Frequently Asked Questions about "Provider-Based" or "Hospital Outpatient" billing
Receiving care at Baptist Hospital East's Provider-Based locations also known as Hospital Outpatient Departments will result in a hospital facility charge as well as a professional or physician charge for outpatient services and/or procedures. These charges will be reflected on the patient statement you receive for services provided.
Depending on a patient's specific insurance coverage, it is possible that some benefits may differ for these services and procedures.
Patients are advised to review their insurance benefits or contact their insurance provider to determine what their policy will cover and identify any out-of-pocket expenses.
Q: What does 'provider-based' or 'hospital outpatient' mean?
A: "Provider-based" or "hospital outpatient" refers to the billing process for services rendered in a hospital outpatient clinic or location. This is the national model of practice for large, integrated delivery systems where the hospital owns space and employs support personnel involved in patient care.
Q: How does this affect billing?
A: Under this model patients will received two (2) bills. One bill represents the facility charge and one bill represents the professional or physician fee charge. Previously, all services were provided by the physician office and charges were grouped together on your physician billing statement.
Q: Does this mean patients will pay more for services?
A: Depending on their particular insurance coverage, it is possible benefits may differ for certain outpatient services and procedures at provider-based/hospital outpatient locations. We recommend patients review their insurance benefits or contact their insurance provider to determine what their policy will pay and what out-of-pocket expenses they may incur based on the location of the services provided.
Q: What are Baptist Hospital East's provider-based or hospital outpatient locations?
A: The following Baptist Hospital East locations are all licensed as hospital based services:
* Baptist Hospital East Breast Care Center, Surgical Specialist Suite
* Baptist Hospital East CBC Group: Consulting in Blood Disorders & Cancer
* Baptist Hospital East Radiation Treatment Center
* Baptist Eastpoint Radiation Treatment Center
* Baptist Hospital East Genetic Counseling
Other locations will be included as Baptist Hospital East continues to expand services to meet patient needs.
Q: Does this affect patient co-pays or deductibles?
A: Depending on each patient's specific insurance benefits, deductible, co-insurance and copayments may be applied for provider-based services.
Q: What can patients do if they are having difficulty paying for healthcare services?
A: Baptist Hospital East offers discounting and charity policies to help qualifying patients. Detailed information is available by calling the Baptist Hospital East Financial Counseling Office at (502) 897-8243.
A: Baptist Medical Associates also has a financial hardship policy. Detailed information is available by calling Baptist Medical Associates at (502) 238-2801.