A Complete Guide to Paying Your Southwest General Medical Group Bill

Southwest General Medical Group (SGMG) provides primary and specialty care across northern Ohio If you’ve received care from an SGMG provider, you’ll get a separate bill from their office It’s important to understand your SGMG bill and pay it promptly. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about receiving, reading, and paying your SGMG medical bill.

Receiving Your SGMG Bill

When you finish an appointment with an SGMG provider, their office will send you a bill. This is not the same as any hospital bills you might get from Southwest General Health Center.

SGMG bills are typically sent within 30 days of your visit. But it could take up to 90 days for your health insurance to finish processing all of your claims. Bills are mailed to the billing address listed in your SGMG medical record.

Key Details on Your SGMG Bill

Your SGMG bill contains important details you need to understand

• Date of service – The date you were seen by the SGMG provider. You may have multiple dates listed if seen multiple times.

• Provider name – The specific SGMG physician or clinician who treated you.

• Place of service – Where you were treated (office, telehealth visit, hospital, etc).

• CPT codes – These medical billing codes describe each service provided.

• Charges – The full cost of each service before adjustments.

• Insurance payments – Amounts paid by your health insurance to the provider.

• Adjustments – Discounts or write-offs for insured patients.

• Patient balance – The remaining amount you owe the provider for the services.

• Due date – Payment is due upon receipt or within 30 days of the billing date.

Double check that all details on your SGMG bill are accurate. Contact the billing office with any discrepancies.

Paying Your SGMG Medical Bill

You are responsible for paying the patient balance on your SGMG bill. Here are ways to pay:

• Online Bill Pay – Pay through your SGMG patient portal account anytime. Use bank account or credit card.

• Phone – Call 440-336-8826 to pay your SGMG bill over the phone.

• Mail – Send a check or money order to the provider’s mailing address.

• In person – Pay at your SGMG provider’s office if open for bill payments.

There may be a small processing fee for credit/debit card payments. Use your SGMG account number to ensure proper payment application.

SGMG Billing Questions or Disputes

If you have questions or concerns about the charges on your SGMG bill, contact the provider’s billing office directly at 440-336-8826. Reasons you may need to dispute or inquire about your SGMG bill:

• Incorrect patient demographics/details
• Services that were not actually rendered
• Inaccurate CPT codes for services provided
• Double-billing for the same services
• Errors in dates of service
• Incorrect insurance billing information
• Lack of appropriate insurance discounts applied

To resolve SGMG billing errors or disputes, contact the billing office ready with:

• Your account information
• Details on the disputed charges
• Explanation on why you are disputing the bill
• How you would like the dispute resolved

By flagging billing mistakes quickly, SGMG can investigate and make needed corrections. Pay any undisputed balance promptly while disputed amount is examined. Keep notes on who you spoke with and what was discussed.

Avoid SGMG Late Fees

SGMG bills are due upon receipt or within 30 days of the statement date. A late fee may be charged on unpaid balances after 30 days.

If your SGMG account becomes delinquent, you may get sent to a collections agency. This can damage your credit score. Avoid late fees and collections by paying your SGMG bills on time.

Prompt payment ensures you remain in good standing with your SGMG providers. You can request payment plans if needed for more time to pay a large balance.

Billing Assistance Options

If you are having trouble paying your SGMG medical bills, there may be options:

• Payment Plan – Set up installments to pay off your balance over time. Get approval from the billing office.

• Financial Assistance – SGMG offers discounted care for qualified patients based on income level and family size.

You may also check if third party charitable organizations can assist with medical bill payments. Talk to the SGMG billing staff about your financial hardship.

Automated Payment Options

For convenience, consider setting up automatic payments for your SGMG bills. This ensures on-time payment each month. Options include:

• Recurring credit card – Set up automatic charges to your designated card.

• Bank draft payments – Authorize withdrawals from your checking account to pay bills.

Discuss automated payment choices with your provider’s billing department. Monitor statements closely.

Staying on top of billing details, payment options, and account communications will help you pay your SGMG medical bills accurately and on time. Know who to reach out to about billing questions or discrepancies. Prompt payment maintains a good standing relationship with your SGMG providers.