CHRISTUS Health Pricing Report - FAQs
- Questions about hospital pricing
- Questions regarding CHRISTUS Health’s discount for the uninsured
- Questions regarding other discounts offered by CHRISTUS Health
- Other financial questions
I recently had a procedure performed in one of your hospitals. A friend of mine had the same procedure done at a different hospital, and the amounts we are expected to pay are very different! Why is that?
No two patients or medical situations are identical. Actual charges on the final hospital bill may vary based on a variety of circumstances. The individual patient’s medical condition, age, types and frequency of medication, unknown circumstances or complications, final diagnosis, and recommended treatment ordered by the attending physician(s) all impact the actual amount of charges. Persons with insurance should also contact their health benefits administrator for the most accurate information regarding plan structure, deductibles, co-payments and any other factors that might affect personal liability for anticipated health care services.
Can I find out how much I will be paying for my bill before I enter the hospital?
You can call the hospital directly and ask for the admitting office. You can ask to have an estimate of charges prepared in advance. Estimates cover hospital charges only, and do not include professional fees for services such as those provided by a physician, surgeon, radiologist, pathologist, anesthesiologist, nurse practitioner or other independent practitioner. Even though physicians and other independent practitioners are members of each CHRISTUS facility’s medical staff, they are neither employees nor agents of the hospital. All professional fees are billed separately.Physicians or other practitioners who provide professional services may not participate in an individual patient’s health benefit plan. Patients should contact their plan administrator to determine the contract status of hospital-based providers such as pathologists, radiologists or anesthesiologists.
What is a hospital “charge”?
The amount a hospital bills a patient is known as a charge.
What is an uninsured patient?
An uninsured patient is a patient who has no type of insurance and is not covered by a health insurance policy or other health benefit plan. Government-sponsored programs such as Medicare and Medicaid are considered health benefit plans. Therefore, recipients of Medicare, Medicaid and other government-sponsored programs are not eligible for these discounts.
When did this revised discount for the uninsured take effect?
The discount took effect on Jan. 15, 2007.
Does this discount entitle patients who may have been quoted fees for health care services prior to Jan. 15, 2007 and who have already paid their bill in full to receive a refund if the new discount policy would have allowed them a greater discount?
No. The discount applies only to patients who receive care on or after Jan. 15, 2007.
I just received a monthly statement in the mail for a surgery I was required to undergo in the summer of 2005. Am I entitled to receive a retroactive discount on the portion of my bill I’ve already paid and my existing balance based on the new discount policy?
No. The new discount policy applies to services given on or after Jan. 15, 2007.
I understand the discount applies to uninsured patients for “medically necessary acute care services.” What exactly does that mean?
The discounts cover procedures or services designated by your physician as being necessary for your health and well-being. Elective procedures (those which are not necessary for your health and well-being, including cosmetic or experimental procedures or those that are part of a clinical research program) are not covered.
If a discount is applied, can I receive a bill or claim form to submit to my insurance carrier?
No, the discount is for patients without any type of insurance coverage. A bill or claim form will not be provided unless insurance information is provided. A patient may receive an itemized statement stamped with “Assignment of Benefits to Hospital” upon request.
How is the discount level determined?
The patient’s annual gross household income is the basis for determining the level of discount a patient qualifies for.
What must I provide to verify my income and prove I am entitled to a discount?
Patients will be asked to sign a statement of income and provide any back-up documentation they have, such as a paycheck stub, tax form, etc.
Do you offer any other discounts besides the discount to the uninsured?
Yes. We offer a Prompt Pay discount. Also, a patient whose income is up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level qualifies as charity care, and is entitled to have their entire bill waived.
Does CHRISTUS provide any type of catastrophic protection to low- income uninsured patients?
Yes. In addition to the discount for the uninsured, CHRISTUS offers a “medically indigent” policy to help those with unusually high hospital bills. The portion of the patient’s total medical bill that exceeds 25 percent of their yearly gross family income will be dismissed.
How and when does CHRISTUS determine whether a patient will be able to pay for services or receive a discount for such?
It is our intent to determine whether a patient will be able to pay for services at the time of registration; however, this may occur later (but before the patient is billed), if time is needed to gather documentation.
Is there someone at my local CHRISTUS facility who can help me understand this discount and other payment options that may be available to me?
Yes, all CHRISTUS facilities have financial counselors who are available to discuss the discount for the uninsured, other discounts and payment options. To speak with a CHRISTUS financial counselor, please contact your local CHRISTUS hospital.
