Paying medical bills can be confusing especially at a large hospital like Boston Children’s Hospital. As a parent you want to focus on your child’s health – not struggle with complex billing systems. This article will explain the different ways to pay your Boston Children’s Hospital bill online or by phone. I’ll go over the payment options, provide tips for navigating the billing process, and answer some frequently asked questions.
Overview of Boston Children’s Hospital Bill Pay
Boston Children’s Hospital provides medical care for children ranging from routine checkups to complex surgical procedures Since it’s a teaching hospital affiliated with Harvard Medical School, you may receive bills from multiple sources depending on the services provided. The hospital and clinics bill for room fees, medications, imaging, lab tests, and other facility charges. The physicians send separate bills for their professional services
You have a few options for paying your Boston Children’s bills online
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MyChildren’s Patient Portal – Pay your bill through the hospital’s secure patient portal. You can also manage your credit cards, make payment plans, and change your insurance information.
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Quick Pay – Make one-time payments as a guest using your account number without logging into the portal.
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International Payments – Use Flywire if you need to make international payments.
You can also pay over the phone, by mail, or set up in-person appointments if you need to discuss billing details with a financial counselor.
Tips for Paying Your Boston Children’s Bill
Navigating medical bills can be challenging, but here are some tips to make the process smoother:
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Check your benefits – Contact your health insurance to understand copays, deductibles, and your coverage for specific services. This helps avoid surprise bills.
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Bring your insurance card – Bring your child’s card to every appointment and hospital stay. Accurate information ensures correct billing.
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Pay copays upfront – Be prepared to pay copays and any outstanding balances when you check-in.
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Watch for multiple bills – You may receive separate statements for the facility, labs, doctors, therapy, etc. The bills may also have different due dates.
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If you already paid a bill and then get another one, compare the dates and amounts charged to make sure it’s not a duplicate.
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Find out about help—If you can’t pay the full amount, find out about ways to get money or make payments.
Answers to Frequently Asked Billing Questions
Below are answers to some common billing questions patients have about Boston Children’s Hospital:
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Do I owe anything if my child has insurance? Your out-of-pocket responsibility depends on your specific plan, not the hospital. Costs may include copays, deductibles, or coinsurance. Always check with your insurer first.
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How can I get financial assistance? Contact the hospital’s billing department to ask about hardship programs, payment plans, and public assistance options if you’re uninsured or underinsured.
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Should I call my insurance company before a hospital stay? Yes, inform them beforehand to verify your benefits and any authorization requirements for the services. This prevents surprises.
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Do I need my insurance card? Yes, bring your child’s card to every visit. It ensures accurate billing information is collected.
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How do I pay a bill online? You can pay as a guest for one-time payments or through the MyChildren’s portal if you have an account. Credit cards and bank payments are accepted.
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When do I need to pay copays or deductibles? Be prepared to pay any copays or outstanding deductibles when you check-in for appointments or are admitted to the hospital.
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What if I can’t pay my entire bill at once? Call the billing department to discuss installment plans or other arrangements if you can’t pay the full balance due.
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Why did I get another bill after already making a payment? It could be for a different date of service or the bill was sent before your payment was applied. Compare the charges and dates.
Paying Medical Bills with a Child-focused Approach
Having a sick child is stressful enough without bill complications. Boston Children’s Hospital aims to provide a patient-friendly billing process:
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Financial counselors are available to answer questions and assist with payment issues.
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They help tailor payment plans and connect families to public aid programs if eligible.
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You can request itemized statements to review charges in detail.
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They provide cost estimates before services so you can budget appropriately.
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Starting June 2024, billing statements will consolidate into one statement per child for simpler tracking.
The hospital billing staff understands this is your child, not just another account. Their job is to help you pay your bills in a manageable way so you can focus on your child’s health and recovery.
In Summary
While hospital billing can be complex, Boston Children’s Hospital offers several payment methods for your convenience. Be proactive by checking insurance coverage, paying copays upfront, and watching for multiple bills from different providers. Ask questions and seek financial assistance if needed. Their billing department is there to help families navigate the process while maintaining a compassionate, patient-focused approach.