Billing Policy
Patient Billing Overview
Our billing policy is designed to deliver a convenient and consistent payment experience to our patients. We will securely save your Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), credit, or debit card on file to cover any balance due after your insurance benefits are applied. This policy will help you to simplify how you pay medical bills.
Paying your healthcare bills is now a convenient experience, just like paying for a hotel visit or a subscription streaming service. You will not receive a paper statement in the mail (unless you request one), and we’ll send you helpful electronic communications about your payment. Plus, it’s completely secure, so you never have to worry about your personal information being viewed or stolen by others.
Here’s how it works:
We securely save your credit or debit card information before your visit.
We work with your health plan to determine your payment amount for the visit. If you have a flat copay, we will run your card for that amount within a few days of your appointment.
If you have a deductible or coinsurance, we will text or email you the amount you will be charged before we charge it. You may pay your balance online at any time, or we will process your card approximately one week after we send you the statement. Please contact us if you have any questions.
We process the payment for you automatically and email you the receipt. If for some reason we cannot process your credit card payment, we will send you a statement and continue to try to make a payment on the card you gave us.
If we do not have current payment information on file for you, we will send you a credit card authorization form the next time we receive a payment update from your insurance company. If you receive an electronic message from us asking for your credit card information, please fill it out online. If you have any concerns, just give us a call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this something new? I’ve never had to do this before.
A: Due to the number of high deductible health plans and higher patient co-insurance benefits, this has become necessary for our organization. Please keep in mind that we will not charge your card if you do not owe anything.
Q: How much are you going to charge my card?
A: We will charge your card the amount that your health plan determines is your responsibility.
Q: Will you send me a bill to let me know what I owe?
A: After your appointment, you will receive an explanation of benefits (EOB) from your insurance company that will confirm your payment responsibility. We receive the same letter within 7-30 days following your appointment. We will review each EOB carefully and charge your credit card with the amount that is determined by your health plan to be your responsibility. We will send you an electronic notification approximately 5 days before your card is charged.
Q: What if I have a flat copay?
Once we determine your copay, we will run your card for that amount within a few days of your appointment. If it turns out that you do not owe anything for the appointment, we will gladly refund the copay and update our records.
Q: What is a deductible? How does it affect me?
A: First, contact your health plan to determine if you have a deductible and the exact amount of the deductible. An annual deductible is the dollar amount you must pay out of pocket during the year for medical expenses before your health plan begins paying. For example, if your health plan has a $500 deductible, you must pay the first $500 of medical expenses before your health plan begins to pay for any services. This is similar to the deductible for your car insurance or homeowner’s insurance.
Q: When does a deductible begin?
A: Your deductible begins annually at the start of your health plan year. Health plans can start on any date. Typically they begin on either January 1st or July 1st.
Q: How will I know when my deductible has been met?
A: You may find out when your deductible has been met by calling your health plan at any time. Some health plans enable patients to view this information online.
Q: What happens if I do not have a credit card?
A: If you do not have a credit or debit card, we can accept a deposit at check-in before your appointment.
Q: What happens if I need to dispute my bill?
A: We will only charge you the amount determined by your health plan in your EOB. However, we will work with you if there has been a mistake on your bill, and refund you the necessary amount to correct any error.
Q: Does my provider at Alli Center know you are doing this?
A: Yes, all the providers are aware of our new billing policy and support its implementation.
Q: I’ve always paid my bills on time. Why do I have to give you a credit card?
A: To be fair and consistent with our clients, we are implementing the new policy with a comprehensive approach. Additionally, we want all of our clients to benefit from this new policy, which simplifies how you pay medical bills.
Q: I do not have a deductible or I have two plans. I will never owe you anything. Do I still need to give you a credit card?
A: Due to the complexity of health plans, clients are not always aware of their payment responsibility. Additionally, changes to health plans happen often, which can make you responsible for payments without your knowledge. So we ask all clients to save a card on file to ensure we are prepared in the event they do have payment responsibility. Our exceptions are for patients with coverage through Medicaid or the VA Community Care Network, in which case we will not require a credit card.
Q: Who can I talk to about this policy? I have concerns.
A: We can answer any questions you have if you give us a call at 319-804-9312 or email us at info@alli-center.com.
We understand this is a new policy that may be unfamiliar to you; however, it is similar to the process you experience checking in to a hotel or renting a car. Thank you for your support!