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It is the mission of St. Luke's Idaho Cardiology Associates to respond to the needs of our community and our patients by providing the best in cardiovascular care. We strive to provide support, education, and a sense of caring to our community, our patients, and our coworkers.
Self-Pay and Payment in Full
We require payment in full at the time of service from all patients who have not met their deductible or do not have insurance coverage.
Patient Responsibilities
The patient's insurance policy is a contract between the patient and his or her insurance company. The patient is ultimately responsible for any unpaid balances. St. Luke's Idaho Cardiology Associates will bill the patient's insurance and make every effort to ensure that claims are promptly and correctly processed.
Occasionally, because of factors beyond our control, the insurance company does not reimburse St. Luke's Idaho Cardiology Associates within a timely manner. If we have not received payment from the insurance company within ninety (90) days, St. Luke's Idaho Cardiology Associates will request payment in full from the patient. We will promptly refund to the patient any payments received from the insurance company after the patient has paid.
Past Due Balances
A past due balance is any amount owed after the insurance company has paid its portion, the account was sent to collections, or an insurance payment was not received by St. Luke's Idaho Cardiology Associates within ninety (90) days. Balances on accounts with payment plans where payments conform to the plan are not considered past due balances. Patients who have a previous collection agency balance and wish to receive service are required to pay any new charges at the time of service. St. Luke's Idaho Cardiology Associates will bill patients' insurance on accounts sent to collections in the past.
Payment Plans
For patients who do not have insurance coverage, payment arrangements may be made on accounts. We do not extend payment plans to patients who have failed to make timely payments in the past. At the discretion of St. Luke's Idaho Cardiology Associates account representatives, patients may make payments if:
- Charges exceed $100 per episode
- Only the amount greater than $100 may be financed; the first $100 is due at the time of service
- Balances must be paid in full in no more than six (6) equal monthly payments
- The minimum payment is $65 per month
- Interest may be charged on all balances over 30 days at a rate of 1.5% per month (18% annual rate) at St. Luke's Idaho Cardiology Associates's discretion.
HMO/PPO
St. Luke's Idaho Cardiology Associates is a member of many health maintenance organizations (HMOs). Patients should confirm coverage by contacting their health plan provider prior to their visit. Most of these carriers require a referral authorization from a primary care physician. Patients are responsible for providing a current referral at the time of each visit. Patients are financially responsible for medical services provided without a referral.
Medicare
St. Luke's Idaho Cardiology Associates will bill Medicare when provided with complete billing information. As a courtesy, St. Luke's Idaho Cardiology Associates bills patients' secondary insurance when patients provide complete insurance information.
Returned Checks
St. Luke's Idaho Cardiology Associates reserves the right to charge a $20 service fee for checks returned due to insufficient funds.
Note: The goal of St. Luke's Idaho Cardiology Associates is to provide the best service possible. Please call ahead of time if you need to make financial arrangements prior to your appointment. You, the patient or responsible party, agree to the policies outlined in this document when you sign the patient registration form.
Click Here for a printable version of this policy.
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