Burlington, IA- Great River Health has announced changes to the billing system at its clinics.
According to a news release, Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center Clinics in West Burlington and Fort Madison, and Henry County Health Center Orthopedic Clinic now follow a provider-based, also known as hospital-based, billing model for outpatient services.
Healthcare services received after August 1st, 2024, will show two charges billed separately, even though they may happen at the same time.
These charges include professional services or doctor care, and another for facility fees related to clinic or hospital resources used.
Professional services cover being seen by a healthcare provider, or a test result read.
Facility fees or hospital care cover room usage, equipment, supplies, and any additional healthcare staff involved in a patient’s care during a visit or procedure.
Any labs, tests, or imaging done during the visit would also be billed under the facility fee.
Great River Health says that provider-based billing is the national model for healthcare organizations providing both hospital and physician clinic services. It is used by other organizations such as the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, MercyOne and Unity Point.
Patients can consult directly with their insurance provider to understand how each portion of the charges may be covered for provider-based clinics and how out-of-pocket expenses may be affected based on their insurance plan. Great River Health Patient Financial Services counselors are also available to answer specific billing questions at 319-768-3625, option 2.
For more information, visit greatriverhelath.org.
