How to Pay Your Bill at Dayton Children’s Hospital

As a parent you want to provide the best possible care for your child. That often means bringing them to Dayton Children’s Hospital for treatment. While the medical care is excellent you may find yourself puzzled when that medical bill arrives in the mail. Don’t worry – paying your bill at Dayton Children’s doesn’t have to be confusing or stressful. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to pay your child’s medical bills smoothly and efficiently.

Understanding Your Bill

The first thing you need to do is figure out what each charge on your Dayton Children’s bill means. Hospitals keep track of everything, from medicines and bandages to the amount of time people spend in the emergency room. Each item will be listed separately along with a price tag.

Don’t be alarmed by the total at the bottom. What you actually end up owing depends on your insurance coverage. The bill is the hospital’s master list. Your insurance company’s Explanation of Benefits (EOB) will show the new rates that they agreed to with Dayton Children’s.

Common charges on a Dayton Children’s bill include:

• Room and board – This covers nursing care, meals, linens, housekeeping, etc. during an inpatient stay.

• Imaging – X-rays, CT scans, MRIs and other imaging tests.

• Lab tests – Any bloodwork, cultures or pathology tests.

• Medical supplies – Bandages, casts braces, syringes and any other supplies used during treatment.

• Medications – Any prescription drugs administered in the hospital

• Procedures – Surgeries, anesthesia, injections, wound care and other procedures.

• Equipment – Use of any special equipment like ventilators or infusion pumps.

• Provider services – All doctor, nurse practitioner and physician assistant services.

Knowing what each charge is for helps you better understand your bill. Don’t hesitate to call Dayton Children’s billing department with any questions.

Checking Your Insurance Coverage

The next step is verifying which charges will be covered by your health insurance plan. Call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask:

• Is Dayton Children’s Hospital in-network or out-of-network? In-network means lower out-of-pocket costs for you.

• What is your deductible and has it been met? The deductible is what you pay out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in.

• What is your coinsurance? This is the percentage you pay even after meeting the deductible. Common amounts are 10%, 20% or 30%.

• Is there a maximum out-of-pocket limit? This caps the total you’d pay per year.

• Do you need preauthorization for hospital admissions or certain procedures? If not obtained, you may get stuck paying the entire bill.

• What does your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) say you owe? This will detail negotiated rates between the insurer and hospital.

Having all this information helps you estimate what your final out-of-pocket cost will be for the Dayton Children’s bill.

Payment Options

Once you know what you owe, it’s time to pay your Dayton Children’s bill. You have several convenient payment options:

• Pay online – Easily pay by credit card or e-check via MyKidsChart. No account needed, just enter your invoice number and child’s date of birth.

• Pay by phone – Call 937-641-3069 and pay by credit card using Dayton Children’s automated payment system.

• Pay by mail – Send a check or money order payable to Dayton Children’s Hospital along with your payment stub to:

  Dayton Children’s Hospital

  One Children’s Plaza

  Dayton, OH 45404
  Attn: Cashiering

• In person – Bring your payment to the Cashier’s Office located on the 1st floor of the main hospital.

• Payment plan – For large balances, call to arrange a monthly payment plan with low-interest financing.

Always include your account number on checks or money orders to ensure proper payment application.

Seeking Financial Assistance

For families struggling with medical bills, Dayton Children’s offers several types of financial assistance:

• Prompt Pay Discounts – Receive a 30% discount by paying your entire bill within 30 days.

• Uninsured Discounts – Those with no insurance get a 40% discount off total charges.

• Charity Care – If household income is below 250% of federal poverty guidelines, your child’s care may be free.

• Payment Plans – Monthly payments as low as $25 based on income level.

Don’t hesitate to call billing and ask what financial assistance options are available to you. Their goal is finding a solution that works for your family’s budget.

Avoiding Surprises

To prevent billing surprises in the future:

• Ask about cost estimates ahead of any scheduled procedures or surgeries so you know the anticipated out-of-pocket expense.

• Call billing right away if you spot any errors on a bill. This is easier to fix early on.

• Notify Dayton Children’s and your insurer anytime your insurance coverage changes.

• Understand your health plan’s policies on referrals, preauthorizations and network status to avoid unexpected charges.

With the right information and preparation, you can pay your Dayton Children’s bill worry-free. Their billing staff is available to answer any questions and help navigate the process. Don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance!