Billing & Insurance
Although finances are probably the last thing on your mind at this time, we want to provide you with information about billing and insurance to help make your visits to the Spencer Cancer Center go more smoothly.
The Spencer Cancer Center participates with Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, and other private insurances and managed care plans. It is important to verify that your insurance covers your services at East Alabama Health.
Some insurance plans have “per visit” co-payments, annual deductibles or lifetime or annual limits. Separate co-payments may be required for your doctor or professional services and for technical services such as laboratory tests, x-rays, radiation treatments or chemotherapy. All costs not covered by your insurance company are your responsibility and due at the time of service.
For billing and insurance questions, call 334-528-1275.
Primary and Secondary Insurance Coverage
If you are covered by more than one insurance program, it is important that you let us know. Remember to carry all of your insurance identification cards with you when coming for your healthcare visit. We will file on both primary and secondary insurances.
Managed Care Plans
Managed care plans often require you to use specific physicians, facilities and/or ancillary services. They frequently require you to pay co-payments and obtain referrals from your Primary Care Physician before receiving healthcare services.
Co-Payments
Some insurance plans have "per visit" co-payments, annual deductibles or lifetime or annual limits. Separate co-payments may be required for your doctor or professional services and for technical services such as laboratory tests, x-rays, radiation treatments or chemotherapy. All costs not covered by your insurance company are your responsibility and due at the time of service.
The Role of Your Primary Care Physician
The PCP often plays an important role in managing your care. He or she may issue referrals, suggest further tests and coordinate your care with your physician at the Spencer Cancer Center. Be sure to let your PCP know that you are coming to the Spencer Cancer Center.
Referrals
A referral is a specific direction or instruction from your PCP that which directs you to a participating provider for medically necessary care. Most of the physicians at the Spencer Cancer Center are considered specialists and may require a referral from your primary care physician. You, as the patient, are responsible for obtaining additional referrals as required.
If your insurance plan is a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), you are usually required to:
- Select and contact/visit your PCP to obtain written referrals for the Spencer Cancer Center and the Spencer Cancer Center physicians.
- Bring copies of your referrals when you come to the Spencer Cancer Center for your appointment.
- Obtain referrals for all scheduled follow-up procedures and physician visits as necessary.
- Check with your insurance carrier to make sure you understand how to manage your referrals.
Pre-authorization from Your Insurance Company
Certain services and/or procedures may require pre-authorization from your insurance company. The required pre-certification or authorization must be obtained from your insurance provider before the start of treatment. This may take several days to obtain for your specific treatment and will need to take place at the onset of treatment, and anytime your treatment plan changes in the future. If a physician at the Spencer Cancer Center suggests a procedure that requires pre-authorization, our staff will work with your insurance company to obtain the necessary authorizations.
Self Pay
If you do not have insurance coverage, payment is expected at the time of service. A prompt payment discount of 45% is given when full payment is made at the time of service. Payment can be made by cash, check or credit card.
There are special programs in place to assist those who are not insured and those who are underinsured. When you come to the Spencer Cancer Center for your consultation or treatment, you will meet with one of our social workers. The social worker will work with you to identify the appropriate resources to suit your needs. These resources may include drug replacement, medication assistance, eligibility review for assistance programs, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions About Billing and Insurance
If you have any questions about your hospital bill or your physician bill for Dr. Johnson or Dr. Farmer, call the East Alabama Health business office at 334-528-1275. Hours are from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday. If you have questions about your radiation oncology billing, please call 1-800-228-3565, extension 5816. Business hours are from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., EST, Monday – Friday.
If you are covered by more than one insurance program, it is important that you let us know. Remember to carry all of your insurance identification cards with you when coming for your visit. We will file on both primary and secondary insurances.
Some insurance plans have “per visit” co-payments, annual deductibles, or lifetime or annual limits. Separate co-payments may be required for your doctor or professional services, and for technical services such as laboratory tests, x-rays, radiation treatments or chemotherapy. All costs not covered by your insurance company are your responsibility and due at the time of service.
If you do not have insurance coverage, payment is expected at the time of service. A prompt payment discount of 45% is given when full payment is made at the time of service. Payment can be made by cash, check or credit card. If you need to speak with a financial counselor, you may call 334-528-1275.
Yes. There are special programs in place to assist those who are not insured and those who are underinsured. When presenting for your consultation or treatment, you will meet with one of our social workers. The social worker will work with you to identify the appropriate resources to suit your needs. These resources may include drug replacement, medication assistance, eligibility review for assistance programs, etc. No one is refused treatment due to inability to pay or lack of health insurance coverage.
Most insurance plans require you to pay a deductible and/or co-pays. In addition, you could be responsible for non-covered services. Please contact your insurance company for specific answers to your questions. You may have out-of-pocket expenses.