We understand that patients at El Camino Hospital may have questions about the billing process. Below we provide answers to a few of the most commonly asked questions. You can use the jump to question links below or scroll through the page to read all the questions and answers.
Q. How does my insurance company receive the claims for health care services?
Q. What is the difference between a Hospital Billing Statement, and a Professional Business Billing Statement?
Q. When do I make the co-payment and/or deductible payment?
Q. How do I make a payment?
Q. How do I reach the billing office if I have questions?
Q. What if I am unable to make the full payment? Can I set up a payment plan?
Q. Does El Camino Hospital offer discounts if I pay cash for services?
Q. Is financial assistance available?
Q. How does my insurance company receive the claims for health care services?
A. As a courtesy, we bill the claim to your health insurance carrier. To insure proper and prompt processing of your claim, please be sure to verify the insurance information we have at the time of your registration.
Q. What is the difference between a Hospital Billing Statement, and a Professional Business Billing Statement?
A. You may receive a separate bill for services rendered by private physicians, your own primary care physician, as well as for any hospital charges. At El Camino Hospital, we bill for the hospital services only. Professional services are billed separately.
For example, if a patient has outpatient surgery, you will receive a billing statement from El Camino Hospital for the facility charges and separate billing statements from the physicians performing your surgery and the anesthesiologist.
Q. When do I make the co-payment and/or deductible payment?
A. Co-payments are due at the time of service. If you are unsure of your co-pay responsibility, please consult your health insurance policy. If you are an inpatient our financial counselors will obtain the deductible information at the time they check your eligibility. Knowing your insurance policy is vital to receiving the maximum possible benefits. Failure to meet your insurance requirements can result in claim denial or a higher co-payment and/or deductible.
Q. How do I make a payment?
A. Please pay the balance due by detaching the top portion of your billing statement and include your check, money order, or credit card information (include the credit card expiration date) in the envelope provided with your billing statement.
El Camino Hospital offers the convenience of on-line hospital bill payment. Transactions are securely processed by Patient Compass, a subsidiary of McKesson Corp., and are compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and Payment Card Industry (PCI) data security standard.
We are also happy to assist you with your credit card payment over the telephone. You can reach our Patient Financial Services Department at 650-940-7220. Please have your account number available. For your convenience we accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.
Q. How do I reach the billing office if I have questions?
A. Our Customer Services Representatives are available to answer your billing questions. You can reach our department by calling 650-940-7220. You may also send an e-mail to patient_accounts@elcaminohospital.org. Please allow a minimum of two business days to respond to your e-mail requests. Please do not use this e-mail address to send personal information such as your account or credit card numbers.
Q. What if I am unable to make the full payment? Can I set up a payment plan?
A. Yes, our Customer Services Representatives can set up formal payment arrangements based on our established policies. You can reach our department by calling 650-940-7220.
Q. Does El Camino Hospital offer a discount if I pay cash for services?
A. Yes, El Camino Hospital extends a 75 percent discount to patients without insurance who choose to pay with cash, or to patients receiving services not covered by insurance who choose to pay with cash, or patients who choose to pay cash for services in lieu of billing their insurance.
Q. Is financial assistance available?
A. Financial assistance is available for those who are uninsured or underinsured, or who are experiencing financial hardship. A customer service representative can help determine eligibility for government and community programs that may help cover medical expenses. For more information visit our Financial Assistance web page.