Paying medical bills can be confusing and stressful. As a patient of UAB Medical West, you have options when it comes to managing your account and making payments. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about UAB Medical West bill pay to make the process as smooth as possible.
An Overview of UAB Medical West
UAB Medical West is part of the UAB Health System and provides quality healthcare to communities in and around Bessemer, Alabama The medical center includes an advanced wound care center, surgical services, a sleep center, specialty clinics, and more UAB Medical West offers two bill pay options for patients – an online bill pay system and phone payments.
Online Bill Pay
The online bill pay system allows you to securely pay your UAB Medical West account online To access the online bill pay system, go to the UAB Medical West website and click on “Online Bill Pay”
You can use this system to pay hospital bills beginning with “V”. This online option is fast and convenient, allowing you to pay anytime from your computer or mobile device. When you log into the online system, you can:
- View account balances
- Make one-time payments
- Set up recurring payments
- View payment history
To get started you will need your account number and last name. The online bill pay system accepts Visa Mastercard, Discover, American Express, and checking account payments.
Phone Payments
In addition to online bill pay, you can also pay your UAB Medical West bill over the phone by calling (205) 481-7000. Representatives are available to take payments and answer any billing questions you may have.
When you call to make a payment, have your account number, last name, and payment information ready. The phone number is available 24/7 for your convenience.
Financial Assistance
UAB Medical West offers financial assistance options if you are having trouble paying your medical bills. To learn more and apply, go to the UAB Medical West website and click on “Financial Assistance Letter and Application” under Financial Resources.
Financial counselors are also available to discuss payment plan options and connect you with resources. You can reach the financial counselors by calling the number on your billing statement.
Billing FAQs
Navigating medical bills can be complicated. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about UAB Medical West billing and payments:
How often are bills sent out?
Bills are sent out monthly and are due upon receipt.
What if I cannot pay my full balance?
Contact a financial counselor to discuss payment plan options. Partial payments can also be made through online bill pay or phone payments.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, checks, and money orders through online bill pay or phone payments.
What if I have a dispute about my bill?
Contact our billing department as soon as possible to discuss any billing disputes. We will work with you to resolve any issues.
Can I pay multiple accounts at once?
Yes, you can enter multiple account numbers when making an online payment to pay several accounts at the same time.
When are payments due?
Payments are due upon receipt of the monthly billing statement.
Additional Billing Support
If you need further assistance with billing questions, UAB Medical West provides several options:
- Call the number on your billing statement to speak with a representative
- Email [email protected]
- Schedule an in-person appointment with a financial counselor
The billing department is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm. The financial team is available to guide you through bill pay, set up payment plans, verify insurance, and more. Do not hesitate to reach out for personalized support.
Paying healthcare bills can be confusing, but UAB Medical West offers convenient bill pay options and financial resources to help. From online payments to over-the-phone support, we are committed to making the billing process simple for our patients. Use this guide as a reference anytime you have a question about your UAB Medical West account. Our knowledgeable billing staff is ready to provide assistance.
How Are Prices Calculated, and How Are Out-of-Pocket Costs Determined?
Pricing for services delivered by a hospital begins with the Charge Description Master, a price listing for all hospital items and services available to hospital personnel as they deliver patient care. All items and services used during the course of a patients treatemnt are summarized on a bill, which represents the total price of all items and services used during a patients treatment.
If a patient has health insurance coverage, hospital bills are first submitted to the insurance company for initial payment. The insurance company would pay for hospital services based on the negotiated contract with the hospital and the patients purchased insurance plan benefits. If the total balance was not satisfied by the insurance company, the hospital could seek payment from the patient, which would represent the patients out-of-pocket cost.
For patients who do not have health insurance coverage, UAB Medical West has developed a cash price for services, including a balance adjustment similar to that experienced by a patient with purchased health insurance coverage. This adjustment seeks to provide some financial fairness for patients who do not have access to or the ability to afford purchased health insurance coverage.
Calculating out-of-pocket costs is often difficult, given all the factors that can impact a patients bill. The best way to find out is to asl. Thanks to current technology, UAB Medical West can assist with estimating out-of-pocket costs for many of our most common services. This allows patients to better understand individual out-of-pocket costs and to satisfy that responsibility prior to receiving treatment. UAB Medical West also recommends talking directly to your health insurance provider to better understand policy and benefit coverage and how much could be owed for a specific treatment or service.
Keep in mind that the more complex or long-term the care is, the harder it becomes to estimate costs upfront – especially if unexpected complications or other health care needs arise.
Please use the links below to access the UAB Medical West listing of standard charges and the online patient price estimator tool:
Where Can I Get More Information About UAB Medical West Hospital Costs?
For more information about our pricing and your specific charges, please call (205) 481-8605 to speak with a financial counselor.
If you do not have insurance or do not intend to file a claim with your insurance, you have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected costs of any non-emergency services received at UAB Medical West.
- You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected costs of any non-emergency items or services.
- You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate verbally or in writing at least one business day prior to your non-emergency medical service or item.
- If you receive a bill that is at least $400 or more than your Good Faith Estimate, you have the right to dispute the bill with UAB Medical West.
- You have the right to take a picture or request a copy of your Good Faith Estimate for your personal records.
- You have the right to discuss healthcare service options with your insurance plan, specifically regarding a list of in-network facilities and providers. Please see your insurance card for more details on how to contact your plan.