Billing Questions
There's nothing more frustrating than trying to sort through a complicated medical bill. To ease your stress, Quillen ETSU Physicians has answers here to some common billing questions.
Billing FAQs
Q. Why doesn't my health insurance pay for everything?
A. It's important to understand the benefits of your health insurance plan. Most insurance plans have some out-of-pocket costs (such as co-pays and deductibles) due from patients.
Q. My out-of-pocket expense is sometimes higher than I expect it to be. Why?
A. Some health plans have changed the way they process benefits and designate a larger portion of the bill as the patient’s responsibility. It is recommended that you contact the benefits office for your health plan and ask the following questions:
#1 – What is my share if I receive care at this office?
#2 – What is my share for labs or x-rays in this office setting?
#3 – If the provider requests a referral to a specialist, what are the procedures? What is my portion for a referred visit?
Q. Does Quillen ETSU Physicians accept my insurance plan?
A. Although Quillen ETSU Physicians is contracted with most major health insurance plans, it’s best to check with your benefits office.
Q: How soon should I arrive before my appointment in order to take care of billing paperwork?
A: When making your appointment be sure to ask if you will need to arrive early to fill out any necessary paperwork. Typically, it is helpful to arrive 15 minutes ahead of your appointment time to do paperwork.
Q: What type of information should I bring with me seeing the doctor?
A: Gather your insurance information and any prescriptions that you are currently taking. You need to bring your insurance card with you to your appointment. The receptionist will make a copy of this card. This card has information that tells the doctor’s office staff who is responsible for paying the bill for your appointment. Some people have more than one type of insurance. For example, you might have private health insurance and Medicare. If you have more than one type of insurance, knowing which health insurance is your “primary insurance,” the insurance the doctor’s office bills first, is important. Be sure and bring all of your insurance cards with you to the appointment.
Q. If I do not have any insurance coverage and must pay the total bill myself, am I eligible for a discount?
A. Quillen ETSU Physicians does offer a self-pay discount if no third party coverage is available.
Q. If I am unable to pay my bill in one payment, can I make monthly payments?
A. Yes, Quillen ETSU Physicians will make payment arrangements with no monthly interest.
Q: I have been a patient several years with the same provider. Why am I asked for insurance cards each time I visit?
A: Your insurance is retained in our computer system from your previous visits. However, insurance coverage can change frequently depending on employer group renewals, personal coverage choices and particular reasons for the encounter such as workers compensation. Therefore, it is vital that we capture the correct insurance information for each visit so that we can obtain appropriate payment from your coverage plan.
Still Need More Information?
A representative in our billing department can answer additional questions about your bill. Contact us at 423-433-6000.
Q. Why doesn't my health insurance pay for everything?
A. It's important to understand the benefits of your health insurance plan. Most insurance plans have some out-of-pocket costs (such as co-pays and deductibles) due from patients.
Q. My out-of-pocket expense is sometimes higher than I expect it to be. Why?
A. Some health plans have changed the way they process benefits and designate a larger portion of the bill as the patient's responsibility. It is recommended that you contact the benefits office for your health plan and ask the following questions:
#1 – What is my share if I receive care at this office?
#2 – What is my share for labs or x-rays in this office setting?
#3 – If the provider requests a referral to a specialist, what are the procedures? What is my portion for a referred visit?
Q. Does Quillen ETSU Physicians accept my insurance plan?
A. Although Quillen ETSU Physicians is contracted with most major health insurance plans, it's best to check with your benefits office.
Q: How soon should I arrive before my appointment in order to take care of billing paperwork?
A: When making your appointment be sure to ask if you will need to arrive early to fill out any necessary paperwork. Typically, it is helpful to arrive 15 minutes ahead of your appointment time to do paperwork.
Q: What type of information should I bring with me seeing the doctor?
A: Gather your insurance information and any prescriptions that you are currently taking. You need to bring your insurance card with you to your appointment. The receptionist will make a copy of this card. This card has information that tells the doctor's office staff who is responsible for paying the bill for your appointment. Some people have more than one type of insurance. For example, you might have private health insurance and Medicare. If you have more than one type of insurance, knowing which health insurance is your “primary insurance,” the insurance the doctor's office bills first, is important. Be sure and bring all of your insurance cards with you to the appointment.
Q. If I do not have any insurance coverage and must pay the total bill myself, am I eligible for a discount?
A. Quillen ETSU Physicians does offer a self-pay discount if no third party coverage is available.
Q. If I am unable to pay my bill in one payment, can I make monthly payments?
A. Yes, Quillen ETSU Physicians will make payment arrangements with no monthly interest.
Q: I have been a patient several years with the same provider. Why am I asked for insurance cards each time I visit?
A: Your insurance is retained in our computer system from your previous visits. However, insurance coverage can change frequently depending on employer group renewals, personal coverage choices and particular reasons for the encounter such as workers compensation. Therefore, it is vital that we capture the correct insurance information for each visit so that we can obtain appropriate payment from your coverage plan.
Still Need More Information?
A representative in our billing department can answer additional questions about your bill. Contact us at 423-433-6000.