The physicians and staff at Surgical Specialists of Spokane believe in providing the highest quality medical care in a compassionate and caring manner to our patients. We know that unexpected medical expenses can be a financial hardship on you and your family. Please know that we are here to assist you.
The following information is to help you understand our billing and financial policies.
PATIENTS WITH NO INSURANCE COVERAGE
Payment in full is expected at the time of service.
PATIENTS WITH INSURANCE COVERAGE
Your health plan may make you responsible for co-pays, deductibles and non-covered services. Surgical Specialists of Spokane is contractually obligated to collect these amounts at the time services are provided. In the event surgery is needed, we will contact your insurance carrier and verify coverage, pre-admission requirements, deductible, co-pays and obtain insurance authorization. In certain circumstances, if your surgery is a non-covered benefit, you will be asked to pay the total charge prior to scheduling the procedure.
We will submit claims to your insurance carrier when provided with complete billing information. Please bring your insurance cards with you to your appointment.
If your insurance company requires a referral to a specialist, please contact your primary care physician and request this to be faxed to our office at (509) 252-2837. This needs to be completed prior to your appointment, or your appointment will be rescheduled. If you need assistance or have questions, please contact our billing department and we will be happy to assist.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
For your convenience, payments can be made by cash, check, money order, or credit card. We also have made available an option to pay your account online. Please do not send cash through the mail. Cash payment can be made at any of our offices. We accept the following credit cards; Visa, Master Card, American Express, and Discover.
Please have your credit card or check number ready.
If the bank returns your check, a $35.00 non-sufficient funds fee will be applied to your account.
We understand that sometimes there are circumstances that may warrant an extended payment plan. Please call our patient counselors in the billing department at (509) 252-2838 if you are requesting special consideration.
CONTRACTED INSURANCE PLANS
Surgical Specialists of Spokane, P.S. is contracted and are participating providers with the following insurance plans:
The above list of contracted insurances is updated periodically. If your insurance company is not on this list, please check with us. If you want more information about your benefits, please click on the associated link to your insurance company.
FAQ's
Q: What bills will I be responsible for?
A: In addition to Surgical Specialists of Spokane's fee you may receive separate billings from the hospital, anesthesiology, pathology and laboratory services.
Q: Do you accept Medicare Assignment?
A: Yes. However, the 20% of the Medicare allowable that Medicare does not pay will be billed either to the patient or their coinsurance.
Q: What is the difference between Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B?
A: The easiest way to understand Part A coverage is to think of it as hospital insurance that pays for the following types of care:
The easiest way to understand Part B coverage is to think of it as insurance that pays your doctor bills. Medicare Part B covers the following types of care:
Q: What do I need to bring with me?
A: You need to bring your insurance cards and co-pay amount.
Q: What if I am being seen for a work-related injury?
A: Please be ready to provide our office with the following:
Q: What if I am being seen as a result of an automobile accident?
A: If you are being seen as a result of an automobile accident, please be ready to provide our office with the following:
Q: What is a specialist?
A: A doctor that your primary care physician or general practitioner refers you to for further care.
Q: What happens if I find I cannot pay the bill or made arrangements and can’t pay?
A: We know that a person’s financial status can change due to unexpected circumstances. Please contact our billing department to discuss your financial hardship.
Q: What if the service is a non-covered benefit by my insurance company?
A: If we contact your insurance company and confirm that the service is not a contracted benefit, you will be asked to pay the total charge prior to your service or procedure.
Q: What if my account goes to collection?
A: We would prefer not to go this direction and our billing department is here to work with you in any fair, equitable way possible. If we have been unsuccessful in trying to work with you regarding payment of your account and have to refer the account to a collection agency, this office will no longer handle your account. All correspondence and contact is directly with the collection agency by you. If your account is turned to collection and you need further medical care by this office you will be expected to pay cash at the time of service. If you have no insurance you will be asked to pay the full amount at the time of service. If you have insurance you will be asked to pay the 20% coinsurance at the time of service. We will contact the collection agency prior to your visit to determine if you are making regular payments to them.