Paying medical bills can be confusing and stressful. With different charges from various departments and providers, multiple bills coming in at different times, and unclear insurance explanations, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Reading Hospital aims to simplify the billing and payment process so you can focus on your health.
Understanding Your Reading Hospital Bill
When you receive care at Reading Hospital, you’ll likely get separate bills from different departments involved in your care. This includes:
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Hospital facility fees – Covers costs for room stays, medical supplies, nursing care, etc.
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Physician fees – For doctors who provided treatment. This is separate from facility fees.
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Lab and testing fees – For processed lab work and diagnostic tests.
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Pharmacy fees – If you received prescription medications.
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Rehab fees – For services like physical or occupational therapy
Each bill contains date(s) of service, specific charges, and amount owed based on your insurance coverage. It can be tricky figuring out what each charge is for. Don’t hesitate to call Reading Hospital’s billing department with any questions.
Payment Options with Reading Hospital
Reading Hospital offers several convenient payment options:
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Online bill pay – View and pay bills through the MyTowerHealth patient portal You can also update demographic and insurance information
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Pay by phone – Call the billing department at 484-628-5683 or toll-free at 866-333-5820. Have your account number ready.
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Pay by mail – Mail checks or money orders to PO Box 825602, Philadelphia, PA 19182-5602. Include your account number on the check.
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In-person – Pay with cash, check, or credit card at registration before appointments. You can also arrange partial payments or payment plans.
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Payment plans – Having trouble covering large bills? Request an interest-free monthly payment plan.
Financial Assistance with Reading Hospital
If medical bills are causing financial hardship, Reading Hospital has resources to help, including:
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Financial assistance – Uninsured or underinsured patients may qualify for reduced or waived bills based on income and assets.
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Charity care – Full charity care available based on financial need. Covers 100% of eligible medical costs.
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Payment plans – Manage costs through smaller monthly payments over 6-12 months.
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Self-pay discounts – Uninsured patients may receive up to 45% discount when paying promptly.
Don’t avoid necessary care due to lack of insurance or high deductibles. Reading Hospital aims to provide treatment regardless of your ability to pay.
Billing Questions Answered
We know medical bills raise lots of questions. Here are some common ones:
What if I’m billed for more than my usual copay?
- Your copay only covers a portion of the costs. You may owe additional amounts for deductibles or non-covered services.
Why am I still getting bills after paying my deductible?
- Some plans have separate deductibles for different services. You may owe multiple deductibles.
What if I already paid this bill?
- Contact the billing department immediately. Provide documentation of prior payment and the department will investigate.
Why does my bill keep changing?
- Bills can change after insurance processes claims. Notify the billing team of any discrepancies.
When do bills need to be paid?
- Payment is due upon receipt of the initial bill. Accounts become delinquent after 30 days without payment.
Managing Medical Costs at Reading Hospital
Reading Hospital aims to provide excellent care while keeping costs manageable. Here are some tips:
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Understand your health insurance coverage and costs before receiving care. This helps avoid surprises.
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Ask about cheaper alternatives for tests and medications when possible. Generic drugs usually cost less.
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Request an itemized bill and clarify any vague charges. Errors can occur when billing.
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Set up payment plans to divide costs into smaller monthly payments interest-free.
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Apply for financial assistance if eligible. Charity care and discounts provide vital help.
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Meet with a financial counselor for guidance on managing expenses.
With the right billing knowledge and payment options, you can receive the vital care you need without undue financial stress. Reading Hospital’s compassionate billing team is here to simplify the process and answer all your medical billing questions.
How to Read a Medical Bill | GoodRx
FAQ
Are hospital bills negotiable?
Healthcare providers’ billing offices are used to negotiating. Getting a medical bill that is too high for you or your family is okay. Just ask for a lower price. You could also apply for Medicaid if you qualify or ask for a payment plan if you can’t get the price lowered.
What is billing in a hospital?
The AAPC says that medical billing is the process of looking at a patient’s medical records and using information about their diagnoses and procedures to figure out which procedures should be billed and who should be billed for them.
How do I contact reading hospital billing?
Call 484. 628. If you are a patient and need more information or have a question about your appointment, you can call our scheduling department at 484 628. 8611. As a patient, you can call the Reading Hospital Billing office at 1 until you understand your bill. 484. 628. 5820.
How can I pay my bills to the City of Reading?
The City of Reading offers a fast, easy, and safe way to pay bills online. Card types like Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, Electronic Check, and Apple Pay and Google Pay can all be used to pay. You can safely make a payment by calling our automated system from your landline or cell phone at any time, day or night, seven days a week.
How do I discuss my financial responsibility with Reading Hospital?
Discuss your portion of the financial responsibility. Our team will tell you how much your co-pay and deductible are for the service we offer. Discuss any past-due balances you may have with Reading Hospital. Discuss payment options for your co-pay, deductible and any past-due balances.
What services does Reading Hospital offer?
Reading Hospital offers a wide range of women’s health services and programs in the Berks County area. They let people get help from obstetricians and gynecologists, midwives, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, and residents (doctors who are still learning).
How do I pay the patient responsibility portion of my bill?
They include paying with a credit card through our safe card swipe at the point of service, a check, a money order, or cash. One of our patient financial service reps will talk to you about your options if you can’t pay the patient responsibility part of your bill.
What if I’m scheduled for a doctor’s appointment at Reading Hospital?
When you check in for a doctor’s appointment, test, study, or procedure at any of our Reading Hospital locations, the person who helps you will enter information that will help us keep your patient record and bill your insurance. At this time, we will: Discuss your portion of the financial responsibility.