Registration FAQs
- What is Registration?
- Do I have to stop at Registration every time I visit the hospital?
- Why is Registration necessary?
- How does Registration work?
- Will I need to come early?
- What information will I need to bring?
- Do I have to make a payment before I receive services?
- What if my visit is work or accident related? Do I still need to stop at Registration?
- What if I do not see a doctor but have lab tests or x-rays done instead, do I still need to stop at Registration?
- Will I have to sign anything?
- Will I receive anything at Registration?
- I was just here last week and none of my information changed. Do I still need to register?
Billing FAQs
- When will I receive a bill?
- Why have I received a bill?
- Who can I talk to with questions about my bill?
- What if I receive another bill with increased charges?
- Will you bill my insurance company for me?
- Why do I get a bill when Worker's Compensation or Motor Vehicle Insurance should pay for the services provided?
- Will the hospital file my Worker's Compensation claims for me?
- Why does my bill show that I was admitted if I never was admitted? (Hospital bills only)
- Why is everything so expensive?
- Why did I receive more than one bill?
- It has been several weeks since my hospital visit, why haven't I received a bill?
- I received a statement, but all it shows are totals. Can I have an itemized bill?
- How do I know that the amount you are billing me is the correct amount?
- My hospital statement had an adjustment amount. What was that for?
- I went to the emergency room with a stomachache. The girl at the desk refused to tell my how much this would cost me until I saw the doctor. She wouldn't even say if my insurance would cover the bill. Why couldn't I find this out before seeing the doctor and incurring a bill?
Insurance FAQs
- Should I bring my insurance card with me to the hospital?
- Will the Hospital file my insurance claim for my current visit?
- I gave my insurance information to my doctor, why don't you have it?
- I'm covered under my insurance and my wife's. The deductible is less under my wife's insurance. Can you just bill her insurance and not mine?
- Even though I gave my medical insurance, I was later asked for my automobile insurance because my injury was due to an automobile accident. My medical insurance will cover the bill, why is any other insurance needed?
- How do I follow-up with my insurance company?
- Do I need to let my insurance company know that I'm going to be in the hospital? And what will they cover?
- How do I know if my insurance company will cover my visit or certain services?
- Why didn't my insurance cover some services?
- How do I know if my insurance company will cover services provided by all professionals (i.e. anesthesiologists, radiologists, and pathologists) involved with my treatment?
- How will I know if my insurance company has paid my bill?
- What do I do if I disagree with how much my insurance company has paid on my bill?
Payment FAQs
- When do I become responsible for my bill?
- How will I know what portion of the bill I should pay?
- How can I pay my portion of my bill?
- What is a deductible or co-payment?
- Do I have to pay my co-payment at the time of service?
- What will I owe after insurance has paid?
Medicare FAQs
- What is a Medicare Explanation of Benefits form?
- What is the difference between Part A and Part B Explanation of Benefits forms?
- What should I do with the Explanation of Benefits form?
- Why didn't Medicare cover my visit?
- Why do I have to give you information about other insurance if I have Medicare coverage?
- Do I have to sign any forms before the Hospital can bill Medicare?
- I have health insurance in addition to Medicare coverage. Will you bill that insurance company also?
- Should I pay the balance that is listed as "your total responsibility" on the Explanation of Benefits form?
- Will I have to pay any money for my hospital visits?
Registration FAQs
Q. What is Registration?
A. Registration is a process where you check in with us at specific registration desks each time you visit a specific service area within the hospital. This ensures that your demographic and insurance information for each appointment is complete and accurate.
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Q. Do I have to stop at Registration every time I visit the hospital?
A. Yes. This way, we are able to verify both your demographic and insurance information with each visit. Also, since different doctors may have provided different patients routing information, Registration staff will provide you with directions to all of your scheduled appointments.
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Q. Why is Registration necessary?
A. Registration will benefit everyone - patients, providers and insurance companies. It will update your information in our records and assist you in filing accurate information for your insurance company. Current information on your medical records allows your physician to contact you more easily, if necessary.
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Q. How does Registration work?
A. Our information desk will advise and direct you to the appropriate registration area.
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Q. Will I need to come early?
A. Yes. Please come approximately 15-30 minutes before your scheduled out-patient appointment. Specific departments will advise you for other arrival times.
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Q. What information will I need to bring?
A. Please bring your current insurance card(s) and insurance address to your appointment. If your visit is related to an accident, worker's compensation, employment examination or other special purpose, be sure to bring copies of any pertinent forms your physician needs to complete. Please inform your registrator whether your spouse works so that we can determine which insurance should be primary.
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Q. Do I have to make a payment before I receive services?
A. You will be asked to make a payment based on your insurance company's co-pay, deductible, and/or co-insurance. If you have no insurance you will be expected to make an advanced deposit for a non-emergency/elective visit.
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Q. What if my visit is work or accident related? Do I still need to stop at Registration?
A. Yes. Informing Registration that your visit is work or accident related will ensure that your claim is processed in a correct and timely manner.
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Q. What if I do not see a doctor but have lab tests or x-rays done instead, do I still need to stop at Registration?
A. Yes. Please stop at Registration to ensure your information is kept up-to-date. Registration staff will direct you to your appointment area.
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Q. Will I have to sign anything?
A. Yes. You will be asked to sign a form that allows us to release information to your insurance company and another form which acknowledges your receipt of the Notice of Patient Privacy (NPP).
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Q. Will I receive anything at Registration?
A. Yes. You will receive the Notice of Patient Privacy statement, as mentioned above, and other forms that may be applicable to your visit.
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Q. I was just here last week and none of my information changed. Do I still need to register?
A. Yes. Registering for each visit will help us ensure we have correct, current information in your medical record. It usually takes less than a minute to check in and we may have information for you (routing instructions, for example). This will help speed up your visit and get you to your appointment promptly.
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Billing FAQs
Q. When will I receive a bill?
A. Bills for services rendered are sent only after all third parties (e.g. insurance companies) have been billed. If you have insurance and are receiving bills or statements from us, please check to see if your insurance company has paid their portion of your bill. If they have, the balance is likely your co-insurance or deductible.
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Q. Why have I received a bill?
A. The Hospital sends a bill to you to help you know as much as possible about the status of your bill and the status of payments. Please review your statement to ensure that charges submitted to insurance and payments received are accurate. The Hospital will continue to send you a statement until your account balance reaches zero.
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Q. Who can I talk to with questions about my bill?
A. Patient Accounts Service Representatives are available to help you via email and over the phone with any questions or concerns you may have about your bill. Please select the "Contact Us" button included in this website and we will respond to your inquiry as soon as possible. Otherwise, representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Call (908) 788-6194.
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Q. What if I receive another bill with increased charges?
A. Occasionally we receive additional charges from ancillary departments after the initial bill has been sent. This most commonly occurs with surgical visits.
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Q. Will you bill my insurance company for me?
A. Yes, as a courtesy we will bill your insurance company, or companies. It is your responsibility to provide any requested information to your insurance company (accident information, claim forms, other health insurance information, or pre-existing condition information). Insurance claims are generally paid four to six weeks after we have filed your claim.
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Q. Why do I get a bill when Worker's Compensation or Motor Vehicle Insurance should pay for the services provided?
A. To ensure your charges get filed to the appropriate payor, please be sure to provide the worker's compensation or car insurance claim number when you register. You must complete your workers' compensation or auto insurance company's required paperwork in order for your claim to be processed. If all required information is not received by us, we will be unable to file the claim and you will be responsible for payment of the bill.
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Q. Will the hospital file my Worker's Compensation claims for me?
A. Yes, as a courtesy we will bill worker's compensation insurance if you as the patient provide the correct information.
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Q. Why does my bill show that I was admitted if I never was admitted? (Hospital bills only)
A. Your bill will show admission and discharge dates even if you have only been in for a procedure on one given date. The admit date shows the date you came in for services. The discharge date shows the date the department closed your account. Accounts must be closed before a bill can be sent. Please contact our office for a detailed bill by service date.
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Q. Why is everything so expensive?
A. Hunterdon Medical Center strives to provide our patients with the very best medical care utilizing the latest technology. Our fee schedules reflect the cost of delivering the level of healthcare that our patients desire and deserve. Our prices are driven by the increasing costs associated with delivering high quality healthcare.
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Q. Why did I receive more than one bill?
A. If you have received more than one bill, please review them carefully and you will likely find only one is from us. You most likely have received a bill from the physician(s) that saw you at the hospital. Physicians send bills for their services separately from the hospital. If you have questions about your bills, please click the "Contact Us" link on this site and type your questions in the space provided. Please indicate whether you'd like us to respond via email or phone.
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Q. It has been several weeks since my hospital visit, why haven't I received a bill?
A. We will always bill the medical insurance on file first. Once the insurance has paid their portion, any remaining amount will be billed to you. Depending on how quickly the insurance carrier processes the claim, it may take three to 12 weeks for you to receive a bill.
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Q. I received a statement, but all it shows are totals. Can I have an itemized bill?
A. Itemized bills are available upon request. However, the portion you owe is seldom based on the total charges for the account, so the itemized bill may be of little use to you. Most insurance carriers negotiate a reduction from the total charges. The patient's portion is then based on this contracted amount.
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Q. How do I know that the amount you are billing me is the correct amount?
A. Once your insurance carrier pays their portion of the bill, they will send you an explanation of benefits (EOB) to show how the claim was paid. You can compare your EOB to the statement sent by the hospital. How the carrier paid the claim is based on their contract with us and their contract with you. If you feel the insurance company should have paid a higher amount, please contact them directly for resolution.
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Q. My hospital statement had an adjustment amount. What was that for?
A. Insurance carriers negotiate discounts off of the hospital charges. The amount of the discount is specific to each carrier. When the carrier pays their portion, the contractual allowance is deducted to reflect the true amount due from the patient.
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Q. I went to the emergency room with a stomachache. The girl at the desk refused to tell my how much this would cost me until I saw the doctor. She wouldn't even say if my insurance would cover the bill. Why couldn't I find this out before seeing the doctor and incurring a bill?
A. When someone comes to the Emergency Room, it is implied that they have a medical emergency. Very specific regulations require that we first determine the extent of the medical emergency before we can discuss any financial questions. This means the triage nurse and the Emergency Room physician must first see the patient. We appreciate that this restriction can be frustrating; however, the regulations are there to ensure everyone who comes to an Emergency Room will be seen regardless of their ability to pay.
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Insurance FAQs
Q. Should I bring my insurance card with me to the hospital?
A. Yes, the information on your insurance card is needed for the hospital to file a claim with your insurance company or companies. When you register we will ask for information about your insurance coverage and have you sign a few forms. This registration process goes much faster when you bring your insurance information with you.
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Q. Will the Hospital file my insurance claim for my current visit?
A. Yes. The Hospital will continue to submit claims to your insurance company for you. As insurance companies require more information, however, the accuracy of your records is extremely important. Registration will facilitate prompt and accurate submission of your health insurance claim.
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Q. I gave my insurance information to my doctor, why don't you have it?
A. Physicians are independent contractors to the hospital. Each maintains his or her own patient information. Also, your benefit coverage may be different for a physician than it is for hospital services. For these reasons, physicians and the hospitals retain separate insurance information.
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Q. I'm covered under my insurance and my wife's. The deductible is less under my wife's insurance. Can you just bill her insurance and not mine?
A. Under a provision called Coordination Of Benefits, the hospital is obligated to bill the insurance that would be considered primary for you. Any medical insurance for which you are the primary holder must be billed before any other medical insurance.
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Q. Even though I gave my medical insurance, I was later asked for my automobile insurance because my injury was due to an automobile accident. My medical insurance will cover the bill, why is any other insurance needed?
A. When we bill your medical insurance for treatment related to an accident, the carrier will want to know if there is any other insurance that may be liable for the bill. For Medicare recipients, this is a requirement to bill Medicare. If we cannot provide the information at the time of billing, the claim may be delayed, or even denied, until the information is given.
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Q. How do I follow-up with my insurance company?
A. Most insurance company ID cards have a customer service phone number on the back. Before you call, have available your insurance card, date of service, facility name, original billed amount, patient name and claim number if applicable. Write down the name of the person you talked to at the insurance company. If the bill has not been paid, find out when the anticipated payment date is, and ask what is needed. If the bill is not paid in the stated timeframe, follow-up with the insurance company again and, if necessary, request to speak to a supervisor. Other key questions you should ask the insurance company customer service representative include the following:
- Have you received the hospital's bill for these services?
- Am I covered for these services?
- When will you pay the hospital for these services?
- What portion of this bill will I be responsible for paying?
- What is the status of the account? If paid, ask when and to whom.
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Q. Do I need to let my insurance company know that I'm going to be in the hospital? And what will they cover?
A. We encourage you to check with your insurance company or your employer regarding coverage. Because there are so many types of insurance plans, we do not know if you need prior approval or notification for your hospital stay. Contact your insurance company or your employer with specific questions about what is or is not covered by your insurance plan.
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Q. How do I know if my insurance company will cover my visit or certain services?
A. Coverage varies with each insurance company. The hospital staff does not know whether a particular service will be covered. Medically necessary and appropriate services may not always be covered by your insurance contract. Please refer to your insurance member handbook or call your insurance company with questions.
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Q. Why didn't my insurance cover some services?
A. Insurance policies vary on what services are allowed (paid). Your particular policy may not cover a certain service or you may not have met your policy's deductible and/or co-insurance. Our insurance billing staff can help you with any questions. Please call them at the number listed on your statement.
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Q. How do I know if my insurance company will cover services provided by all professionals (i.e. anesthesiologists, radiologists, and pathologists) involved with my treatment?
A. Again, we encourage you to check with your insurance company or your employer about this. Each professional needs to contract individually with insurance companies and the hospital does not know if each professional is contracted with your insurance company.
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Q. How will I know if my insurance company has paid my bill?
A. If there is a balance due from you after the insurance company has paid its portion, we will send you a statement. This statement indicates the amount that has been paid and any balance you are required to pay. This is your bill, you are required to pay this bill in full or to set up payment arrangements by contacting our Financial Counseling office via the email contact included in this website or by calling (908) 788-6194.
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Q. What do I do if I disagree with how much my insurance company has paid on my bill?
A. If you have questions regarding the payment call your insurance company for an explanation of the payment. If the insurance company finds that an error was made, note the information and whom you talked to at the insurance company. Request an anticipated payment date and ask if they need anything to complete processing. If the insurance company feels the bill was paid correctly and you still disagree, find out from the insurance company what you need to do to file an "appeal" with them. Filing an appeal will not guarantee that the insurance company will pay more on your bill, but the claim will be reviewed for reconsideration.
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Payment FAQs
Q. When do I become responsible for my bill?
A. You are legally responsible for your bill at the time you receive services from the hospital. We require all patient balances be paid immediately after you are notified.
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Q. How will I know what portion of the bill I should pay?
A. The amount you owe can be found in the box on the bottom right-hand corner of your bill. Your bill should identify the total charges, the amount submitted to insurance, and the amount you owe. If insurance has paid part of your claim, the statement will identify the amount paid by insurance and the amount you owe. The 'Explanation of Benefits' from your insurance company will also indicate which charges you are responsible for.
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Q. How can I pay my portion of my bill?
A. We offer several payment options:
- You may pay by cash, check or money order. Make check or money order payable to Hunterdon Medical Center. Please include your account number. Mail to the address included on your statement.
- We also accept most major credit cards. You can call (908) 788-6189 to provide this information or you can provide this information by filling in the appropriate areas on your statement. We in turn will send you a receipt.
- If payment in full is not possible at this time, you can make payment arrangements by contacting our Financial Counseling department by email as part of this website and/or by telephone at (908) 788-6194.
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Q. What is a deductible or co-payment?
A. A deductible is the initial amount that you must pay before your insurance plan begins to pay for your bills. Typically, a deductible is a flat dollar amount (e.g. $250 or $500). If you have a $250 deductible, you insurance company should pay all of the covered charges EXCEPT the first $250, which is your responsibility to pay. A co-payment (or co-insurance, as it is often referred as) is a flat amount paid for each visit to a provider. If you have a $50 hospital co-payment, you must pay $50 for each visit and your insurance company will pay for the remaining balance on all covered services.
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Q. Do I have to pay my co-payment at the time of service?
A. Yes. You are expected to pay your estimated co-payment when services are provided.
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Q. What will I owe after insurance has paid?
A. Insurance contracts vary a great deal depending on allowed services, co-payment amounts, deductibles, and co-insurance. Because of this, it is impossible to know exactly how much your insurance company will pay or how much you will have to pay.
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Medicare FAQs
Q. What is a Medicare Explanation of Benefits form?
A. The Explanation of Benefits form is an information document that Medicare sends to you after it has processed your medical claims. The Explanation of Benefits form provides you with information about the payment status of your bill.
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Q. What is the difference between Part A and Part B Explanation of Benefits forms?
A. Part A covers inpatient hospitalization and Part B covers outpatient and physician services.
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Q. What should I do with the Explanation of Benefits form?
A. We recommend you keep the Explanation of Benefits forms you receive from Medicare until all your medical claims have been paid in full. If you have other health insurance in addition to Medicare coverage, your insurance company will normally require a copy of the Explanation of Benefits from you before they will pay any remaining balance on your account.
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Q. Why didn't Medicare cover my visit?
A. Unfortunately, Medicare will not pay for certain services (these may include physicals, some screenings, x-rays, and lab work). If you believe charges were denied in error, please call the phone number listed on your statement.
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Q. Why do I have to give you information about other insurance if I have Medicare coverage?
A. Medicare requires us to bill any insurance company that could have responsibility for your expenses before we bill Medicare. In fact, Medicare will not allow us to file claims until the other insurer has denied claims. In certain situations, the hospital must consider the possibility that another party may be responsible for your expenses before we bill Medicare. For example, if you were injured in a car accident, at your worksite, or on someone else's property, it is the hospital's responsibility to make sure those claims are filed appropriately. Consequently, we need to have complete information about all insurance coverage you have.
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Q. Do I have to sign any forms before the Hospital can bill Medicare?
A. You will be asked to sign a Consent for Treatment form each time you receive services. You will also be asked questions each time you receive services that Medicare requires.
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Q. I have health insurance in addition to Medicare coverage. Will you bill that insurance company also?
A. If you have given us information about your additional health insurance, we will bill that insurance company after Medicare has made their payment.
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Q. Should I pay the balance that is listed as "your total responsibility" on the Explanation of Benefits form?
A. No. This amount could change depending on your individual insurance coverage. You should wait until you receive a bill from your medical provider before making payment.
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Q. Will I have to pay any money for my hospital visits?
A. As a Medicare patient, you will only be responsible for non-covered charges, co-pays and deductible amounts. These amounts may vary depending on your Medicare coverage. We do not know what your payment may be until we receive the notification from Medicare. Once Medicare lets us know your responsibility, we will bill your other health insurance company (if you have coverage) for the balance. If you do not have other health insurance, you will be billed for the balance.
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