Billing & Insurance Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Insurance coverage and billing policies can sometimes be confusing. We hope to clear up some of the mystery around your medical payment with these commonly asked health insurance questions:

How will I be billed?

Hospitals and physicians typically bill you separately for services provided to you in a hospital. West Suburban Medical Center will bill you for hospital-specific charges, such as operating room time, room and board, surgical supplies, laboratory tests, X-rays and pharmaceutical supplies. You also will receive separate bills from the different physicians who treat you, such as a surgeon, anesthesiologist, or radiologist. If laboratory tests cannot be performed in the hospital and are taken to a laboratory outside of the hospital, then you will also receive a separate bill from the outside laboratory.

Do I need to let my insurance company know that I’m in the hospital?

Many insurers, including HMOs and PPOs, require you or a family member to call them within 24 hours of being admitted to a hospital or receiving emergency care. Your insurer may not pay for your hospital care if you do not call as required, so we do suggest notifying them.

Does the hospital need a copy of my insurance card?

When you’re admitted, a copy of your identification card is needed to verify your insurance coverage. If you don’t have your card at the time of your registration, please have a copy sent to our registration office during your stay.

Will the hospital bill my insurance for me?

If we have insurance information on record for you, we will first submit bills to your insurance company. You may still need to contact your insurance company to supply additional information.

Within 30 days of your insurance paying their portion, you’ll receive a statement indicating the patient balance. This balance is due within 30 days of your billing date. This also applies to any charges still unpaid by your insurance after 60 days. Payments can be made by cash, check, or credit card (MasterCard, Visa, Discover, or American Express) in person, by mail, or online.

What if I don’t have insurance?

Patients who don’t have insurance will be responsible for the total payment of charges at the time services are rendered. This also applies to patients who don’t supply adequate insurance information in order to file a claim.

When will I be expected to pay?

Hospital bills are similar to most other bills, with payment expected within 30 days. We understand that medical services can be a large expense and would like to work with patients who cannot afford to pay right away. Payment installment plans are available, but must be set up for patients who need extra time. If you want more information about setting up a payment installment plan, call West Suburban Medical Center Financial Counseling 773-564-2455 (773-564-BILL). Be sure also to talk with your physician(s) and other providers about possible payment arrangements.

What if I am having trouble paying my bill?

If you don’t have insurance or have limited coverage, our financial counselors are happy to work with you to make payment arrangements prior to your discharge. West Suburban Medical Center’s policy is to have accounts settled within 30 days after the statement is received, but we have also instituted a six-month payment plan to help minimize financial impact. With this plan, payments can be made in six equal monthly payments ($50 minimum monthly payment) at no additional cost to you.

If you will still have issues paying your bill, you may apply for our financial assistance program available to those in need.

How do I pay my bill?

In Person

West Suburban accepts cash, personal checks, traveler’s checks, and Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover credit cards. You may pay your bill in person at:

West Suburban Medical Center
3 Erie Court,
Oak Park, IL 60302

Online

You may also pay your bill online using our secure on-line bill pay. If you need assistance, please call (800) 404-6627, Monday through Friday, 9:00 am – 7:00 pm CST.

More Questions?

Have more questions about billing and insurance? No problem! Feel free to give Patient Financial Services a call at 773-564-BILL (773-564-2455)
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.