Understand Your Financial Options
Complex hospital billing processes and insurance company rules are confusing for most people.
Warren General Hospital wants to ensure that the billing and payment of your account is as accurate and efficient as possible. You can help us in this process by:
Notifying the registration clerk at the time of service about all of your insurance coverage and any changes to your insurance coverage since your last visit.
Becoming familiar with your plan’s benefits and exclusions.
Review your summary bill for accuracy.
Request an Itemization of Charges.
Monitor the activity of your insurance company in making payment for services rendered to you or your family.
Doctors' Fees are Separate
You may receive a separate bill from physicians if their services are required during your hospital stay.
Physicians independently establish their fees and decide whether or not to participate in programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Shield, and HMOs/PPOs. If you have any questions regarding physicians’ fees or their participation in your health plan, you should discuss them with your doctor.
Patient Responsible for the Balance
Warren General Hospital extends payment programs for account balances, which are the responsibility of the patient (either from the outset or after insurance(s) have made payment.)
Please direct comments or questions to the Patient Accounts Department at 814-726-2330 or call toll free at 1-800-777-9441.
The Payment Options
If you require more than 30 days to pay your medical bills, you have the option to make payment arrangements by calling our billing department at 814–726–2330 or call toll-free at 1–800–777–9441.
Still Have Questions?
Please direct comments or questions to the Patient Accounts Department at 814-726-2330 or call toll free at 1-800-777-9441.
AblePay Option
Warren Hospital is a participating provider in AblePay Health, a No-Cost program that provides savings of up to 13% and flexible payment terms on out-of-pocket medical expenses such as deductibles, coinsurance, and co-pays. Visit the link below to learn more and enroll to take advantage of this valuable No-Cost program.
Provider-Based / Hospital-Based Outpatient Defined
Warren General Hospital operates provider-based clinics, also known as hospital-based outpatient departments. Such clinics or departments are considered to be part of the hospital. Federal health care guidelines differentiate clinics that a hospital owns and employs the staff involved in patient care. These provider-based clinics are held to high standards of care and are required to meet federal accreditation standards for hospitals, which are greater than those of physician-based clinics. Our overall goal in utilizing these types of clinics is to preserve access to care in our community for essential services.
Visits to a provider-based clinic result in two charges to the patient:
one charge for hospital services (the facility fee)
one charge for physician/professional services
Depending on your insurance benefits, this model may result in higher out-of-pocket expenses.
Provider-Based Clinics Frequently Asked Questions
-
This term is used to describe clinics that are actually part of a hospital. Clinics located miles away from the main hospital campus may be considered part of the hospital. When you see a physician or receive services in a provider-based clinic, you are being treated within the hospital rather than a traditional physician’s office. Provider-based clinics are held to higher standards. This is a common model of practice for health systems locally and around the nation.
-
According to healthcare billing rules, when you see a physician in a provider-based clinic, physician and hospital charges are billed separately. When you see a physician in a private office setting, all services and expenses are bundled into a single charge. Services provided in provider-based clinics cost more (for nursing, utilities and facilities) which may result in greater out-of-pocket expenses to you.
For patients with insurance, physician services are processed under physician benefits, which are generally subject to patient copayments, while hospital services are processed under hospital benefits and subject to deductibles and coinsurance amounts.
-
Many insurance plans cover facility fees in provider-based clinics. To understand your out-of-pocket costs, ask:
how much of the charge will be covered?
what will be applied to your deductible?
what is subject to coinsurance?
-
Depending on their particular insurance coverage, it is possible patients may incur more out of pocket cost for certain outpatient services and procedures at our provider based/hospital outpatient locations.
See the previous question for what to ask your insurance carrier, especially if you are covered by a high deductible plan.
-
Warren Medical Group/Warren General Hospital – Crescent Park Primary Care
Warren Medical Group/Warren General Hospital – Crescent Park Family Practice
Warren Medical Group/Warren General Hospital – St. Clair Family Practice
Warren Medical Group/Warren General Hospital – Orthopedics
Warren Medical Group/Warren General Hospital - Surgical Services
Warren Medical Group/Warren General Hospital – Urology
Warren Medical Group/Warren General Hospital - Youngsville Family Practice
Warren Medical Group/Warren General Hospital – Obstetrics & Gynecology
Warren Medical Group/Warren General Hospital – Pleasant Family Practice
Warren Medical Group/Warren General Hospital – Sugar Grove Family Practice
Warren Medical Group/Warren General Hospital – Pleasant Pediatrics
WGH Wound Care
-
If patients are having trouble paying a bill, they can contact our patient financial counselor at 814-723-4973 ext. 1739. There are many options available. Patients may apply for the hospital’s charity care program, work out a payment plan, or apply for other support services for which they may be eligible.
-
Coinsurance and deductibles are generally covered by secondary insurance. Check your benefits or contact your insurance company for details.
-
Warren General Hospital offers a variety of options to assist you if you need help in paying for health care services. You may call our financial counselor at 814-723-4973 ext. 1739.