Services
Patient Billing & Payment Information
As a Mercy Medical Center - North Iowa patient, you may have questions about your bill. Following are answers to the most commonly asked questions.
Do I need to inform my insurance company that I'm going to receive hospital
services?
It depends on your insurance policy. It is your responsibility to check with
your insurance company or your employer about whether or not you need prior
approval or authorization before receiving services or as soon as possible
in emergency situations.
Should I bring my insurance card with me to the hospital?
Yes. The information on your insurance card is needed for
Mercy Medical Center - North Iowa to file a claim with your insurance
company. When you register, we will ask you for information about
your insurance coverage and have you sign forms for consent for treatment
and assignment of benefits. This registration process goes much faster
when you bring your insurance information with you.
How do I find out if my insurance company will cover my hospital services?
Insurance policies vary. Contact your insurance company or your employer with
your specific questions about what is or is not
covered by your insurance
plan or if a referral is required.
Medicare does not cover some services. For example:
- self administered drugs for outpatient, observation, and ambulatory services
- inpatient or outpatient dental services in most cases
- outpatient laboratory screening, etc...
Please refer to your Medicare handbook to check on services you will be receiving.
When do I become responsible for my bill?
You are financially responsible for your bill
at the time you receive services. All
account balances are due upon receipt of the bill which indicates that the
balance is now due from you. Many insurance benefits include copayments, deductibles,
and coinsurance which are the responsibility of the patient. Please be prepared
to pay your portion, estimated or actual, at the time you receive services.
Registration representatives can provide assistance to estimate total charges.
A Financial Counselor is available at the time of registration to explain payment
methods and plans.
Will you bill my insurance company for me?
Yes. As a service to you, Mercy will bill your insurance company based on the
information supplied by you at the time of registration. It is your responsibility
to follow up on the status of your claims.
When will I receive a bill?
In most cases your summary statement from Mercy Medical Center - North Iowa
is sent to your home 14 to 21 days after you receive services. Your insurance
company is billed at this time.
If you do not have insurance coverage, payment can be made by cash, check, MasterCard, VISA, or Discover .
Will I get more than one bill?
Yes, in addition to your bill from Mercy, you may receive bills for the same
date of service from other medical professional groups. Such as: physicians,
radiologists, anesthesiologists and pathologists. They will bill you separately
for the services they provide.
How will I know if my insurance company has paid on my bill?
Most insurance companies will send an explanation of benefits to its subscriber.
In addition, Mercy will send you a statement indicating any payments received
and the amount you are required to pay. The account balance is due upon receipt
of your bill.
If you cannot pay the balance within 30 days, please contact our Patient Accounts department at Mercy Medical Center - North Iowa, 641.422.7050 or 800.433.3883 extension 7050 to discuss your account. Financial assistance is available for qualified persons.
Where can I pay my bill?
You may mail your payment using the envelope enclosed with your bill.
You may place your payment in the payment drop box located at our East Campus at 1000 4th Street SW, Mason City, near the main lobby. There also is a drop box at Patient Financial Service, located at the Mercy - Regency building, 621 S. Illinois, Mason City.
If personalized assistance is needed, Patient Financial Services is located at Mercy - Regency at 621 S. Illinois, Mason City. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 641.422.7050 or 800.433.3883 extension 7050.
Director
Laura Olander
641.422.7193
Manager
Paula Monson
641.422.5746
Supervisor
Lana Barragan
641.494.3031
Supervisor
Jeanine Klang
641.422.7995
Patient Financial Services
Mercy - Regency
621 S. Illinois
Mason City, Iowa
641.422.7050