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Why did I receive two separate bills for my visit?
You may receive two bills for the same hospital visit. However these bills are for different services-you are not being charged twice. One bill is from the hospital, and it covers charges for emergency and nursing services, equipment, medication and supplies. The second bill is from the physician group, and it covers the professional charges for the emergency physician's services.
Were the doctors employees of the hospital?
Your hospital has chosen to contract with EPS to provide administrative and staffing services. This decision exemplifies your hospital's commitment to the provision of excellent healthcare.
Why can emergency rooms sometimes have long wait times?
There are a few things that cause lengthy waiting times in emergency rooms. Many people who come to the emergency department are very sick and must be admitted to the hospital. If no hospital beds are available, the patient must wait in the emergency department until a bed opens up. This can cause other patients to wait even longer to be seen. Other people go to the emergency department for minor medical conditions that could be treated by a primary care physician or an urgent care center.
What should I do if I think I have a medical emergency?
The American College of Emergency Physicians guidelines state that you should call 911 if you answer 'yes' to at least one of the following questions:
Is the situation life-threatening?
Could the situation worsen and become life-threatening during a drive to the emergency department?
Do you need special equipment or skills to move the person?
Could traffic or distance cause a delay in getting to the emergency department?
If a medical condition arises suddenly and you believe that if you do not receive immediate medical treatment, your life or health could be in jeopardy, you should go to the emergency department. Some examples include:
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Signs of a heart attack
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Signs of a stroke
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Severe shortness of breath
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Bleeding that will not stop after 10 minutes of direct pressure
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Poisoning
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Complicated fractures
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Major injuries like a head injury
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Coughing up or vomiting blood
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Homicidal or suicidal feelings
How will I know if my insurance company has paid my bill?
You should receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your insurance carrier outlining how your claim was handled, including amount of payment, patient responsibility and/or denials. If there is a balance due from you, we will mail you a statement.
Will you bill my insurance company for me?
Yes, we will bill your insurance company for you; however, you are responsible for paying any deductible, co-payment, or coinsurance amounts as specified under the schedule of benefits of your insurance coverage.
What costs will my insurance company cover?
Coverage varies with each insurance company. Please contact your insurance company to obtain coverage information specific to your policy.
