Bills & Expenses
The rates and charges established by the hospital are regulated by the Maryland Health Services Cost Review Commission (HSCRC), an agency appointed to help control health care costs in this state. The hospital cooperates fully with the HSCRC in its attempt to provide the highest quality of service to the patient at the lowest possible cost.
Daily Room and Board Charges
The daily charge on your bill covers your room, general nursing care, meals, linen, housekeeping and maintenance. Other charges are itemized and listed separately.
Delayed Charges
Some of the services ordered shortly before you are discharged may not be received in time to appear on your bill before you leave. These charges will be included on the itemized bill mailed to your home a few days after you leave. The Business Office at (301) 315-3660 can answer your questions about these charges.
Discounts
If you pay your portion of the bill on admission or at discharge, you will receive a 2 percent discount. If you pay your portion of the bill within 30 days of leaving the hospital, you will receive a 1 percent discount.
Financial Policy
Our only source of income is patient fees. Your prompt payment helps us meet our bills and pay our staff. Your bill, less any insurance or deposit credits, is due and payable in full at the time of discharge. This includes your insurance co-pay and co-insurance responsibilities. You or a member of your family should stop by the Admitting Office before you leave to conclude financial arrangements.
Please direct any questions to our financial counselor at (301) 891-5351.
Medical Assistance
A medical assistance worker is available to take and process medical assistance applications. Contact the Social Work/Discharge Planning Department at (301) 891-5465.
Medicare and Medicaid
Patients admitted under the Medicare plan must remember that they are responsible for deductible, co-insurance and non-covered items of the plan. Please contact the Admitting Office at (301) 891-5351 with your questions about Medicare and Medicaid.
Patients with Insurance
Our Admitting Office will verify your insurance coverage and estimate the benefits you can expect. If you have insurance that we do not accept, your itemized bill will help you receive reimbursement directly from your insurance company.
You are ultimately responsible for the payment of your bill. Should your insurance company not pay your bill within 30 days, you will be contacted and asked to pay the bill yourself or to make arrangements with your insurance company.
Patients Without Insurance
If you do not have sufficient or acceptable health insurance coverage, an advance payment is required. If payment cannot be made, the Admitting Office will assist you in making appropriate arrangements.
Professional Services
Your hospital bill does not include fees for services provided by your physician, radiologist, pathologist, anesthesiologist, Emergency Department physician, consulting physicians, surgeon’s assistant, private duty nurse or professional sitter. Each of these will bill you separately.
Utilization Management
The care you receive at Washington Adventist Hospital will be reviewed by a team of physicians and other health care experts to ensure that it is both medically necessary and appropriately delivered to you. Our utilization management team will work with your caregivers to achieve a smooth flow in your treatment process. If any concerns arise, we will work closely with you and your family to resolve them. Our goal is two-fold: to ensure that you receive high-quality care, and to be certain that your care meets insurance guidelines.
Workers Compensation
If you are injured at work, we must have authorization from your employer in order to bill the workers’ compensation insurance carrier and avoid delays in settlement. Unless you verify that your medical care will be compensated, you are responsible for paying the bill.