Frequently Asked Questions About Billing
Medical bills can be complicated. We want to help you understand your bills, our payment policy and your options.
What Are the Hospital Charges?
Lurie Children's standard hospital charges may be viewed here. Learn more about hospital charges.
It is important to understand that patients do not pay the full amount of the listed charges. Patients with health insurance only pay the specified deductible, copay and coinsurance amounts established by their health plan. A patient without health insurance may be eligible for significant discounts from charges through our financial assistance program.
Why Do I Get Multiple Bills for One Visit?
You may receive more than one bill for one visit. Here's why: some bills come from doctors, other bills come from the hospital. All bills are submitted to your insurance company.
For example, if your child has an X-ray:
- The hospital sends a bill for use of the equipment and clinical staff time;
- Your radiologist sends a bill for interpreting the X-ray; and
- Your attending physician sends a bill for developing a treatment plan based on the results of that X-ray.
- Find direct phone numbers for specific questions about your bills
Provider-Based Billing
What Is a Hospital Outpatient Center?
A hospital outpatient center is an outpatient department of the hospital, and may be located on the main hospital campus or at other Lurie Children's sites that are remote from the main hospital. At a hospital outpatient center, we can offer additional services that are not offered at a private physician office. While these clinics are subject to certain government rules, they allow for seamlessly coordinated high quality care.
What Is a Facility Charge?
A facility charge covers the costs for running the hospital outpatient center itself, such as supplies, equipment, exam rooms and hospital staff. Separate from the facility charge, a physician/professional charge covers your healthcare professional's services, such as exams, consultations, tests/x-ray readings, surgical procedures, etc.
How Will This Change What I See on My Bill?
If you visit a hospital outpatient center, you may receive two billing statements from Lurie Children’s: one from the physician and one from the hospital. The services provided, charges, insurance payment, and your out-of-pocket portion will be identified as either physician or hospital-related.
Cost Estimate Tool
Lurie Children’s understands that pricing for healthcare services can be complicated based on insurance coverage and specific plan details. We provide a cost estimation tool for our patient families to use. For any questions regarding estimates, please call 312.227.1333.