Financial Information

Exceeding the expectations of the people we treat, and the people close to them is what makes stand out in the field of community health care. Because we want your hospital stay to be as comfortable as possible, we believe knowing what to expect can do a lot to help ease concerns about paying for your hospital stay.

Normally, all necessary information will be obtained and all financial arrangements will be completed prior to the time you are discharged by your physician.  The information you share with our trained admissions representative becomes part of your medical record and is kept confidential. All patients should remember to bring:

• Picture Identification
• All active insurance cards
• Any Advance Directive (Living Will, Power of Attorney)
• Come prepared to pay your patient cost share including co-pays, deductibles or self pay portion

Occasionally, when all information and/or financial arrangements have not been completed, it will be necessary for the patient or the responsible party to visit with an account representative in the Business Office prior to leaving the hospital.

You are encouraged to work closely with the Business Office during and after your stay to ensure that all information is provided and all financial arrangements are finalized. This will prevent unnecessary delays at the time of discharge. The Business Office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can be reached by dialing 575-887-4116.

If You Have Health Insurance

We will need a copy of your insurance identification card. We also may need the insurance forms, which are supplied by your employer or the insurance company. You will be asked to assign benefits from the insurance company directly to the hospital.

If You Are a Member of an HMO or PPO

Your plan may have special requirements, such as a second surgical opinion or pre-certification for certain tests or procedures. It is your responsibility to make sure the requirements of your plan have been met. If your plan’s requirements are not followed, you may be financially responsible for all or part of the services rendered in the hospital. Some physician specialists may not participate in your healthcare plan and their services may not be covered.

If You Are Covered by Medicare

We will need a copy of your Medicare card to verify eligibility and process your Medicare claim. You should be aware that the Medicare program specifically excludes payment for certain items and services, such as cosmetic surgery, foot care, some oral surgery procedures, personal comfort items, hearing evaluations and others. Deductibles and co-payments also are the responsibility of the patient, unless you have a supplemental policy that provides coverage.

If You Are Covered by Medicaid

We will need a copy of your Medicaid card. Medicaid also has payment limitations on a number of services and items. Medicaid does not pay for the cost of a private room unless medically necessary.

If You Have No Insurance

A representative from Business Office will discuss payment options with you, including discount programs available. understands that rising healthcare costs place a burden on the uninsured population.  We are committed to helping patients who do not have the financial means to pay their hospital bills.  The hospital contracts with an eligibility vendor to assist uninsured patients in qualifying for public assistance programs. A public assistance representative is available to assist you in applying for Medicaid, Medicare, or other government assistance programs.  Please call 575-887-4306 for any questions about public assistance programs. 

Payment Responsibility

The Business Office Staff will verify your benefits with your insurance carrier.  Many insurance plans do not provide full coverage of your hospital bill.  Therefore, any deductible or co-payment amounts are due at the time of discharge.  will cooperate in expediting your claim; however, you are ultimately responsible for your hospital bill.  Any balance remaining after the insurance pays is due and payable 10 days from the date of insurance payment.  Your insurance policy is a contract between you and your carrier.  Policy disputes, usual and customary feelimitations, out-of-network penalties, or other circumstances resulting in benefit reductions are between you and your insurance company.  If your insurance requires pre-certification orauthorization for inpatient hospital stays or outpatient procedures,  the Business Office will initiate the call to your insurance company.  It is ultimately your responsibility to notify them of your hospitalization.

Method of Payment

The Business Office accepts cash, personal checks, VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.  An ATM machine is located in the lobby for your convenience. 

Your Hospital Bill

Your bill reflects hospital services you receive during your stay. Your personal physician, surgeon, and emergency room physicians are required to submit separate bills.  If you have certain tests or treatments in the hospital, you may receive bills from physicians you did not see in person. These bills are for professional services rendered by these doctors in diagnosing and interpreting test results while you were a patient. Pathologists, radiologists, cardiologists, anesthesiologists, and other specialists perform these services and are also required to submit separate bills. If you have questions about these bills, please call the number printed on the statement you receive from them.