BILLING AND INSURANCE

Healthcare billing, insurance, and Medicare can be confusing. At Black River Memorial Hospital, we strive to make the process as easy and patient-friendly as possible. Our Fiscal Services Department is happy to assist with any billing or insurance questions. Its hours are 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Medicare: 715-284-3207
Medicare Advantage Plans/HMOs: 715-284-3207
Medical Assistance: 715-284-3622
BadgerCare: 715-284-3622
Commercial/Workers' Compensation: 715-284-1397 or 715-284-3040
Home and Respiratory Equipment (DME): 715-284-1349
Self Pay: 715-284-1368 or 715-284-3691
Revenue Cycle Director: 715-284-3637

MEDICARE/MEDICARE ADVANTAGE/MEDICARE HMOS

Black River Memorial Hospital will bill Medicare for your services. If you present supplemental insurance at the time of registration, we will file your insurance for any balance that was not paid by Medicare. You will receive a monthly statement for any personal balance not covered by Medicare or your insurance.

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

Medical assistance cards are required at the time of registration. This is a state regulation, and if you do not show your card the charges could become your personal obligation. There is a daily co-payment for hospital services.

INSURANCE AND HMOS

Black River Memorial Hospital participates in many of the Managed Care Plans offered in our area. Some insurance plans may require a referral or pre-authorization for certain tests or procedures. It is your responsibility to understand the requirements of your plan. If you have any questions about your policy, contact your insurance company's customer service department.

The Fiscal Services Department will bill your insurance company as a courtesy to you if complete billing information was given at the time of registration. We will make every attempt to resolve any billing issues with your insurance company; however, if you receive a statement and our billing office has exhausted all efforts for payment of your claim, you will be responsible for the balance of your account.

PATIENT BALANCES

For charges not covered by insurance, we accept cash, personal checks, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. You can pay your bill online. We also can set up a payment plan for your convenience. A Patient Financial Advocate is available Monday through Friday to answer any questions you may have. Please call 715-284-1368 or 715-284-3691 to schedule an appointment.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Patients who are unable to pay for their hospital services should apply for the hospital's Financial Assistance Program.

STATEMENTS

Statements are prepared and mailed out monthly. If you have any questions regarding your statement please call 715-284-5361 and ask to speak with a Financial Services representative. Detailed bills are available by request.

The hospital will bill your insurance company directly (unless you specify otherwise). You are ultimately responsible for making certain that your bill is paid.

Any changes should be communicated to the Fiscal Services Department by calling 715-284-5361.

Black River Memorial Hospital has patient financial advocates who will be happy to assist you. Please call 715-284-1368 or 715-284-3691 to discuss any billing arrangements.

You should ask your insurance company any questions you have. It is important to make sure you understand your insurance coverage before you receive treatment. Some questions you may want to ask your insurance company include:

Do I need a referral or prior authorization for this hospital visit?
Why did you deny my claim?
Is Black River Memorial Hospital covered by my insurance plan?
Is this service covered under my insurance plan?
What are my out-of-pocket expenses for which I am responsible?
Do you offer coinsurance?
What is my deductible?
Are there any services or supplies that are not covered?

Black River Memorial Hospital does not staff a radiologist or pathologist. These services are contracted through Gundersen Health System and HSHS Sacred Heart. Black River Memorial Hospital is contracted to bill for radiology services for most patients; however, if you have Medicare, Medicaid, or another federally-funded plan (i.e., TriCare/Champus), you will likely receive a bill from Gundersen Health System Radiologists. If you receive any services that require a pathologist you will likely receive a bill from HSHS Sacred Heart. Your insurance information is provided to the contracted facility at the time of service.

Consulting provider's charges are billed from the facility at which that provider works, not by Black River Memorial Hospital. If the outreach provider is considered out-of-network by your insurance plan, your charges will be covered according to the out-of-network guidelines of your policy. As long as Black River Memorial Hospital is in your network, any charges billed from us for hospital services will be paid as in-network. If you have questions about what providers are in your network, it is best to contact your insurance company or the outreach provider's facility prior to your appointment.

Cost estimates may be obtained from a member of the Revenue Cycle Department at 715-284-1375 or 715-284-1368. Requests for price estimates are reviewed by BRMH's Revenue Cycle Department during normal business hours and are generally responded to within five business days.

Proudly caring for veterans logo

Announcing

Black River Health

A Union Between

BILLING AND INSURANCE

MEDICARE/MEDICARE ADVANTAGE/MEDICARE HMOS

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

INSURANCE AND HMOS

PATIENT BALANCES

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

STATEMENTS

Announcing

Black River Health

A Union Between

BILLING AND INSURANCE

MEDICARE/MEDICARE ADVANTAGE/MEDICARE HMOS

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

INSURANCE AND HMOS

PATIENT BALANCES

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

STATEMENTS

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