

TO SUMMARIZE, YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR A BILL IF:

• THE SERVICE IS NOT A COVERED BENEFIT
• THE SERVICE IS NOT DEEMED MEDICALLY NECESSARY BY YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY
• YOUR MANAGED CARE PLAN REQUIRES YOU TO PAY DEDUCTIBLES, CO-PAYMENTS AND/OR CO-INSURANCE.

MEDICARE OUTPATIENT PROCEDURES

Medicare does not cover all healthcare expenses. A telephone call to the Carrier that handles your Medicare claim is the best way to get answers to your questions about specific cases.

“Services Not Reasonable or Medically Necessary”
• You should ask your doctor if Medicare will pay for the procedure on a outpatient basis.
• Make sure MEDICAL NECESSITY is checked by the physician’s staff before going to the hospital.
• Marion County Medical Center will test for Medical Necessity as a backup. IF PART OR ALL OF YOUR PROCEDURE FAILS THE COMPLIANCE CHECKER FOR MEDICAL NECESSITY, YOU WILL BE ASKED TO SIGN AN ADVANCE BENEFICIARY NOTICE (ABN). You will be expected to pay for part or all of the procedure at the time of services.

BILL FROM PROVIDERS OTHER THAN MARION COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER

The following provider groups have contracted with Marion County Medical Center to provide additional professional services to patients. The provider name is listed first, followed by the name and telephone number of the company handling their billing. These providers will bill separately for their professional fees. These bills will be in ADDITION to your Marion County Medical Center bill, and will be mailed separately. THESE PROVIDERS ARE NOT EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS OF MARION COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER AND YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO USE THEIR SERVICES.

• Marion SC Emergency Physicians, LLC
    (ER Physician)
    (843) 431-2157

• Radiology Associates of Marion County
    (Radiologist Services)
    (800) 933-1895 (8am-5pm CST)

• Marion County EMS
    (843) 431-2454

• Marion Anesthesia
    (Anesthesiology Services)
    1-800-951-7850

• Perioperative Medicine Consultants
    Dr. Hamrick (Anesthesiologists)
    (843) 664-2844

• Pee Dee Pathologist & Associates
    (843) 664-4314

Although some of the physician groups listed above have contracts with Marion County Medical Center, they are not necessarily participating members of your specific managed care plan. To ensure payment, please verify that all physician groups that you may utilize are covered by your managed care plan.

YOUR MARION COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER BILL

The bill you will receive from Marion County Medical Center will include the fees for the actual treatments/service you received. It will be mailed in approximately three to four days after treatment for self-pay accounts. For all other accounts, it will be mailed immediately after receiving insurance payments. If you have questions regarding your bill, please call our Patient Financial Services department at 843-431-2440. This phone number will also appear on your bill.

PAYMENT

For patients who must personally pay all or part of their health care bills, we accept cash, check, MasterCard and VISA. You will be expected to pay any deductible, payment, and/or charges not covered by your insurance company.

Upon receipt of a billing statement showing your balance due, you are expected to make payment in full, or according to the terms below:

BALANCE DUE             TERMS
$100 or LESS                   Payment in Full within 30 days
$101- $500                       3 Months
$501-$1000                      6 Months
$1001- $5,000                12 Months
$5001- $10,000                24 Months
$10,001 or Greater         36 Months

Other payment plans or program options may be available upon completion of a financial statement analysis. Please contact our Patient Financial Services department for assistance or questions at 843-431-2440.

OUTSTANDING ACCOUNTS

The patient, or guarantor if the patient is a minor, is responsible for the bill and is expected to make payment arrangements if it is not paid by the insurance carrier within 60 days. All accounts which remain unpaid after 60 days will be placed in collections unless you have made payment arrangements.

THIRD-PARTY LIABILITY

For patients treated for injuries from an automobile or other accident caused by another party, Marion County Medical Center will, as courtesy, forward an itemized bill to your attorney (upon written request from your attorney), and will bill any liability insurance you request. However, each patient is responsible for making payment arrangements regarding these accounts. Marion County Medical Center will not be involved with liability disputes, except as required by Medicare and Medicaid. Please refer to OUTSTANDING ACCOUNTS above for further information.

MINOR CHILDREN OF SEPARATED/DIVORCED PARENTS

The parent who consents to the treatment of a minor child is responsible for payment of the services rendered. Marion County Medical Center will not be involved with separation/divorce disputes.

Please let us know if you have any questions regarding any part of our financial policy. You may call Patient Financial Services at 843-431-2440. Or write to us at:
PO Box 1150
Marion, SC 29571

Thank you for choosing Marion County Medical Center!



Home Healthy Resources Employment Events Media Contact
Policy & Procedure >> Billing Information >> Patients Bill of Rights >> Hospital Infections Disclosure Act >> Privacy Notice Patient Visitation Pre-Registration Food and Nutrition Services Universal Medication Form Location & Map		Patient Billing Information & Financial Policy Marion County Medical Center realizes that the cost of health care is a concern for our patients. We offer the following information to help you understand our financial policy and aid you in planning for payment. Any member of our financial staff will be glad to discuss payment arrangements with you or a family member. To help you when making decisions, OUR REGISTRATION STAFF CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH AN ESTIMATE OF THE CHARGES ASSOCIATED WITH THE TREATMENT AND SERVICES YOU ARE EXPECTED TO RECEIVE. Please keep in mind this is only an estimate. Actual charges may vary, depending on the treatment your physician orders for you. You are encouraged to ask us any questions relating to the services you may receive. HEALTH INSURANCE POLICIES (FULL OR PARTIAL COVERAGE) AS A COURTESY, MARION COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER WILL FILE YOUR INSURANCE CLAIM FOR YOU. Therefore, at registration, you will be asked to present your health insurance card and sign a form assigning insurance benefits to the hospital. Please review your policy for pre-admission and managed care plan requirements. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT ALL PRE-APROVAL REQUIREMENTS ARE MET. If applicable, you will need to present the appropriate referral form from your primary care physician, or a claim form from your employer. IF YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN FAILS TO MAKE PAYMENT WITHIN THE 60 DAYS FROM THE BILLING DATE, YOU WILL BE ASKED TO MAKE OTHER ARRANGEMENTS. MANAGED CARE Marion County Medical Center has entered into contracts with various managed care organizations, including Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO), Point-Of-Service (POS) programs and Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO). There are two important facts you should know prior to receiving services at Marion County Medical Center: • It is your responsibility to verify that Marion County Medical Center is a participating provider in your managed care plan. • ANY ILLNESS/CONDITION DEFINED AS “NON-EMERGENCY” BY YOUR MANAGED CARE PLAN MAY REQUIRE YOU TO NOTIFY YOUR PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN IN ADVANCE OF RECEIVING HOSPITAL SERVICES. To verify that Marion County Medical Center is part of your managed care plan, we recommend you contact your managed care plan for a complete listing of participating hospitals, anesthesiologists and physicians. REGARDLESS OF YOUR MANAGED CARE PLAN, MARION COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER WILL PROVIDE THE NECESSARY TREATMENT YOU REQUIRE. Please refer to your plan’s Member Handbook for an explanation of what services may be responsibility. TO SUMMARIZE, YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR A BILL IF: • THE SERVICE IS NOT A COVERED BENEFIT • THE SERVICE IS NOT DEEMED MEDICALLY NECESSARY BY YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY • YOUR MANAGED CARE PLAN REQUIRES YOU TO PAY DEDUCTIBLES, CO-PAYMENTS AND/OR CO-INSURANCE. MEDICARE OUTPATIENT PROCEDURES Medicare does not cover all healthcare expenses. A telephone call to the Carrier that handles your Medicare claim is the best way to get answers to your questions about specific cases. “Services Not Reasonable or Medically Necessary” • You should ask your doctor if Medicare will pay for the procedure on a outpatient basis. • Make sure MEDICAL NECESSITY is checked by the physician’s staff before going to the hospital. • Marion County Medical Center will test for Medical Necessity as a backup. IF PART OR ALL OF YOUR PROCEDURE FAILS THE COMPLIANCE CHECKER FOR MEDICAL NECESSITY, YOU WILL BE ASKED TO SIGN AN ADVANCE BENEFICIARY NOTICE (ABN). You will be expected to pay for part or all of the procedure at the time of services. BILL FROM PROVIDERS OTHER THAN MARION COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER The following provider groups have contracted with Marion County Medical Center to provide additional professional services to patients. The provider name is listed first, followed by the name and telephone number of the company handling their billing. These providers will bill separately for their professional fees. These bills will be in ADDITION to your Marion County Medical Center bill, and will be mailed separately. THESE PROVIDERS ARE NOT EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS OF MARION COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER AND YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO USE THEIR SERVICES. • Marion SC Emergency Physicians, LLC (ER Physician) (843) 431-2157 • Radiology Associates of Marion County (Radiologist Services) (800) 933-1895 (8am-5pm CST) • Marion County EMS (843) 431-2454 • Marion Anesthesia (Anesthesiology Services) 1-800-951-7850 • Perioperative Medicine Consultants Dr. Hamrick (Anesthesiologists) (843) 664-2844 • Pee Dee Pathologist & Associates (843) 664-4314 Although some of the physician groups listed above have contracts with Marion County Medical Center, they are not necessarily participating members of your specific managed care plan. To ensure payment, please verify that all physician groups that you may utilize are covered by your managed care plan. YOUR MARION COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER BILL The bill you will receive from Marion County Medical Center will include the fees for the actual treatments/service you received. It will be mailed in approximately three to four days after treatment for self-pay accounts. For all other accounts, it will be mailed immediately after receiving insurance payments. If you have questions regarding your bill, please call our Patient Financial Services department at 843-431-2440. This phone number will also appear on your bill. PAYMENT For patients who must personally pay all or part of their health care bills, we accept cash, check, MasterCard and VISA. You will be expected to pay any deductible, payment, and/or charges not covered by your insurance company. Upon receipt of a billing statement showing your balance due, you are expected to make payment in full, or according to the terms below: BALANCE DUE TERMS $100 or LESS Payment in Full within 30 days $101- $500 3 Months $501-$1000 6 Months $1001- $5,000 12 Months $5001- $10,000 24 Months $10,001 or Greater 36 Months Other payment plans or program options may be available upon completion of a financial statement analysis. Please contact our Patient Financial Services department for assistance or questions at 843-431-2440. OUTSTANDING ACCOUNTS The patient, or guarantor if the patient is a minor, is responsible for the bill and is expected to make payment arrangements if it is not paid by the insurance carrier within 60 days. All accounts which remain unpaid after 60 days will be placed in collections unless you have made payment arrangements. THIRD-PARTY LIABILITY For patients treated for injuries from an automobile or other accident caused by another party, Marion County Medical Center will, as courtesy, forward an itemized bill to your attorney (upon written request from your attorney), and will bill any liability insurance you request. However, each patient is responsible for making payment arrangements regarding these accounts. Marion County Medical Center will not be involved with liability disputes, except as required by Medicare and Medicaid. Please refer to OUTSTANDING ACCOUNTS above for further information. MINOR CHILDREN OF SEPARATED/DIVORCED PARENTS The parent who consents to the treatment of a minor child is responsible for payment of the services rendered. Marion County Medical Center will not be involved with separation/divorce disputes. Please let us know if you have any questions regarding any part of our financial policy. You may call Patient Financial Services at 843-431-2440. Or write to us at: PO Box 1150 Marion, SC 29571 Thank you for choosing Marion County Medical Center!
It is the false shame of fools to try to conceal wounds that have not healed. Horace