Billing
What a Hospital Bill Covers
The hospital bill covers the cost of your room, meals, 24-hour nursing care, laboratory work, tests, medication, and the services of hospital employees. You will receive a separate bill from your physicians and radiologist for their professional services.
The hospital is responsible for submitting bills to your insurance company and will do everything possible to expedite your claim. You should remember that your policy is a contract between you and your insurance company and that you have the final responsibility for payment of your hospital bill.
Coordination of Benefits (COB)
Coordination of Benefits, referred to as COB, is a term used by insurance companies when you are covered under two or more insurance policies. This usually happens when both husband and wife are listed on each other's insurance policies, or when both parents carry their children on their individual policies, or when there is eligibility under two federal programs. This also can occur when you are involved in a motor vehicle accident and have medical insurance and automobile insurance.
Most insurance companies have COB provisions that determine who is the primary payer when medical expenses are incurred. This prevents duplicate payments. COB priority must be identified at admission in order to comply with insurance guidelines. Your insurance may request a completed COB form before paying a claim and every attempt will be made to notify you if this occurs. The hospital cannot provide this information to your insurance company. You must resolve this issue with your insurance carrier in order for the claim to be paid.
Medicare
Starr County Memorial Hospital is an approved Medicare provider. All services billed to Medicare follow federal guidelines and procedures. Medicare has a COB clause. At the time of service you will be asked to answer questions to help determine the primary insurance carrier paying for your visit. This is referred to as an
Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) Questionnaire and is required by federal law. Your assistance in providing accurate information will allow us to bill the correct insurance company. Medicare deductibles and co-insurance are covered by your supplement insurance or Medicaid. If you do not have supplement insurance or Medicaid, you will be asked to pay these amounts or establish a payment plan.
Commercial Insurance
As a service to our customers, we will forward a claim to your commercial insurance carrier based on the information you provide at the time of registration. It is very important for you to provide all related information such as policy number, group number and the correct mailing address for your insurance.
Self-Pay Patients
The Collections Department will send you statements for payment of self-pay accounts. You may stop by the office at 128 N. FM 3167, Rio Grande City Texas 78582 to make your payment and /or set up payment arrangements. Starr County Memorial Hospital also provides online payments by you selecting "Pay Your Bill" using the website at LINK. You may contact the Collections Department at (956) 370-6802 for any additional documents that you may need such as itemized statements, claim forms and other inquiries that you may have.
Payments & Collections
When a patient comes in to register and cannot pay what is required, they are referred to our Financial Advisor for guidance. Patients may call 956-370-6804 for Financial Advisor Assistance.
Our Financial Counselors can refer you to the correct personnel for:
Medicaid Applications
SSI Assistance
Payment Plans
Financial Advisor The Financial Advisor are available to assist you with your account and may be reached at 956-370-6850. Financial Advisor hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Billing Questions For billing questions, contact the Business Office in San Juan Plaza at 956-370-6850. Business Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
