This information has been prepared to help you better understand the billing process. During your hospital stay, please contact Financial Counselors at (714) 992-3000, extensions 3825 or 5110. If you have questions after you leave the hospital, please contact Patient Financial Services at (714) 870-3500, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Patients are responsible to pay for all known deductibles, co-insurance, co-pays and non-covered services prior to or at the time of service. We accept cash, check, traveler’s checks, money orders, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. In the event that you need assistance with your balance we offer various payment options, as well as the Patient Financial Assistance program.
Medicare: We will bill Medicare and your secondary insurance following receipt of Medicare’s payment. Once your secondary insurance has been billed, you will receive periodic statements advising you of any balance due.
HMO/PPO/POS (Managed Care): We will bill your insurance plan. You will not be billed while your claim is being processed with your health plan.
Medi-Cal/CalOptima: With verified eligibility and receipt of any monthly share of the cost, we will bill Medi-Cal/CalOptima for authorized services.
Group/Indemnity: Payment of any deductible, co-insurance, and non-covered services are expected at time of registration or when services are rendered. Any remaining amounts will be billed to you once your health plan processes your claim. You will receive statements and follow-up calls advising you of the balance due.
Cash: Patients with no insurance coverage will be expected to make payment at the time services are rendered.
Can I get an estimate of my bill?
After verification of coverage, our staff will make every effort to provide you with an estimate of what your out-of-pocket costs will be after your health plan pays all covered benefits for your care.
Who else might I receive a bill from?
You will be billed separately by each physician involved in your care. These physicians usually include your surgeon, anesthesiologist, radiologist (if X-rays are performed), pathologist (if pathology specimens are examined), Intensivist or Hospitalist, and any physician who may interpret an exam ordered by your doctor.
What is reflected on my bill?
Your bill reflects all of the services you received, aside from physician’s fees. Charges fall into two categories:
- Basic daily rate, including nursing care, your room, meals, housekeeping, telephone and television
- Special services, including items your physician orders for you, such as X-rays or laboratory tests.
Will my insurance cover these services?
Coverage varies. Please call your health plan, plan administrator, or the benefits department of your employer with any questions regarding coverage or prior authorization requirements for treatment.
What if I do not have insurance?
We are committed to providing high quality, compassionate healthcare to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay. Medically necessary care should not be delayed because you do not have health insurance or you’re unable to pay your hospital bill. If you do not have health insurance and are concerned that you may be unable to pay your hospital bill, it is important to let us know. You may qualify for the Patient Financial Assistance Program.
This program is limited to hospital charges and does not include physician, anesthesiologist or professional charges that are not billed by the hospital. For more information call a Financial Counselor at (714) 992-3000, extensions 3825 or 5110.
How soon after receiving services will I receive a bill?
You can expect a bill once we have received payment or denial of payment from your health plan. If you are paying your bill without filing with your health plan, you should receive a bill within 30 days.
Why do I have to give my insurance information every time I visit St. Jude Medical Center?
Individuals and/or employers frequently change health plans, so we ask for your insurance information every time you visit to ensure that our records are accurate and up-to-date. This also helps us protect you from potential identify theft so that we validate the person seeking services is the patient of record.
