Financial Information & Patient Billing

Hospital Charges and Insurance

Financial Information Patient Billing – Harlingen Medical Center’s Business Office routinely files all necessary hospital claims to insurance companies for reimbursement. The patient, however, is ultimately responsible for all hospital services/treatment expenses. It is extremely important that the hospital be given all information regarding the patient’s insurance as soon as possible, so that the Business Office can verify it is in effect and determines the nature of coverage.

If insurance coverage is insufficient, payment for services rendered is due by one of the following methods:

• Deposit made before or upon admission;
• Payment made during your hospital stay;
• Cash or other payment upon discharge.

Payment and/or deposit may be made with cash or a credit card such as Master Card, VISA, Discover and American Express, as well as check.

Inquiries regarding payment or deposit requirements for your services may be discussed with a Business Office representative at 956-365-1096.

Medicare requires that your hospital admission and continued stay be justified for medical necessity. If continued stay is not medically necessary, Medicare will not pay for it. You have the right to appeal any written notice that states Medicare will no longer be responsible for your bill. Please ask your nurse to have someone from Case Management contact you if you wish to appeal a Medicare denial decision.

We are aware that hospital bills are sometimes difficult to understand because of the various requirements imposed on the hospital by health insurance carriers. Your statement of account will include only those services rendered to you by Harlingen Medical Center. Services provided by your doctor, surgeon, anesthesiologist, pathologist, radiologist and any other consulting physician will be billed by their respective office. If you wish to have your statement of accounts clarified, you can call the Harlingen Medical Center Business Office at 956-365-1096.

Most insurance plans do not cover 100% of your hospital stay. Your co-pay or deductible is expected to be paid at the time of service. If you are unable to pay the balance in full, you can make arrangements for installment payments.

Business Department:

Office: 956-365-1096
Fax: 956-365-1074

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm

Admission/Discharge Procedure

Registration

Harlingen Medical Center has four registration sites, which are the Concierge Desk at the main entrance, the Emergency Department Registration Desk, and the Registration Desk at the Wound Healing Center, located on the first floor of the Medical Office Building.

Registration staff also provides bedside and pre-registration services.

• Scheduled maternity procedure patients may pre-register at the scheduled date and time given. Labor and Delivery patients may also pre-register during after hours (8:00pm-5:00am) in the Emergency Department.
• Scheduled surgery procedure patients may pre-register Monday through Friday, 7:00am-5:00pm.
• Patients scheduled for ambulatory and radiology procedures may register Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.

Discharge Planning

We understand your desire to be discharged from the hospital as soon as your condition warrants. Therefore, the nursing staff will facilitate the coordination of your discharge plan during your stay, including your need for community resources. If you require extensive planning in anticipation of your discharge, such as placement assistance or assistance by protective services, your nurse will involve the hospital Case Management team, and if necessary, a social worker. Discharge planning begins on admission and staff will explain our discharge policy early in your stay.

Going Home

After discussion with you and/or your family, your physician will determine if you are ready to be discharged. Your nurse will assist you with the discharge process. We intend to discharge by 10:00 a.m., although this depends on the time your physician makes rounds. Please arrange for transportation home. Any valuables placed in the safe should be picked up upon discharge. Final instructions will be completed in your room prior to discharge. Wheelchairs are available to transport you from your room to your vehicle at the time of discharge.