University Hospital & Clinics
About Your Bill
To help you understand your bill, we have put together this fact sheet. We want to make sure that when you receive your bill, you understand its contents and your financial obligations whether you are insured, not insured or demonstrate extreme financial hardship.
- How do I read the Patient Statement?
- How many bills will I receive?
- How do I identify each bill?
- When will I receive my hospital bill?
- What if I have insurance?
- How will I know my insurance company has been billed?
- What if two insurance companies insure me?
- Do I have to pay a deposit?
- What if I do not have insurance?
- What if I am having difficulties paying my bill in full?
- What if I have questions about the estimated amount?
- Are discounts available for paying in full?
- How can I make a payment?
- What other funding options are there?
- What if I demonstrate extreme financial hardship?
- How do I contact Patient Accounting Customer Service about my hospital bill?
- What if I have a question about my physician's bill(s)?
How do I read the Patient Statement?
In following our efforts to improve customer service, we have developed a patient statement of professional services that should provide you with a clear picture of the amount due and the reason why.
How many bills will I receive?
You will generally receive more than one bill:
- A bill from the hospital and/or clinic(s) for facility, equipment, laboratory and/or radiology fees.
- A physician's bill(s) depending on how many physicians have been seen. For example if you have seen an Orthopedic physician and a Neurologist, you will receive individual bills for their services.
How do I identify each bill?
- Hospital bill account numbers are 8 or 9 digits long with no letters.
- Physician's bill account numbers start with the letter "M" followed by several numbers, a dash and then 2 more numbers: i.e. M123456-78.
When will I receive my hospital bill?
In most cases, you will receive your physician bill(s) before your hospital bill(s). You should receive an initial hospital bill approximately 15 days after your visit. You should then receive a notification approximately every month, updating you on the progress of the financial obligation.
What if I have insurance?
To enable us to properly bill your insurance, please bring your current insurance information with you each time you are seen at the hospital or clinic. We will make every effort to collect insurance benefits from your primary insurance company if you provide us with your insurance billing information. When do I pay my co-payment and deductible? Please pay your co-payments and deductibles prior to or at the time of service.
How will I know my insurance company has been billed?
Patients with insurance other than Medicaid and VA will receive an initial itemization with a cover letter stating the bill has been sent to the insurance company.
You will not get another statement until:
- The insurance pays their portion and the balance is then your responsibility.
- The insurance denies payment of the bill.
- The insurance needs more information from the patient to finish processing the bill.
It is your responsibility to know your policy benefits and specific provisions and also to ensure your insurance company has paid their portion of the bill. Please contact your insurance company or your employer's benefits office for more information.
What if two insurance companies insure me?
We will bill your secondary insurance as a courtesy after we receive the primary insurance payment. If payment is not received after 45 days, the balance may become your responsibility.
Do I have to pay a deposit?
If pre-admission verification indicates less than 80 percent insurance coverage or the estimated amount you will owe is greater than $500, you will be requested to post a deposit equal to the estimated patient responsibility. This amount is due in full prior to, or at the time of service. The patient/guarantor may use one of these Payment Options.
What if I do not have insurance?
If you do not have insurance, your payment for the estimated charges of your visit is due in full prior to, or at the time of service. In addition, you will need to sign an agreement stating the amount you will pay is only an estimate and the remaining balance is due within 30 days after the discharge date.
Payment Options
What if I am having difficulties paying my bill in full?
Although we do require that you pay your estimated charges in full, we realize your financial situation may not allow you to do so. You can pay a deposit of 50 percent of the estimated charges prior to, or at the time of service. You will also need to sign an agreement stating you will pay the remaining balance in full within 30 days of the discharge date in accordance with the Patient Accounting Department Payment Policy and Procedure. (The hospital will agree to a lower deposit if the physician has agreed to the same). You also have the option to pay the remaining balance through a monthly payment plan. To see if you qualify, please contact the Patient Accounting Office at 801-587-6303 or 1-800-862-4937.
What if I have questions about the estimated amount?
The estimated amount is calculated by the Financial Counseling Office within the Admitting Office. If you have questions about this amount, please call 801-585-2614.
Are discounts available for paying in full?
Discounts are available for patients who promptly pay in full. Please contact the Patient Accounting Office at 801-587-6303 or 1-800-862-4937. You may also visit them in person at the Financial Counselors division located in the Admitting office.
How can I make a payment?
Payments are accepted at the Hospital Cashier's Office, or you can call Patient Accounting Customer Service at 801-587-6303 or 1-800-862-4937 to make a payment by credit card over the phone.
We accept checks or cash; however, deposits over $10,000 must be presented in the form of a Cashier's Check from your bank or credit union and made payable to the University Hospitals and Clinics. We also accept the following credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover Card.
We also accept payments by mail at the following address:
- U Hospital Patient Accounting P.O. Box 510721 SLC, UT 84150
What other funding options are there?
The following are options you may want to consider if your financial situation requires it:
- Financing through patient/guarantor's own bank, credit union, or other financial institution.
- Real estate or home equity loans, a second mortgage.
- Advances from employers.
- Payroll deductions (for University of Utah payroll employees only).
- Community fund raisers.
- Loans from friends, family or church organizations.
What if I demonstrate extreme financial hardship?
For those with extreme financial hardship, a sliding scale arrangement is available. Strict income guidelines apply, subject to approval with documentation of income limiting the ability to meet the obligation.
The patient/guarantor must bring current financial information at the time of application, prior to your hospital/clinic visit. The following information is needed when you apply for financial assistance:
- Federal tax forms, or two months of pay stubs if W-2 is not available
- Credit card statements if used for basic living expenses
- Profit and loss statements from self-employed patients/guarantors
- Documentation regarding receipt of, or payment of child support or alimony
- Current pay stubs of disability income if applicable
For more information on financial hardship arrangements, please contact Patient Accounting Customer Service at 801-587-6303 or 1-800-862-4937, or if you are at the hospital you can visit the Financial Counselors in the Admitting Office.
How do I contact Patient Accounting Customer Service?
You can speak to a representative or make an appointment to talk with a representative in person by calling 801-587-6303 or 1-800-862-4937. You may also email them at patient.financial.services@hsc.utah.edu, or check the Patient Accounting Department's website.
What if I have a question about my physician's bill(s)?
Charges for services provided by your physicians, consulting physicians or others involved in your treatment are billed directly by each physician. If you have questions regarding those bills, please contact each billing office directly.
Patient Billing and Financial Services Satisfaction Survey
At University Health Care Patient Billing and Financial Services we value your input. To help us better serve you please take a moment and take our survey.
