We continually strive to contain costs, while maintaining our commitment to excellence in medical care, by ensuring that every appropriate effort is made to collect money owed to the hospital for services provided.

Patients are responsible for the charges for services received. However, to assist patients in meeting their financial obligations, the hospital will bill their health insurance carrier(s) for them, as long as a valid ID card and/or information regarding insurance coverage is presented at the time of registration.

The hospital accepts assignments of benefits and maintains an active follow-up program with all insurance carriers. Insurance is billed as a courtesy to the patient and the patient remains responsible for contacting their insurance carrier to ensure prompt payment of their accounts. Patients should contact their insurance if payment has not been made within 45 days. Accounts with delinquent balances or without adequate payment arrangements may be forwarded to a collection agency or attorney.

At the patient's request, a detailed bill may be provided. The hospital will send periodic statements to the patients or responsible party in an effort to keep them informed as to the status of all open accounts.

Please contact our Customer Service Department at 470-732-6710 for more details.

Blue Cross Policies

We bill all Blue Cross plans for inpatient and outpatient services. Blue Cross plans generally have deductibles and/or coinsurances and many services require an authorization or pre-certification for your services to be covered and paid by Blue Cross.

The deductible is an annual expense which you must pay before your insurance benefits can begin.

Coinsurance is the portion of the total bill which is the patient and guarantor's responsibility to pay.

Authorization or pre-certification is notification, often times requiring clinical information from the doctor or hospital, to Blue Cross that you are being provided inpatient or outpatient care. As the Blue Cross policy holder you are responsible to make sure that all required authorizations or pre-certifications are obtained prior to service being performed. If you or your doctor fail to obtain the required authorization you could be held responsible for the charges incurred.

Commercial Insurance Policies

WellStar bills most commercial carriers for inpatient and outpatient services.

Complete billing information as required to bill your carrier or employer must be provided at the time of service, registration or admission. Any portions of your bill that are non-covered or otherwise assigned to your responsibility by your carrier will be billed to you. If we determine that your carrier unnecessarily delays paying your claim we may hold you responsible and bill you for the full charges incurred on your account.

Your Health Insurance

Our home health agency accepts most managed care plans, commercial plans and governmental plans. It is your responsibility as the policy holder to know the requirements of your plan including coverage limits, authorization, notification, pre-certification and out of network rules. Proof of coverage is required at time of service and you may be held responsible for all non-covered or unpaid portions of your bill.

We do not accept and Discount Repricing Agencies who are not associated with an insurance company.

Medicare Policies

We bill Medicare for inpatient and outpatient services. Supplemental insurance will also be billed, at the patient's request, if information is provided at the time of service. Patients are responsible for any charges not covered by Medicare and/or supplemental insurance.

Medicare Deductible and Coinsurance Amounts for 2013:

Part A Inpatient Deductible: (pays for inpatient hospital, skilled nursing facility, and some home health care)

For each benefit period Medicare pays all covered costs except the Medicare Part A deductible (2013 = $1,184) during the first 60 days and coinsurance amounts for hospital stays that last beyond 60 days and no more than 150 days. For each benefit period you pay:

• Days 1 - 60 $1,184.00
• Days 61 - 90 $296.00 per day
• Days 91 - 150 $592.00 per day (Lifetime Reserve Days)
• All costs for each day beyond 150 days

Note: You have 60 Lifetime Reserve Days available at day 91

Part B Outpatient Deductible: (covers Medicare eligible physician services, outpatient hospital services, certain home health services, durable medical equipment)

• $147.00 per year. (Note: You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for services after you meet the $147.00 deductible.)

Skilled Nursing Facility Co-insurance

• Days 1 - 20 Medicare Covers
• Days 21 - 100 $148.00 per day

In addition to your deductible, you may be liable for co-insurance.

Payment Options

Unpaid balances, including all applicable co-payments, co-insurance, deductibles and any non-covered services are the responsibility of the patient and must be paid within 30 days of receipt of the statement. Payments may be made via

• Cash, check, or money order
• Visa
• Discover
• American Express
• Mastercard
• WellStar Credit Card

If you are not able to pay your account balance in full and require a payment plan, uncompensated care application or charity considerations please contact our Customer Service Department at 470-732-6710 or by email to Online.Account@Wellstar.org for support with the financial plan that can best benefit your needs

Refunds may be requested by calling the phone number listed on your statement or you may submit your request in writing to the address listed on your statement