Registration

At the time of registration you will be asked to provide either your current insurance card or the information about your current insurance company.  Please furnish any specific forms or original documentation (claim forms, authorizations, referrals, etc.) required by your insurance company.  You will also be asked to sign an Assignment of Insurance Benefits form.  This form allows Mercy Clinics to file with your insurance carrier and have your carrier make payments directly to Mercy Clinics.  As a courtesy, we will file your insurance claim, but you are ultimately responsible for payment for the services provided.

Patient Co-payment/Deductible

Mercy Clinics requests the patient portion of charges to be paid at the time of service.  The amount you pay varies depending on your insurance coverage. Most policies require patients to pay a portion of the cost of services (co-payments).  When possible, we will inform you of the approximate amount you will owe, and arrange for payment.  Mercy Clinics accepts personal checks, cash, Master Card, Visa and Discover.

Payor-Specific Information

General Information: Mercy Clinics will bill your insurance carrier on your behalf for the services you receive.  Insurance companies do not pay for all medical services.  When a service is not covered by your insurance policy, you will be responsible for paying the bill.  Physicians dictate your diagnosis for each visit or procedure.  It is important to note that the billing office can not change this information in order to get the claim paid for you.  Most insurance companies routinely audit some of their claims.  If your claim is selected, you may experience a delay in your claim being paid.  Mercy works closely with your insurance in order to get your claim processed as quickly as possible, but we do not have control over the length of time the insurance company may take to process your claim.

Medicare: We will bill Medicare Part B or Medicare Advantage (Part B Replacement Plan) on your behalf for the services you receive.  You are responsible for any applicable deductibles, co-payments or other amounts that Medicare has deemed to be patient responsibility.

Medicaid: We require all Medicaid patients to present an eligibility card at the time of registration.  We will bill Medicaid on your behalf for the services you receive.  You are responsible for any co-payments or other non-covered balances and spend-down requirements associated with your individual coverage.

Commercial (Non-contracted) Insurance: We will bill your insurance carrier if you have provided us with all necessary policy information.  In the absence of necessary billing information, you will be billed directly for the balance due. In the event that your insurance carrier is not prompt in making payments, Mercy Clinics will need your assistance in contacting your carrier for payment.  Unfortunately, not all services are paid by the insurance company.  In cases where the service has not been paid, you will be responsible for the bill.

Workers Compensation: Your employer must approve workers compensation coverage PRIOR to your registration by contacting the individual clinic where services will be provided.  We will not become involved in disputes between you and your employer/workers compensation insurance carrier other than to supply factual information.

Third Party Liability: If you have been injured in some manner, whether through an automobile accident, fall, etc., Mercy Clinics will bill your health insurance.  Although another third party may have some legal responsibility for your injuries, this is a matter between you, your attorney (provided an attorney is involved in the case), and the party responsible for the injury.  Important Note:  If you have Medicare, Medicaid or Tricare coverage, healthcare laws require that we bill the liability carrier first, then Medicare, Medicaid or Tricare.

Billing Statements

Services provided at Mercy Clinics will be billed on a single statement for all members of your family for which the guarantor is responsible for payment.  Any balance pending with your insurance carrier will not be represented on the billing statement.  You will receive a statement should there be a patient responsible balance remaining once your insurance company has processed the claim.  Statements are mailed every 30 days.  If you are unable to pay the balance in full, please call the customer service number to discuss options for payment arrangements.  If payments are not received, your account may be forwarded to a collection agency.

In some cases, you may receive multiple statements for a single date of service.  Examples of this include anesthesiology, radiology, pathology, emergency room and Mercy Clinical Lab.

Payment Arrangements/Financial Assistance

The Mercy Patient Billing Office has trained patient account representatives available to discuss your individual needs. If you do not have insurance or are experiencing difficulty in paying your portion of the bill, these representatives can assist you in making payment arrangements, reviewing Mercy’s financial assistance program, or in some cases, referral for public assistance or referral to another facility.  Please call the customer service line at 643-8200, option 1 for assistance. 

Family and friends play a vital role in the healing process for our patients. At Mercy, we strive to provide a supportive and welcoming environment for each patient and their friends and family.