Patient Financial Policy

Northwest Orthopaedic Surgeons (NWOS) has established a financial policy to avoid misunderstandings when billings are received. Please read the policy carefully. If you have any questions, a member of our Patient Accounts department will be happy to discuss the policy with you.

Insurance Cards, Coupons and Photo Identification

Patients must present current insurance verification and photo identification at every appointment.

Collection of Insurance Copayments

Insurance copayments are required at the time of service. Insurance copayments not paid at the time of service may result in the cancellation of the appointment or a surcharge of $15. The $15 surcharge will be considered an integral part of the payment due and the entire account will be treated as delinquent if it is not paid.

Cash Discount

For patients without insurance, NWOS offers a 20 percent discount from charges for cash payments made at the time of service.

Missed or Cancelled Appointments

Patients that miss or cancel an appointment with less than 24-hour notice may be assessed a $25 fee ($75 for procedures).

Returned Checks

NWOS assesses a $25 charge for checks that are returned due to non-sufficient funds (NSF) or because they were written on a closed account. Patients may be required to pre-pay for future appointments with cash, money order or credit card.

Forms

NWOS will complete forms needed for supplemental health care, disability, family leave, etc. at a charge of $10.00 per form. Charges must be paid at the time of service.

New Patients

NWOS verifies patient insurance prior to the first visit for all new patients.

• New Patients with Insurance. For new patients that have met their deductible and have no previous history of account delinquency, all charges are due and payable within thirty (30) days unless an extended payment plan is arranged with our Patient Accounts department. To set up an extended payment plan, contact the Patient Accounts department at (360) 395-4547 promptly upon receipt of the statement.
• New Patients with Insurance and Unmet Deductibles. New patients with unmet deductibles are required to make a $200 down payment prior to their first visit and $97 for each subsequent visit until their deductible is met. Payments must be made with cash or a credit card (no checks). Additional charges may result depending on the nature and scope of services provided. All durable medical equipment up to the deductible amount must be paid for in advance.
• New Patients without Insurance. Uninsured patients new to NWOS are required to make a $200 down payment prior to their first visit and $97 for each subsequent visit. Payments must be made with cash or a credit card (no checks). Additional charges may result depending on the nature and scope of services provided. All durable medical equipment must be paid for in advance.

Established Patients

For accounts in good standing, all charges are due and payable within thirty (30) days unless an extended payment plan is arranged with our Patient Accounts department. To set up an extended payment plan, contact the Patient Accounts department at (360) 395-4547 promptly upon receipt of the statement.

If your account has a history of credit problems and you are uninsured or insured by an insurance plan that we are not contracted with, you are required to follow the policy for New Patients without Insurance, above.

Motor Vehicle and Third Party Billing

Motor vehicle and third party injury claims are your financial responsibility. We will provide documentation for you to submit as evidence of services rendered. We do not do third party billing.

Surgical Care

Payment of charges for surgical care not covered by insurance (including copayments, coinsurance and deductibles) is required prior to receiving services. Extended payment arrangements are available under special circumstances. Charges for anesthesia, pathology and hospital services are separate and in addition to NWOS charges.

Delinquent Accounts

Prompt payment or contacting the Patient Accounts Department to set up a payment plan is required if a past due notice is received. Missed or insufficient payments must be made up within thirty (30) days in order to continue an extended payment arrangement. Delinquent accounts may be turned over to a collection agency following a 90-day final notice and expiration of a 10-day grace period. Failure to maintain financial accounts in good standing may result in termination of medical care.

Finance Charges

A finance charge of 1% per month on the unpaid balance is applied to all balances 85 days from the statement closing date.

Financial Assistance

A representative from our Patient Accounts department is available to assist with account and insurance questions. Extended payment arrangements may be available in special circumstances. If you have any questions regarding this policy, please contact Patient Accounts at (360) 395-4547.

Updated November 9, 2010