Patient Accounts / Billing

All patients should familiarize themselves with the terms of their insurance coverage. This will help you understand the hospital's billing procedures and charges. If there is a question about your insurance coverage, a member of the Admitting Department will contact you or a member of your family before your procedure is scheduled. We will also contact you if additional information is needed in order to process your claims.

We will need a copy of your identification card. We may also need the insurance forms which are supplied by your employer or the insurance company. We accept assignment of benefits from the insurance companies directly to the hospital.

Your plan may have special requirements, such as a second surgical opinion or pre-certification for certain tests or procedures. It is your responsibility to make sure the requirements of your plan have been met. If your plan's requirements are not followed, you may be financially responsible for all or part of the services rendered in the hospital. Some physician specialists may not participate in your healthcare plan and their services may not be covered.

We will need a copy of your Medicare card to verify eligibility and process your Medicare claim. You should be aware that the Medicare program specifically excludes payment for certain items and services, such as cosmetic surgery, some oral surgery procedures, personal comfort items, hearing evaluations and others. Deductibles and co-payments also are the responsibility of the patient.

We will need a copy of your Medicaid card. Medicaid also has payment limitations on a number of services and items. Medicaid does not pay for the cost of a private room unless medically necessary.

A representative from the Admitting Department will discuss financial arrangements with you.

The hospital is responsible for submitting bills to your insurance company and will do everything possible to expedite your claim. However, your policy is a contract between you and your insurance company and you have the final responsibility for payment of your hospital bill. We have several payment options available to assist you in paying your bill. In most instances the hospital will directly bill your insurance company for the services you received including your room charge, nursing care, tests and treatment. You will receive statements indicating what is owed, what your insurance has been billed and any payments received. You will continue to receive statements from the hospital until your account has a zero balance.

If you have certain tests or treatments in the hospital, you may receive bills from physicians you did not see in person. These bills are for professional services rendered by these physicians in diagnosing and interpreting test results while you were a patient. Pathologists, radiologists, cardiologists, anesthesiologists and other specialists perform these services and are required to submit separate bills. If you have questions about these bills, please call the number printed on the statement you receive from them.

When your physician decides you are ready to leave the hospital, a discharge order will be written. Please make appropriate transportation arrangements either with a family member or friend. Remember, after an orthopedic procedure you may not be able to drive yourself home.

Once your physician has written the discharge order, the hospital will make every attempt to discharge you in a timely manner. Checkout time is 11 a.m., generally. When you are ready to leave, a member of the hospital staff will escort you to the front entrance via wheel chair and help you into the car.

Your physician and your nurse will give you instructions about post-hospital care. If you have questions about your diet, activities or other matters, please be sure to ask.

The hospital pharmacy is not licensed to dispense drugs to be taken home. If your physician gives you a prescription and you would like a listing of the nearest pharmacies and telephone numbers, please tell your caregiver who will get this information for you.

Collect all of your belongings and double-check the armoire and it's drawers. If you have anything stored in the hospital safe, let your caregiver know and he or she will make arrangements to bring your belongings to you.

Upon discharge you will be given a Patient Satisfaction Survey. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and return it to us in the postage-paid envelope. You may also receive a telephone call from The Gallup Organization asking for your comments while you were a patient at Texas Orthopedic Hospital. This telephone survey should only take a few minutes of your time.

Our goal is to provide excellent service to our patients, guests and customers. By participating in the survey process you provide us with valuable information on whether or not we are meeting and exceeding our goal and your expectations. Thank you for participating in the survey process; we appreciate your comments.