Frequently asked questions
We want you to be comfortable with the billing process for your healthcare services. The below information outlines some frequently asked questions about health insurance policies, terms you may encounter, and the process of paying a bill from DHMG.
You should pay your co-payment and deductible, if required, during your visit to the doctor. While you are responsible for your medical treatment, we will make every effort to seek payment from your health insurance company for the amount owed under your policy. The process by which the office seeks payment is very complicated, which is why we need correct information from you.
Note: Our staff follows the rules of your insurance policy. We will do our best to send bills in a timely manner to your insurance company so that you will not have to pay for medical care covered by your plan. In some cases, however, our staff may ask for your help when bills are sent in order to ensure that they are processed correctly.
Be sure to check with your health insurance company to see how these terms apply to your health insurance coverage.
The billing office staff will contact the health insurance company to ask why the medical bill was not paid. The health insurance company may ask the staff to appeal or resend the medical bill with more information. This typically happens when the health insurance company has not paid for a procedure or service listed on your bill, even if your doctor said it was medically necessary. You may receive a copy of your doctor’s appeal letter to your health insurance company.
The doctor would like your help to get the medical bill paid when your health insurance company does not pay. You may be asked to call your health insurance company or your employer to ask why your medical bill has not been paid.
Many health insurance companies require you to fill out a form that tells the company whether you or another family member have other health insurance. Your health insurance company needs this information to work with other insurers to determine which company pays for what service. It is important that you fill out this form and return it to the health insurance company. Otherwise, your medical bills may not get paid or payment may be delayed.
Your health insurance policy is a contract between you and your health insurance company. It is an agreement that your health insurance company will pay for covered medical care as long as your premium is paid. The health insurance company may not pay for every bill. This is why it is important for you to know which medical treatments the health insurance company will pay for and which expenses it will not cover. You are responsible for paying any medical costs that the health insurance company does not pay for.
Before the baby is born:
The newborn’s hospital stay and follow-up care are typically not covered under your health insurance policy. Therefore, the doctor’s office will ask for the newborn’s health insurance information.
The doctor’s office staff uses this information to confirm your health insurance coverage and to send your health insurance company a request for payment of your medical bill. The health insurance company requires your personal and health insurance policy information before it will pay your bill. Be sure the doctor’s office staff has your current health insurance policy information, including the health insurance company name and address, policy number and group number so the health insurance company can pay your medical bill on time. Much of this information may have changed since your last visit to the doctor. The services covered by your health insurer also may have changed. That is why many doctors’ offices require you to provide this information at each visit.