Health care billing and payment can be complex and confusing. Here are some tips to help you prepare for paying for you care.

Before scheduling your procedure or clinic visit, you should check with your health plan or employer to understand your coverage amount and benefits such as deductible, copayment, or coinsurance amounts that you may owe after treatment. It is better to understand your health plan and your responsibility ahead of time.

Bring your complete health insurance information when you register including insurance cards and picture ID. You may be asked to sign some forms such as a release of information and financial consent.

Provide updated information if you are a current patient and your personal or insurance information has change since your last visit. The lack of current information can cause payment delays or denials that may ultimately leave you responsible for payment.

Co-payment for providers, hospital, Ambulatory Surgery Center or Other balances you may owe are due on the day you receive services. If required by your insurance, you will need to pay for estimated coinsurance, deductibles related to your care or previous balance. If you have any questions regarding your benefits, please call your insurance company. You may find the telephone number for your insurance card.

After your visit you must respond promptly to requests from your insurance company for additional information such as a pre-existing condition. This requests must be handled before payment can occur. If not, the entire billed amount may become the patient’s responsibility.

If your account is a result of an automobile accident or other accident caused by another party, you can request itemized statements to be sent to any attorney involved. However, keep in mind that you will remain responsible for making payments on the account until the dispute is settled.

Patient statements will usually come within 45 days after you have been to a hospital, clinic, or out-patient facility. When your insurance delays payment, it may further delay patient statements.