Answers to your questions

FAQs help you understand your medical bills

At Terrebonne General Medical Center (TGMC), we believe you have a right to understand your medical bills and other financial health-care information. To help you, we asked Susan Wiley, director of Patient Financial Services, to answer some of the most frequently asked questions she hears from the community.

Q: Why do I have so many account numbers and receive different bills from the hospital?

A: Every time you come to the hospital for an inpatient or outpatient procedure, you
will receive a registration number. This helps avoid billing confusion and ensures you have the best experience possible with every visit.

Q: If I send monthly payments, why do I have to call the business office to set up a payment plan?

A: To help you meet your financial responsibilities, we offer limited payment plans. These plans must be set up so you will be billed properly. Please note: TGMC does not refuse medically necessary care because of a patient’s inability to pay.

Q: What if I have Medicare as my primary coverage and another insurance?

A: After Medicare has paid on your claim, your secondary insurance is billed with an attachment indicating that payment and the portion for which you are responsible to pay. Your insurance company will remit payment to the hospital based on your specific coverages. Both you and the hospital are provided with an explanation of benefits and the remaining balance, if any, that you must pay.

Q: Why do I receive letters from my insurance company asking for information after a claim is filed?

A: Carriers often want more information for claims if they involve an accident or another payer is involved. We recommend that you contact your insurance company for more information.

Q: Can I get a copy of the bill for a family member?

A: Government regulations forbid us from releasing information to anyone other than the patient or guarantor of an account unless we have the patient’s written consent. There are exceptions, and we will be happy to help you with your requests whenever possible.

Q: Why do I get different bills from the hospital and some doctors?

A: Many patients need to be seen by specialists. Because they are not hospital employees, specialists may bill you separately for their services. For more information, call our physician billing information line at (985) 850-6089.

Q: What if I can’t pay my bill?

A: Contact our business office. You may be eligible for our uncompensated care program, which requires completion of an application and income verification.

Still have questions? Call us at (985) 873-4275 during regular business hours. We’ll be happy to help in any way we can.

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