Frequently Asked Questions
Sarah Bush Lincoln is eligible to participate in the 340B Federal Drug Program due to the large number of Medicare and Medicaid patients it serves. However, according to the federal regulations, in order to participate in the 340B Program, Sarah Bush Lincoln must designate certain medical offices as “Hospital-Based.” A hospital-based designation is a national model of billing practice that is regulated by Medicare.
It means that when receiving care at Sarah Bush Lincoln hospital-based locations, all patients, regardless of insurance, may receive a facility charge, as well as a professional or physician charge for outpatient services and/or procedures. These separate charges will be reflected on the patient statements for services provided.
Insurance coverage for the facility charge will depend on a patient’s specific insurance carrier. Patients are advised to review their insurance benefits or contact their insurance provider to determine what their policy will cover and identify any out-of-pocket expenses. Patient may also contact Sarah Bush Lincoln’s Patient Financial Services at 1-800-381-0040. Our staff is always happy to help you.
What does “Hospital-Based” mean?
A Hospital-based clinic is a licensed outpatient facility owned and operated by Sarah Bush Lincoln. Hospital-based status is sanctioned by Medicare for hospitals and clinics. Simply put, it means that physician offices are departments of the hospital and are licensed outpatient facilities owned by Sarah Bush Lincoln. When you see a physician or receive services in a hospital-based clinic, you are being treated within the hospital rather than in a physician’s office. This is the national model of practice for healthcare integrated delivery systems involved in patient care. One of the benefits of having hospital-based status is the opportunity to participate in the Federal 340B Drug Purchasing Program.
What is the 340B Program?
By converting our physician practice locations to hospital-based status, Sarah Bush Lincoln can participate in the 340B Program that extends discounts to hospital providers on some drugs it purchases for use in the hospital outpatient setting. The federally-designed 340B Program enables approved nonprofit healthcare organizations to stretch scarce Federal resources as far as possible, reaching more eligible patients and providing more comprehensive services. The discounts available through this program will help reduce overall expenses for drug supplies.
Because of the large percentage of Medicaid and Medicare patients it serves, Sarah Bush Lincoln qualified for participation in the 340B Program. Not all hospitals qualify for the 340B Program.
Will I have to pay an additional fee for my next visit?
If a facility fee applies to a visit, the patient's insurance will be billed accordingly. The patient’s insurance plan coverage will be applied to the charges and the remaining balances will be billed to the patient – one charge for hospital facility fees for the services, facilities, staff and equipment provided by the hospital, and one for professional services. This is similar to how Sarah Bush Lincoln currently bills for other hospital-based services like hospital outpatient surgical procedures.
How much is the facility fee?
The facility fee is $150.
How will this affect my next visit?
Hospital-based billing will not change your covered services, but it may affect your copayments and deductible. Ask your insurance carrier if your benefit plan covers “clinic services” or “facility charges” in a Hospital-Based Outpatient Clinic and how much of the charge is covered or will be applied to your deductible. You should ask whether your coverage and out-of-pocket responsibility differ for procedures done at hospital-based outpatient clinic as compared to a physician’s office.
What if I’m confused about the bills I get?
If you have questions about your bills, please call the Sarah Bush Lincoln Patient Financial Services at 1-800-381-0040. The team is happy to assist you.
What if I’m having trouble paying my medical bills?
Sarah Bush Lincoln has a number of options for those struggling to pay medical bills, including payment plans and free or discounted healthcare through the Financial Assistance Program. If you’d like to hear more on these options, call Sarah Bush Lincoln Patient Financial Services at 800-381-0040.
Will this billing practice change?
Healthcare policies and regulations are constantly changing and evolving. Sarah Bush Lincoln continually monitors its billing practices to ensure it is compliant with the most recent federal guidelines and regulations. If the federal government issues new billing practice guidelines which have an impact on hospital-based billing, Sarah Bush Lincoln will modify its practices accordingly.