Billing FAQs
Q: What bills will I be responsible for?
A: In addition to Surgical Specialists of Spokane's fee, you may receive separate billings from the hospital, anesthesiology, pathology and laboratory services.
Q: Do you accept Medicare Assignment?
A: Yes. However, the 20% of the Medicare allowable that Medicare does not pay will be billed either to the patient or their coinsurance.
Q: What is the difference between Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B?
A: The easiest way to understand Part A coverage is to think of it as hospital insurance that pays for the following types of care:
- Hospital care as an inpatient
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Hospice Care
- Care by a home health agency
The easiest way to understand Part B coverage is to think of it as insurance that pays your doctor bills. Medicare Part B covers the following types of care:
- Doctors
- Outpatient services
- Outpatient hospital care
- Overnight stay is covered if this is in the 23 hour range from your outpatient procedure.
For further questions about Medicare Part A and Part B coverage, please visit www.Medicare.gov
Q: What do I need to bring with me?
A: You need to bring your insurance cards and co-pay amount.
Q: What if I am being seen for a work-related injury?
A: Please be ready to provide our office with the following:
- Claim number and date of your injury
- Employment information
- Address for claim submission
Q: What if I am being seen as a result of an automobile accident?
A: If you are being seen as a result of an automobile accident, please be ready to provide our office with the following:
- Claim or policy number
- Name of the responsible party
- Claim adjuster's name and telephone number
- Address for claim submission
Q: What is a specialist?
A: A doctor that your primary care physician or general practitioner refers you to for further care that specializes in that specific area.
Q: What happens if I find I cannot pay the bill or made arrangements and can’t pay?
A: We know that a person’s financial status can change due to unexpected circumstances. Please contact our billing department to discuss your financial hardship.
Q: What if the service is a non-covered benefit by my insurance company?
S: If we contact your insurance company and confirm that the service is not a contracted benefit, you will be asked to pay the total charge prior to your service or procedure.
Q: What if my account goes to collection?
A: We would prefer not to go this direction and our billing department is here to work with you in any fair, equitable way possible. If we have been unsuccessful in trying to work with you regarding payment of your account and have to refer the account to a collection agency, this office will no longer handle your account. All correspondence and contact is directly with the collection agency by you. If your account is turned over to collection and you need further medical care by this office, you will be expected to pay cash at the time of service. If you have no insurance you will be asked to pay the full amount at the time of service. If you have insurance you will be asked to pay the 20% coinsurance at the time of service. We will contact the collection agency prior to your visit to determine if you are making regular payments to them.