Frequently Asked Questions
Billing & Insurance
Personal Health Information (Medical Records)
Physical and Occupational Therapy
Swing Bed
Billing and Insurance
How can I be sure my health plan will pay my hospital bill?
If you have some form of insurance, we will bill the insurance company on your behalf. If your health insurance does not make payment within a reasonable period of time (usually 60 days) and does not respond to our attempts to resolve payment matters, we will then forward the bill to you for payment. Be sure you know your health insurance policy and all pre-certification requirements in advance. If your health insurance denies your claim, it is your responsibility to contact them for resolution. While we provide all the required information and paperwork to your insurer, they may ask you for additional information so they can process your claim. You should respond promptly to any requests you receive from your health plan.
What if I have coverage through a commercial payer or HMO?
We will bill your primary and secondary health insurance if we are provided with this information at the time of registration. Again, you are responsible for paying any amount that insurance does not cover. Your health plan may send you an "Explanation of Benefits" notice which includes the amount paid, any non-covered or denied amounts, and the remaining balance that you owe.
What if I have coverage through Medicare or Medicaid?
Please inform the registration staff if you belong to a Medicare or Medicaid HMO program. We will bill Medicare, Medicaid or one of their replacement plans - along with any supplemental insurance(s) - if you provide us with this information at the time of registration and we can verify your eligibility. You are responsible for paying any deductibles and co-payments at the time the service is provided, in addition to any service(s) for which you receive a notice of non-coverage. You must bring and present your own valid identification card each time you register.
What if I have coverage through Workers Compensation or Liability Insurance?
A claim will be filed when the employer confirms your illness or injury is work-related. Be sure you have filed an incident report with your employer - a claim cannot be processed until we have specific information from and about your employer. We will request payment (with/without private health insurance coverage) in the event workers compensation denies the claim. Our staff will also work with you if you provide information regarding a liability insurance claim.
What if I don't have health insurance?
Payment is expected in full at the time of service or upon receipt of your bill, but you may be asked to bring payment with you at time of service based on an estimate of your bill. Medically necessary (non-elective) services will not be denied based on your ability to pay.
If you do not have health insurance and worry that you may not be able to pay in full, we might be able to help. We offer financial aid programs to patients based on eligibility criteria, but not everyone qualifies. We may also be able to help you identify other available resources or work with you to arrange an acceptable payment plan.
It is important that you let us know if you will have difficulty paying your bill since federal law requires us to apply our billing and collections criteria consistently to all patients. To avoid legal action with unpaid bills, be sure to contact one of our patient billing representatives if you are experiencing financial difficulty. Unpaid bills may be referred to an outside collection service as a last resort, which could affect your credit status.
Who should I call if I have questions?
We will be happy to provide you a summary or itemization of charges incurred as a result of your hospital visit, at your request. If you have additional concerns or questions, please contact one of our patient billing representatives in our business office at 608-375-4112.
What is expected at the time of registration?
During the registration process, you will be asked to provide or verify your personal information (name, address, emergency contact, etc.) as well as your insurance status. We need to confirm this information upon each visit to ensure that it is current and accurate. We may also need to ask you for proof of identification and/or make a photocopy of your insurance card.
Depending on the healthcare services you receive, you may receive several different bills from radiologists, pathologists or other physician specialists. We will attempt to collect all known patient expenses at the time of your visit, including deductibles, copays, and coinsurance amounts. For your convenience, we accept cash, check, money order or major credit cards.
Personal Health Information (Medical Records)
How do I get copies of my medical records?
To obtain a copy of medical records created at Boscobel Area Health Care, you need to stop into the Health Information Management Department and sign a release of information form, or download the form and fax to 608-375-4213. The direct phone for medical records is 375-6232. Your records can then be copied and given to you. Requests by mail or phone will also be taken; however, a release form will be sent to you to sign and return to the Health Information Management Department prior to the request being honored. There will be a fee charged for copies of records.
Who has access to my medical record and my personal health information?
Within the hospital, only those who have a "need to know" in order to perform their job duties will have access to your personal health information. Only the information they need will be provided to them. This is the called the "Minimum Necessary" under HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act).
How do I get a Notice of Privacy Practices?
You can download a copy or you can contact us at 608-375-4112 and we will mail a copy to you.
What do I do if I believe my privacy information has been violated?
Protecting your privacy is very important to us. If you feel your health information was not protected, please report this. Your report will be kept confidential. Contact the BAHC Privacy Officer Toni Brown at 608-375-6233. To report a violation directly to government authorities, visit http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa.
Physical and Occupational Therapy
How can I receive PT/OT services?
Talk to your primary care physician about the current problem(s) you are experiencing. A doctor's referral is required.
How do I pay for the services?
We will ask for your insurance information and work with our business office to determine if a prior authorization of services is needed. You are also strongly encouraged to call your insurance carrier to determine your specific benefits.
What hours are you open?
We are open five days a week, from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm for Physical Therapy outpatient services, and from 8:00 to 4:30 pm for Occupational Therapy services.
How do I contact the Rehab Department?
By phone, please call 608-375-6311 or call the main hospital number 375-4112
Swing Bed
What is swing-bed?
Swing Bed is the name of a Medicare covered hospital-based program for patients who no longer need inpatient acute care services, but are not ready to go home and still require some rehabilitation and/or nursing. For example, someone recovering from a major joint surgery, someone still requiring pain management after a procedure, someone on IV therapy, or someone who requires strength training and rehabilitation after a prolonged hospital stay.
Who pays for swing bed?
Swing Bed is covered under Medicare, and some private insurance plans cover co-pays. Because plans differ, we can help determine your coverage.
How long may I stay?
You may remain in the program as long as you are making progress toward the therapeutic goals set up for you, for a maximum of 100 days.
What if my procedure was not done in Boscobel? Can I return home for swing bed?
Absolutely. If you had to travel for a procedure, you can still utilize swing bed services locally, allowing you to complete your recovery close to family and friends. Ask the discharge planner/social worker at the other hospital will make arrangements for you to transfer to Boscobel Area Health Care for Swing Bed Care.
What services are included in swing bed?
The swing bed program offers a variety of services to help you with your recovery, including nursing, nutritional therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, pharmacy services, recreation therapy, respiratory therapy, social work, and speech therapy. A healthcare team will work with you to determine what services you need and a treatment plan will be developed.
Who do I call for more information?
Heather Schneider can answer questions. She is available at 608-375-4112.
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