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Hospital Bill FAQs
Thank you for choosing UM BWMC. We understand that the billing and collection practices for healthcare services can be complex and confusing. Please use these frequently asked questions to assist you.
Where do I call for questions about my bill?
If you have a question about your hospital bill, please call the Central Billing Office at 410-821-4140 or 877-632-4909 (toll free), or CBOService@umm.edu. Our business hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If you have a question about your physician's bill, please call the phone number listed on your physician's billing statement.
Why am I receiving multiple bills?
Depending on the services rendered, patients may receive multiple bills for hospital care, physician services, and other services. Patients who are treated in an outpatient setting (for example, a clinic, emergency room, or surgery) or admitted to the hospital may receive multiple bills. You may have to pay a co-pay, deductible and/or co-insurance for the physician and hospital services.
For scheduling reasons, some tests or procedures may be performed at a later date and may be billed separately. The hospital outpatient bill includes charges for the use of the hospital facility and any tests or procedures you undergo. An inpatient hospital bill includes charges for your room, nursing care, medical supplies, services, and any tests or procedures that you undergo, including X-rays. If you have questions about any of these bills please call the number listed on the statement you received from them.
How can I get my claim paid?
Verify that all of the insurance information you provided is correct. If contacted by UM BWMC or your physician's office, please respond promptly. Your insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance company. You are responsible for paying any charges not paid by your insurance.
What if I have a question about my health insurance benefits?
If you have questions about your health insurance benefits, please call the Customer Service telephone number located on your insurance card for assistance.
What is Co-insurance vs. Co-pay?
A co-pay is typically a fixed amount such as $15, while co-insurance is a percentage the insured patient has to pay, such as 20%. The co-insurance and co-pay are the patient's responsibility.
What is the Maryland Summary Bill?
The Maryland Summary Bill is an informational billing statement for all patients who have had services rendered at UM BWMC (i.e., inpatient, outpatient, and clinic). UM BWMC is required to send this statement under Maryland law. This statement has the following written across the top of the statement: "This is NOT a Bill."
What is a Self-Pay patient?
A Self-Pay patient is a patient who pays out of pocket to cover medical or surgical procedures performed here at UM BWMC. If you will be paying for medical or surgical services out of pocket, please call 410-821-4140 or 877-632-4909 (toll free).
What if this visit is due to a motor vehicle accident AT WORK?
Report the accident to your employer and let them know that you have been treated at University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center. Give us your employer's name, address and phone number. Please respond promptly to questionnaires or letters from UM BWMC or your physician's office. UM BWMC does not enter into employee/employer disputes over coverage benefits.
What if this visit is due to a motor vehicle accident that is NOT work related?
We will file auto/liability claims for medical pay benefits. Our Patient Account Specialists will contact you for auto insurance information. UM BWMC cannot file a claim with your health insurance until a claim is filed with your auto insurance carrier. After we receive a response from your auto insurance, we will bill your health insurance for any balance. Please make sure you give us your correct health insurance information. Also, return any questionnaires sent to you by your health insurance.
Do you offer the ability to pay my hospital bill online?
Yes. For hospital patient accounts with a service/admit date of 5/21/2017 or later, you can pay your bill online through the MyPortfolio patient portal. For hospital patient accounts with a service/admit date before 5/21/2017, please contact the business office at 410-821-4140 or 877-632-4909 (toll free) to pay your bill.
How can I obtain Financial Assistance?
If you need help paying for your UM BWMC bill, please contact Patient Financial Services at 410-821-4140 or 877-632-4909 (toll free) and ask to speak with a Financial Counselor. A Financial Counselor will help determine if you are eligible for the UM BWMC Financial Assistance Program or other state and/or local programs. View more information about financial assistance.
If you need help paying for your physician's bill, please contact your physician's office for assistance. You can also get help with Financial Assistance by visiting our financial assistance coordinator located in the UM BWMC Admitting Office.
Why is a service billed as an outpatient when I spent the night in the hospital?
For an account to be billed as inpatient there must be a physician's order. The physician determined that your condition did not meet the requirements for an inpatient admission. If the physician placed you in observation status you are considered an outpatient.