Clinic and Hospital Service Registration
When you register, please do the following:
- Bring your driver’s license, photo ID, insurance cards and authorization forms.
- Let the clinic or hospital staff know if you’ve been cared for at another Avera facility previously.
While at registration, you will receive details on how your health information is used for insurance claim submissions. (For Minnesota residents, we will ask for your permission before releasing health information to your insurance company.)
If you haven’t already enrolled in Avera MyChart, we recommend you do so prior to your appointment or stay. You may receive messages from Avera encouraging you to sign up.
Statements You Receive After Services
Avera bills your insurance company, Medicare, Medicaid and additional insurance payers on your behalf. You will be notified with:
- An explanation of benefits from Medicare or your insurance company for a breakdown of expenses, deductible and the balance you owe
Easy-to-read billing statements with the most current balance owed by insurance or due from you
The balance owed will become your responsibility if your insurance company does not make a payment within a reasonable period of time (usually 60 days after billing). If a patient doesn’t qualify for financial assistance and the account goes into nonpayment status, there may be additional actions to collect payment for the amount due, as outlined in this policy.
Medical Payments Explained
Hospital Bills
Your bills show charges for all the services you received.
- Basic daily rate, including room, meals, nursing care and housekeeping
- Specialty services, including lab tests and X-rays
Physician Bills
You may receive bills from physicians and specialists who diagnose and interpret tests. They include pathologists, radiologists, anesthesiologists and other physicians. These professional fees are not included in your estimate. This means your final bill may differ.
Making Payments
Payment is your responsibility. Please make timely payments on your portion of the bill. Avera accepts cash, personal checks, debit cards, money orders and certain credit cards. Interest-free extended payment options are available to those who qualify.
At the time of service or discharge, you may be asked to pay deductible, co-payments or other amounts. You may also be asked to pay if you do not have insurance coverage.
