BILLING POLICIES

Providers


Horizons West Medical Group, P.C. Financial Policy

Organizational philosophy:
We are in practice to provide healthcare service to our community and to maintain an exemplary level of quality in medical care. In order to achieve this goal, we consider it reasonable (as well as essential) that we be paid promptly and fully for our services.

Patients who can pay, but don’t, will be subject to the full range of collections procedures set in place by our policies. Collections procedures include the use of internal personnel, outside collection agencies, small claims court and district court.

We participate in:

Policies:

New patients will be required to pay for the following:

  • Co-pays designated on all insurance cards.
  • 20% co-insurance (if not designated on insurance card).
  • If you have Medicare or Medicaid, we will not collect a co-insurance.
  • Patients without proof of insurance will be considered self-pay and must pay in full at the time of service.
  • Proof of insurance is required at each visit.
  • Demographic information will be verified at each visit.

Established Patients

  • If co-insurance cannot be determined, Horizons West Medical Group will collect 20% of the charges for each visit.  
  • If co-pay cannot be determined, we will use our internal list of estimated co-pays to determine finance charges. Patients can also elect to pay the 20% co-insurance.
  • Proof of insurance is required at each visit.
  • Demographic information will be verified at each visit.

As a courtesy, we file claims with all insurance carriers; however, the contract is between you and the insurance company. If a claim is not paid within 60 days, you are responsible for the full payment.
Patients previously sent to collections will be required to pay the outstanding balances prior to an appointment being scheduled.

Self-pay services will be provided on a “payment in full” at the time of services. Self-pay patients that have previously been sent to collections and now have insurance must pay all outstanding balances before an appointment is scheduled. Subsequent charges will be submitted to their insurance company.

Horizons West Medical Group Patient Account Representatives are available to establish payment arrangements and answer questions regarding applicability of medical insurance coverage. APRs must approve credit requests before the time of service. Emergency requests may be approved at the time of treatment, if needed.

Patients approved for a payment plan are required to pay the balance in 12 months. Minimum payment is $25.00 per month. If no payment is received after arrangements have been made, the agreement becomes null and void and the balance is due in full immediately.

All patients who do not pay or contact us for payment options within 60 days from the date of service will be contacted.

Acceptable forms of payment include personal checks, cash, VISA, MasterCard, Discover and money orders. Patients requesting special financial arrangements are required to complete the financial history information form completely. The office manager will approve these requests.

Any adult who authorizes treatment of a minor is financially responsible for payment unless prior arrangements have been made.

Procedures:

  • Fees and payment options will be discussed with the patient or responsible party prior to performing extensive procedures.
  • No credit may be extended without the approval.
  • All patients who establish a payment plan will be required to sign an agreement form setting forth the amounts and due dates of payments. A copy of this form will be given to the patient.

No discounts or other incentives will be offered to encourage payment at the time of service. All returned checks received need to be replaced with a money order or cash. If we don’t receive payment, the balance on the account will go to collections.

If a change of address cannot be found on a returned statement, the account will be turned over for collection.

Horizons West Medical Group reserves the right to change this policy without any written notice. If an account is previously in pre-collections and returned and a payment is not made regular or as promised, it will be sent to full collections.