Undergoing medical imaging services like MRIs, CT scans, and X-rays provides crucial health information, but also leads to medical bills that must be paid. Houston Radiology Associated (HRA) is a premier radiology group serving the Houston area that provides interpretation and diagnostics for a wide array of imaging exams. If you have received care from HRA radiologists, you will need to pay the resulting medical bills properly to avoid complications.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain how HRA billing works, provide tips for understanding your statement charges, outline payment options like online bill pay, and describe financial assistance programs for patients struggling with medical bills.

How HRA Medical Bills Are Handled

When you get your images back from a Houston Methodist hospital or imaging center, HRA will bill you for the radiologist fee for interpreting your images separately from the facility’s technical fee. HRA will send you a monthly statement outlining their charges and your responsibility.

If you have active health insurance, HRA will submit claims directly to your insurer to determine coverage amounts. You will only pay any remaining patient responsibility after insurance processes the claim. Uninsured patients are billed the full charge amounts upfront.

It’s crucial to pay your HRA bills within 30 days of receiving a statement to avoid late fees or collections referral. Communicate with HRA promptly about any billing issues or delays.

Online Bill Pay Through the Patient Portal

The easiest way to pay your HRA medical bill is through their online patient portal You can make secure credit/debit card or bank account payments 24/7 and view billing statements

To start, locate your HRA account number on your printed statement. After that, go to HRA’s online bill pay site and enter your account number and the special code they gave you. Follow the steps to make one-time or recurring payments.

Setting up an online bill pay account with HRA allows quick access to statements and payment options from your computer or mobile device at any time.

Other Payment Options

If you prefer not to pay bills online HRA also accepts payments by

• Phone – Call the automated payment line at 281-206-9050 or the toll-free number 855-833-9516. Speak to a representative Monday-Friday 8:30am-5pm CST for assistance.

• Mail – Send a paper check or money order to the remit address printed on your statement. Allow 7-10 days for mail delivery to avoid late fees.

• In person – Visit the Patient Access Department at Houston Methodist locations to pay by cash, check, or credit/debit card.

Choose the most convenient option for your needs each month. Having multiple payment choices ensures you can pay HRA bills on time.

Reading and Understanding Your Statement

When you receive an HRA bill, take a moment to review the statement details before paying:

• The balance due shows the total amount you owe for that billing period.

• Service dates list the dates imaging services were provided by HRA radiologists.

• Charges break down the billed amounts for each imaging exam interpreted.

• Payments and adjustments reflect any insurer payments or financial assistance.

• An EOB (explanation of benefits) from your health insurer showing their claim determinations may be included.

Carefully checking statement details prevents errors and helps identify any discrepancies needing follow-up with HRA’s billing department. Notify HRA immediately if charges are incorrect before paying.

Seeking Medical Bill Assistance

For patients facing financial hardship, HRA provides assistance options including:

• Payment plans – Break down large balances into smaller, regular payments over an extended timeframe.

• Charity care – Low-income uninsured patients may have bills reduced or forgiven based on eligibility criteria.

• Prompt pay discounts – Receive a discount on your balance by paying your bill quickly after receiving a statement.

• Healthcare sharing programs – Faith-based medical bill sharing ministries can assist with costs for those who qualify.

Reach out to HRA’s billing team to discuss bill assistance or scheduling a payment plan if needed. Avoid letting medical bills go to collections by being proactive.

Collections Process for Unpaid Medical Bills

If your HRA medical bills remain unpaid after 90 days, your account will be referred to a professional collection agency. Once in collections, the agency will contact you to resolve your outstanding balance, now with added collection fees.

To avoid this and additional damage to your finances, address overdue HRA bills promptly. Work with HRA early on to make payment arrangements or adjust the debt before it is sent to collections. Keep your account in good standing.

Key Tips for Managing Your Medical Bills

• Carefully review each HRA statement and pay by the due date to avoid late fees.
• Save copies of bills, EOBs, and payment confirmations for your records.
• Update HRA if your health insurance or contact information changes.
• Ask for an itemized bill if charges seem unclear.
• Set payment reminders and enroll in autopay for easier bill management.
• Seek financial assistance immediately if unable to fully pay.

In Summary

Medical imaging provides vital health insight, but also comes with billing – a reality you must manage properly. Review HRA statements closely, leverage the online bill pay portal for quick payments, and seek bill assistance early if needed. Maintaining good financial standing ensures continued access to quality imaging services when your health depends on it.