Patient Financial Services and Financial Assistance Program
Pre-Registration & AdmissionPre-registration services are available for all scheduled patients. Patients are encouraged to request telephone pre-registration as far in advance as possible but allowing at least 24 to 72 hours prior to scheduled services for Saint John's to verify insurance coverage and benefits. Pre-registration may be obtained by calling:
Inpatient/Obstetrics (310) 829-8365
Outpatient Surgery (310) 829-8769
All Other Services (310) 829-8900
Hospital ChargesBecause every person is different and so is the treatment that your physician may order for you, it is very difficult to anticipate exactly what those charges will be. To help you to anticipate what your bill may look like, a current copy of Saint John's Health Center's Chargemaster (List of Medical Procedures/Services & Corresponding Prices), and List of Twenty-Five Commonly Charged Services or Procedures, may be reviewed upon request in the Admissions Office or the Office of Patient Business Affairs. Please call (310) 829-8689 for assistance.
Physician ChargesCharges for care provided by your Physician and/or other practitioners are not included in your Saint John's Health Center bill. You will receive a separate bill from their office which is unrelated to Saint John's. This may include your physician, surgeon, anesthesiologist, emergency room physician, radiologist, pathologist, and other professionals.
Please note that Saint John's does not set physicians' charges. These physicians may or may not be contracted with your insurance plan. If a physician is not contracted with your insurance plan we encourage you to contact that physician's business office to make arrangements. Please call (310) 829-8007 for assistance.
Emergency ServicesIf you do not have an existing relationship with a Saint John's physician or if the emergency department physician determines additional specialty expertise is needed to properly care for you, a physician will be assigned from the emergency department call panel. That physician may or may not be contracted with your insurance plan.
Please note if you don't have health insurance, emergency care will never be delayed or withheld on the basis of your ability to pay.
Discharge PolicyWe sincerely want to provide you with the most comfortable stay possible and a smooth transition when you prepare to leave.
OUR DISCHARGE TIME IS 11:00 AM
Please work closely with your doctor and the hospital staff to best prepare for this discharge time. If you need assistance please contact the unit case manager.
Financial AssistanceAs you anticipate hospitalization, tests or procedures, Saint John's Health Center wants you to be aware of our Financial Assistance Policy in case you have concerns about paying for your medical care. Based on your eligibility, Saint John's Health Center will discount some or all of your bill and help you make payment arrangements.
Eligibility
- Is based on income level for persons who do not have private insurance, Medi-Cal or Medicare.
- Also extends to individuals who face challenges paying outstanding balances that are the patient's responsibility.
- Applies to all services except elective procedures (that is, cosmetic, non-acute services).
Steps to follow
- Call (310) 829-8007 or stop by our Patient Business Affairs Office located at 2020 Santa Monica Boulevard, Suite 310 to discuss qualifications.
- Alternatively you may visit our Admissions office located in the Health Center at 1328 Twenty-Second Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404.
- Complete the eligibility screening application with a financial counselor. If you are found to be eligible for Medi-Cal, Medicare or other public assistance, we will help you complete an application for the appropriate program. Discounts apply only to treatment and services provided by Saint John's Health Center. You will need to make separate financial arrangements with physicians and other providers.
Billing & Collection
Saint John's Health Center accepts Medicare, Worker's Compensation and all private insurance coverage. Saint John's Health Center is not contracted for the Medi-Cal program. We also participate with a broad range of HMOs and PPOs. A listing of our current contracted managed care plans can be found on our web-site at: www.stjohns.org.
Saint John's Health Center will bill your insurance plan as a courtesy to you, however you will ultimately be responsible for any deductibles, co-pays, or other amounts deemed "Patient Responsibility."
Deductibles, co-pays, or other amounts deemed "Patient Responsibility" are expected to be paid at time of service. Saint John's Health Center allows 30 days for insurance payment. If payment is not received within 30 days, you may be contacted by Patient Business Affairs to assist in obtaining payment.
Saint John's Health Center accepts cash, checks, American Express, Visa, Discover, and Mastercard credit cards.
Additionally, Saint John's offers a number of discounted "Cash Package" programs as well as
"Prompt Pay" programs.
Should you have any questions or concerns regarding your bill or charges you may call a Patient Business Affairs representative at (310) 829-8007.
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