Financial Information and "Going Home"

Financial Arrangements - Hospital insurance plans usually do not provide full coverage of hospital charges. Please remember that your hospitalization coverage is a contract between you and your insurance company, and while we cooperate to the fullest in expediting your claim, you are responsible for your account. Final payment or assignment of sufficient insurance benefits is required at the time you are discharged.

Payments – Payments can be made to the Cashier in the Business Office Monday through Friday during normal business hours ( 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM ). If you expect any difficulty financing your hospitalization, we urge you to consult our business office at 898-6517 immediately so we can assist you in making payment arrangements.

Financial Assistance - If you feel you will need financial assistance with your medical expenses or in applying for Social Security Disability or would like information regarding Medicaid or Chips Programs, please contact our Financial Assistant at Extension 6593 to make an appointment. Information regarding Medicaid and Chips is provided to you as a service of AGH and the Louisiana State Department of Health and Hospitals

Your Hospital Bill - The hospital's daily service charge includes your room, general nursing service, food services and standard medical equipment such as wheelchairs, stretchers and certain floor stock items. All other charges reflect items or procedures ordered by your physician such as laboratory, x-ray, pharmacy or respiratory therapy. All are charged in accordance with the standard fee schedule and will be summarized on your bill.

Physician’s Fees - Your hospital bill does not include your attending physician's fees. In addition, your physician may request the services of a consultant, assistant surgeon, or other specialists, such as a radiologist or pathologist. These physicians will bill you separately for their services.

Medicare and Medicaid - Patients admitted with Medicare must bear in mind that they are responsible for the deductible, coinsurance and non-covered personal convenience items. Medicaid will not pay for personal convenience items either. If you have any questions concerning Medicaid or Medicare, call ext. 6518 or 6525.

Discharge Planning - Your discharge from the hospital will involve the following:

Your attending physician will decide when you are to be discharged from the hospital. He will discuss this with you, or your family, and write a discharge order that will be placed on your chart.

At the time of discharge, you will be given post-hospital care instructions and any prescriptions necessary. A nurse will accompany you to your vehicle.

You will also receive a patient satisfaction questionnaire. We encourage you to complete this questionnaire and leave it with your nurse or you can take it home and mail it to the hospital.

You or a family member may be asked to visit the discharge clerk in the Registration Office for payment of any coinsurance and/or deductible.

Going Home - Patients often need specialized services or help after they have been released from the hospital. Assistance such as medical equipment rental, home health services, home meal delivery and long term care replacement are frequently needed. The hospital's social service representative is available to assist you or your family in obtaining any such services. The social services representative may be reached by calling 898-6568.