Billing Information
We understand that a visit to the emergency room creates many areas of concern, including the cost of your care. The following are answers to the most frequently asked questions about the emergency room physician's bill.
Will the hospital bill include the physician's services?
No, the emergency room physicians are not employed by the hospital; therefore you will receive a separate bill from NACS.
Can I find out how much the emergency room physician visit will cost and if my medical insurance will cover the visit before seeing the doctor?
No. Emergency physician charges are not based on time. It takes time to evaluate the record of your visit and determine the appropriate charges.
Why did my billing statement have an adjustment amount?
If your statement has an adjustment it means that the physician is contracted with your insurance and has agreed to accept a discounted rate. Contracted insurances determine the amount due from the patient.
I was in the hospital several weeks ago, why haven't I received a bill?
It takes time for your claim to be prepared to go to the insurance company. Depending on how quickly the insurance company processes the bill, it may take 3 to 12 weeks for you to receive a statement.
Why am I receiving a bill? I was injured at work or in an auto accident.
We have either received no or insufficient information regarding your insurance coverage. Please contact us and provide the correct information.
The physician only saw me for 5 minutes, why am I being charged so much?
The physician charges are based on procedures, treatment and decision-making, not on actual time.
I have never been to California. Why am I getting a statement?
NACS uses an outside billing service, located in California, to bill for the emergency room physician charges.
About My Insurance
Who will bill my insurance?
NACS will bill the insurance company on your behalf with the information provided by the hospital or yourself. Your cooperation in giving complete and accurate information to the admitting personnel at each of your visits will help to get your insurance claim paid quickly.
Why am I being asked for my insurance information again? I already gave it to the hospital.
The information given to the hospital may have been incomplete or if you gave updated insurance information after leaving the hospital NACS may not have received these updates.
I received a statement but my insurance has not paid?
While each insurance company is different, we generally expect full payment from your insurance company within 60 days of billing. If your insurance company does not pay the bill within 60 days, we may send you a notification of their non-payment and request that you contact them to send the payment.
I have two insurances; will you bill both of them?
Yes. After your primary insurance pays your claim, we will bill your secondary.
About Paying My Bill
How may I make a payment?
NACS accepts VISA, MasterCard, American Express, money orders and personal checks. Credit and debit card payments are accepted over the phone at no charge or payments can be mailed to:
Northwest Acute Care Specialists
PO BOX 11810
Westminster, CA 92685
What if I cannot pay or I do not have Insurance?
If you need help paying your bill, you may qualify for financial assistance. To determine if you qualify for financial assistance, please contact the facility at which you were seen or call the customer service number listed on your billing statement.
What if I am unable to make the full payment? Can I set up a payment plan?
Yes. If you would like to set up a payment plan, please contact the customer service number listed on your billing statement or send us an email.
I already made payment to the hospital, why am I getting another bill?
Any payments made to or at the facility are applied only to the facility billing. The hospital cannot and does not accept payments for the physician's group.