Admission Planning Services & Patient Financial Services
The Admission Planning and Patient Financial Services Departments at Northwest Medical Center strive to provide patients with accurate information and helpful resources in understanding their admission to the hospital, their insurance coverage, and the financial aspects of the medical care they receive.In addition, the Patient Financial Services area works to provide effective management of patient accounts with a focus on detail and customer satisfaction.
Services
- Registration/Access
- Billing
- Insurance Verification and Follow-up
- Charge Verification
- Charge Quotes
- Internal/External Customer Requests
- Financial Screenings
Northwest Medical Center will submit a claim for payment to any insurance carrier. However, billing an insurance carrier does not guarantee payment for services rendered to the patient. Patient/subscriber involvement is encouraged since the agreement to pay for healthcare services is between the patient/subscriber and the insurance carrier. Claim reimbursement may be more efficient when the patient follows up with the insurance carrier.
Pre-certification
Physician's offices are responsible for facilitating pre-certifications for patients.
Financial Agreement
Payment of patient co-pays and/or deductibles is required at time of admission/registration for inpatient or outpatient services to be performed at the hospital. Payment of patient co-pay may be required at the time of admission. The guarantor listed on the patient accounts has ultimate responsibility for payment in full according to the Northwest financial agreement. A copy of the financial agreement is available at any registration/admitting area.
Access
Admission Planning: Monday – Friday
RN/LPN's take reservations for direct/transfer admissions and screen reservations for appropriate level of care. They also obtain orders, medical history and physicals, and other pertinent information.
Pre-Admission: Monday – Friday 6:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; 205-487-7760
Insurance/pre-certification is verified; patients are asked to provide necessary demographic & financial information. An interview takes place by an registered nurse prior to scheduled outpatient surgeries/procedures to gather pertinent information in order to complete your plan of care. Pre-procedure lab work and diagnostic testing may take place during this time, depending on your physician's orders.
Main Admitting: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; 205-487-7760
Provide registration/admission, collection and clerical services to all patients.
Admission Clerks
Provide insurance verification, arrange financial counseling, collections and admission/registration services.
