Patient Financial Services

Patient Financial Services at Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center is committed to providing excellent service to our patients and their families in the communities we serve. Above all else we value:

Dignity: Respecting the inherent value and worth of each person.

Collaboration: Working together with people who support common values and vision to achieve shared goals.

Justice: Advocating for social change and acting in ways that promote respect for all persons and demonstrate compassion for our sisters and brothers who are powerless.

Stewardship: Cultivating the resources entrusted to us to promote healing and wholeness.

Excellence: Exceeding expectations through teamwork and innovation.

PHYSICIAN BILLING

When you have certain tests or treatments at Saint Mary's, you may receive bills from physicians that you did not see in person. These bills are for professional services rendered by these doctors in diagnosing or interpreting your test results. Pathologists, radiologists, cardiologists, anesthesiologists and other specialists performing these services are required to submit separate bills to you.

HOSPITAL BILLING

During your admission process, you were asked many questions. This was necessary in order for us to handle your account confidentially, efficiently and as accurately as possible.

If You Have Health Insurance

Saint Mary's will need a copy of your insurance identification card if you have not already provided it to us. We may also need insurance forms, if required by your insurance plan, in order to properly bill for your services. We will only bill those insurance companies that have confirmed your coverage. Please check with your plan to see if Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center is a participating provider.

Some major insurance companies, such as Blue Cross and Blue Shield, have exclusive agreements with other hospitals in the Reno/Sparks area. These contracts prohibit Saint Mary's from participating as a health care provider to insured members of the community.

Please check your coverage before seeking services at the hospital, as out-of-network claims may leave you with a larger than expected out-of-pocket expense or penalty. Saint Mary's welcomes United Healthcare and Aetna members, and will be participating with Cigna Healthcare as of August 1, 2008.

The hospital is responsible for submitting your hospital bill to your insurance company, and we will do everything possible to expedite your claim. Please remember that your policy is a contract between you and your insurance company, and you have the final responsibility for payment of your hospital bill.

Final payment or assignment of insurance benefits is requested at the time of your discharge. We have several payment options available to assist you. For information about those options, please contact Saint Mary's Patient Financial Services at (775) 770-3072, or discuss options with a financial counselor at (775) 770-6992.

If You Are a Member of an HMO or PPO

Your plan may have special requirements such as pre-certification for admission. It is your responsibility to make sure the requirements of the plan have been met. If your plan's requirements have not been satisfied, you may be financially responsible for all or a portion of the services rendered to you.

The hospital is responsible for submitting your hospital bill to your HMO or PPO, and we will do everything possible to expedite your claim. Please remember that your policy is a contract between you and your insurance company, and you have the final responsibility for payment of your hospital bill.

If You Are Covered By Medicaid

Saint Mary's will need a copy of your current Medicaid card. Medicaid patients have pre-certification requirements and are subject to review by Medicaid's review organization, First Health. Medicaid does not pay for the cost of a private room.

If You Are Covered by Medicare

Saint Mary's will need a copy of your Medicare card to verify eligibility and process your Medicare claim. As required by federal guidelines, each Medicare admission is subject to review for medical necessity to ensure appropriateness of treatment and services. You should be aware that the Medicare program specifically excludes payment for certain items and services, such as private rooms, cosmetic surgery, some oral surgical procedures, personal comfort items, hearing evaluations, self-administered medications, screening tests, among others. Deductibles and co-payments may also be your responsibility if you do not have supplemental insurance coverage.

Payment Assistance for Uninsured and Underinsured Patients

Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center provides payment assistance for your health care services, through the following programs:

A 30% discount is applied to accounts for all uninsured patients in accordance with Nevada statues.

If your income is 200% or less of the federal poverty level for your family size, you may qualify for a 100% discount of your balance or balance after insurance, based on your income level. In most cases, a completed application is required so that Saint Mary's can determine your financial status.

If your income is 201% or greater of the federal poverty level for your family size, you may qualify for a discount or reduced payment by contacting a financial counselor at (775) 770-6992. In most cases, a completed application is required so that Saint Mary's can determine your financial status.

All Saint Mary's patients may receive a 40% discount if payment in full is received prior to service or at time of discharge. A 30% discount is available if payment or payment arrangements are made within 30 days of discharge.

Saint Mary's offers package pricing for labor and delivery patients who pay in advance. For price quotes and estimates, please call (775) 770-6559.

Telephone Assistance

If you have questions about payment programs or about your bill, please contact Saint Mary's Patient Financial Services at (775) 770-3072, or visit our office in the hospital, located near the Sixth Street entrance at 235 West Sixth Street, Reno, NV.

Outside of the Reno/Sparks area, dial toll-free (800) 585-8493. For your convenience, automated payment features are offered through our telephone number. Our customer service representatives can assist both English- and Spanish-speaking patients when you select the language prompt which best suits your needs. Printed statements from the hospital contain a "WID" number, which provides for secure access to your account. Once you supply the required identifiers, using the telephone prompts, access to your account is made available through our patient-friendly automated system. Options to speak directly with a representative are available by pressing "0."

Founded 100 years ago and sponsored by the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael, Saint Mary's is built on a tradition of caring and is the only faith-based healthcare organization in the Northern Nevada, known for our high quality health care and compassion. Please contact us with your concerns; we are here to assist you.

Office of the Governor, Consumer Health Assistance, Bureau for Hospital Patients

The Office of the Governor, Consumer Health Assistance, Bureau for Hospital Patients (GOVCHA) is the state health advocacy agency that is charged with ensuring that Nevada's hospitals inform all uninsured inpatients about the 30% hospital bill discount mandated under NRS 439B.260. It can also help to resolve disputes between patients and hospitals. GOVCHA's toll-free contact number is (888) 333-1597, or e-mail cha@govcha.state.nv.us.