As a patient receiving care from Chi Franciscan Health you may have questions about how billing and payment works. I want to provide you with a comprehensive guide on understanding Chi Franciscan Health bill pay so you feel informed and empowered when managing healthcare expenses.
Overview of Chi Franciscan Health
Chi Franciscan Health is part of CommonSpirit Health, one of the largest non-profit health systems in the United States. Chi Franciscan Health was formed in 2016 through the alignment of nine hospitals across Washington state. These hospitals are now known as:
- St. Anthony Hospital
- St. Clare Hospital
- St. Elizabeth Hospital
- St. Francis Hospital
- St. Joseph Medical Center
- St. Michael Medical Center
- St. Anne Hospital
- St. Anthony Hospital
- Virginia Mason Medical Center
In addition to these acute care hospitals, Chi Franciscan Health has over 100 primary and specialty care clinics across Washington. They provide a full continuum of care, from primary care to complex medical specialties and procedures.
Understanding Your Chi Franciscan Health Bill
After receiving medical services, you will get a bill from Chi Franciscan Health. This bill can include various charges such as:
- Facility fees for care received at a Chi Franciscan Health hospital or clinic
- Professional fees for physicians and clinicians
- Lab tests, imaging, procedures, medications, medical supplies, etc.
Your bill may come from multiple sources depending on the services you received. For example you could get separate bills from the hospital physicians, labs, etc.
It’s important to review your bills closely and confirm the dates of service and charges are accurate. If you see any discrepancies, contact Chi Franciscan Health billing services right away.
How Billing and Payment Works
If you have health insurance, Chi Franciscan Health will submit a claim to your insurer after your care. Here is an overview of how billing and payment works:
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Insurance claim filed: Chi Franciscan Health submits a claim to your health insurance provider within a few weeks of your visit.
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Insurance processes claim: Your insurer reviews the claim and issues an Explanation of Benefits (EOB). This shows if the services are covered, the allowed amounts, and your cost share responsibility.
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Patient responsibility determined: Based on your EOB, Chi Franciscan Health will calculate the amount you owe for deductibles, copays, coinsurance, or non-covered services.
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First bill sent to patient: Chi Franciscan Health sends you a bill for your responsibility after the claim processes. This is not due immediately.
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Patient payment due: Payment is due within 30 days of getting your first bill. You can pay online, by phone, mail, or in person.
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Payment reminders sent: If unpaid after 30 days, you may get follow up bills, emails or calls with reminders to pay.
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Collections actions if unpaid: After 120 days, unpaid accounts may be sent to a collection agency. Avoid this by paying your bill or setting up a payment plan.
Options for Paying Your Chi Franciscan Health Bill
You have various options when it comes time to pay your Chi Franciscan Health medical bills:
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Pay online: Log into your MyChart account and pay with credit, debit card, or checking account.
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Pay by phone: Call the billing office at 1-888-779-6380 and pay with a card over the phone.
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Pay by mail: Detach payment coupon from your bill and mail with a check or money order.
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Pay in person: Bring your bill to the billing office at your care location. You can pay with cash, check, or card.
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Set up a payment plan: If you can’t pay the full amount due, call the billing office to set up monthly installment payments.
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Financial assistance: If you qualify by income, Chi Franciscan Health offers discounted or free care. Submit an application to see if you’re eligible.
No matter your payment method, be sure to pay your bill in a timely manner to avoid late fees or other consequences of non-payment. Communicate with the billing team if you need help managing large medical bills.
FAQs about Chi Franciscan Health Bill Pay
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about Chi Franciscan Health medical billing and payments:
How long do I have to pay my bill?
Your payment is due within 30 days of getting your first bill. After 30 days, your account is considered past due.
What if I can’t afford to pay my bill in full?
Contact the billing office to explain your financial situation and set up manageable monthly payments. Chi Franciscan Health wants to work with you on payment plans.
What if I don’t have insurance?
Uninsured or self-pay patients get a discount of around 40% off total charges. You’re expected to pay for care upfront or set up a payment plan.
Can I pay multiple bills together?
Yes, you can combine balances from different visits or facilities into one payment plan for convenience.
What if I disagree with the charges on my bill?
Contact the billing office right away if you see any errors or have questions about the charges. They will research and make corrections as needed. Don’t wait to bring up any discrepancies.
What if I already paid this bill?
If you already paid a bill but got a past due notice, provide the billing office proof of payment. They will update your account accordingly.
Get Support from Chi Franciscan Health Billing Services
Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Chi Franciscan Health billing services team if you need support. They are available by phone Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm at 1-888-779-6380.
You can also connect online via the billing contact form on their website. The billing team is there to answer your questions, help you understand your responsibilities, and work through any payment issues.
Takeaway Points
- Review your bills closely and watch for any discrepancies
- Pay your patient responsibility within 30 days of getting your first bill
- Set up payment plans if you can’t pay the full amount due
- Ask questions and get help from billing services as needed
Paying for healthcare can be stressful, but Chi Franciscan Health wants to make the billing process as simple as possible. Communicate with them early on if you anticipate any problems paying for the care you need.
Virginia Mason hospital fees
Most of our facilities located at our Hospital and Seattle Medical Center, including our General Internal Medicine and specialty clinics are licensed as a hospital. The other location licensed as a hospital is our Outpatient Hospital Surgery Center (OSC) Federal Way. If you receive care at our Hospital and Seattle Medical Center or the Federal Way OSC, certain outpatient services and procedures may have a hospital facility charge in addition to a professional (physician) charge. Generally, the hospital facility charge will be greater than the professional charge. Depending on your insurance coverage, you may pay more out-of-pocket for certain outpatient services and procedures at our Seattle Medical Center and Federal Way OSC than you would at one of our medical pavilions. Please review your insurance benefits or contact your insurance company to see what your policy will pay and what you may have to pay out-of-pocket.
What are you looking for?
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health is committed to helping patients make informed decisions about their care. The steps involved in paying for health care can be confusing, and that’s why we’re here to help guide you through estimating costs, understanding your bill, and making payments.