Frequently Asked Questions
If your question was not featured below, please contact your local location for more information.
Answers to Your Questions About Billing Services
We understand that medical billing is a complex topic. Our goal is to provide some clarity. Here at Lake Charles Memorial, we do everything we can to serve our clients with excellence. This includes answering your questions about our billing services. Read answers to frequently asked questions below, or contact our Lake Charles hospital for more information.
Can I get an estimate for the charges I'll be receiving?
Yes. Contact our patient access representative at 337.494.3224. We'll provide you with an estimate for your charges.
I would like to see an itemized bill or my account balance. Who can I call?
We're happy to help you with that. Get in touch with a customer service representative from our Lake Charles hospital at 337.494.3265 for an itemized bill or to see the current balance on your account.
How long will it be until I receive my statement?
We start by billing the insurance provider or providers you name. We will also bill any worker's compensation insurance company you present when you register prior to billing you. As soon as your health insurance provider has gone through with their payments, you will receive our statement. Please review the statement for accuracy. If you have any questions about your statement, please contact a customer service representative at 337.494.3265.
Why was my account sent to a collection agency?
We refer unpaid accounts to collections agencies after a set period of time. We will mail a total of four statements to the address provided by the patient prior to sending the account over to collections. Which means you have up to 120 days to take action on your account before being sent over to the collection agency in which they will begin the process of mailing the patient letters regarding the collection balance.
Is physician billing separate from hospital billing?
Yes.
What is the explanation of benefits (EOB) I received?
An Explanation of Benefits, often referred to as an EOB, is a document that describes what costs a health insurance plan will cover for incurred healthcare and related expenses. EOBs are created when an insurance provider processes a claim for services received. An EOB is not a bill, but rather a statement of rendered services outlining the provider charges, plan discounts and/or coverages, and the remaining participant responsible balance.
Why couldn't the registration representative at the ER tell me anything about whether or not my insurance would cover my visit?
This is due to the fact that there are regulations in place prohibiting us from answering your billing questions until we have learned more about your emergency. This protects patients and ensures that everyone who visits our emergency room can receive help without worrying about their ability to pay.