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About Your Hospital Bill
What is Rush's policy on financial assistance (charity care)?
In keeping with Rush University Medical Center’s mission to provide
comprehensive, coordinated health care services to our patients, Rush
offers several financial assistance programs to help patients with their
hospital bills. These include financial assistance (charity care), limited
income program, self-pay discount and payment plan arrangements. To help patients decide which is the right program for them, Rush offers
the services of financial counselors and billing customer service
representatives. These individuals will assist patients in completion of
financial application forms, obtaining an estimate cost of anticipated
hospital services, providing an explanation and copy of their hospital
bill. For more information, see Financial Assistance Programs.
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Where can I call if I have questions about my hospital bill?
You may call the patient billing department at (312) 942-5693, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please be prepared to provide your medical record number (you will find this number at the top of any correspondence you receive from the billing office). We have also provided, below, answers to some of our patients' most frequently asked questions. If, at any time, you have a question regarding your hospital bill, do not hesitate to contact one of our Customer Service Representatives. They are eager to answer your questions and assist you in whatever manner they can.
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Can I pay my hospital bill online?
Yes, you may pay your hospital bill online at this site:
https://rush.patientcompass.com/hc/sp/rush/guarantor
For more information,
call toll-free (866) 761-7812.
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How soon after I leave the hospital will I receive a bill?
You can expect a bill once we have received payment or denial of payment from your insurance company. If you are paying the bill yourself (that is, if you are not filing with an insurance provider) you should receive a bill within 10 days after you have received service.
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Why do I have to give my insurance information every time I visit the Medical Center?
We ask for your insurance information every time you visit Rush to ensure that our records are accurate and up to date. Patients and/or employers change insurance carriers with great frequency. To process your bill quickly and accurately, we ask you for your insurance information on every visit. This gives us the opportunity to verify your insurance coverage and benefits.
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I would like a copy of my hospital bill. How can I request one?
Call a Customer Service Representative at (312) 942-5693 to request a copy of your hospital bill. You can expect to receive a copy of your bill within 7 to 10 days.
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Should I contact my insurance company before coming to Rush?
That depends on the services you are going to receive and your particular insurance policy and benefits. In general, it is a good idea to review your insurance policy and benefits before receiving medical services. In some cases—for instance, if you are coming in for laboratory tests or a chest x-ray—you may not need to notify your insurance company. However, for many other services—such as an inpatient admission, ambulatory surgery or any invasive diagnostic test/procedure—your insurance company may require that you notify them in advance. Lack of such notification could result in reduced benefits. However, some insurance carriers—particularly Medicare and Medicaid—do not require prior notification.
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I keep getting bills from you. Why don't you bill my insurance company?
Rush's patient billing department will send you letters 30, 60 and 90 days after the date of service. Please read this correspondence carefully, as it contains important information regarding the status of your account. If you are covered under an insurance policy or another party is responsible for your hospital bill, yet you receive a letter stating that you are responsible for the bill, contact a Customer Service Representative at (312) 942-5693. Please be prepared to provide your medical record number, which you will find at the top of the letter, and your insurance information. Your Customer Service Representative will re-issue a bill to your insurance company.
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I am also covered on my spouse's insurance policy. Will you send bills to both insurance companies?
Rush's Health Care Finance Department will coordinate benefits for patients covered by more than one insurance policy. To do this, we must have on file a Coordination of Benefits Form (PDF file). Download this form by clicking the link provided. Bring the completed form with you on your next visit to Rush.
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I just got a letter from a collection agency. Why?
As part of our normal billing process, we make several attempts to contact you to let you know what portion of your bill you are personally responsible for. We determine the amount you are responsible for after we have received payment or denial of payment from your insurance company. You may receive notice from a collection agency if, after repeated attempts to contact you, we have not heard from you.
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I can't pay my whole bill at once. Can I make payment arrangements?
To make payment arrangements, call our Customer Service Line at (312) 942-5693. One of our Customer Service Representatives will work with you.
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Will I be asked to make any payment when I come to Rush?
Depending on the type of insurance you have, you may be asked to pay your deductible and/or coinsurance.
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How much is my deductible and coinsurance?
Your deductible and coinsurance amounts are determined by the insurance plan in which you are enrolled. This information should be included in your insurance benefits handbook. If you cannot find this information or have other questions, contact your insurance provider.
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If I don't have any insurance, how do I know how much to pay? Whom do I pay?
If you have questions regarding the expected cost of your services at the Medical Center, contact a Financial Counselor at (312) 942-2775 or (312) 942-5648. The Financial Counselor will be able to give you an estimated cost of your hospital service. You may pay your hospital bill prior to service at the registration/admitting area. A receipt will be issued to you for your payment. Major credit cards are accepted.
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Do I need to bring anything with me when I come to the Medical Center?
In addition to anything your physician may ask you to bring in, please bring your insurance card and any other documents that will be useful in the registration and billing process. For example, you should bring in any referral or authorization form that your primary care physician has given you indicating the need for the services you will receive. If this is your first visit to Rush, we ask that, in addition to your insurance card, you bring in a photo ID such as a driver’s license.
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Pay Your Hospital Bill Online