Saint Thomas DeKalb Hospital’s Patient Registration Department will work to ensure your admission process will be a smooth and easy process. Our services also include Same Day Pre-Registration and Scheduling.
Pre Admitting
From your provided insurance information, our department verifies and secures authorization for any surgical procedure(s) that your insurance company requires. If any problems occur while obtaining authorization, you will be notified prior to procedure. The Pre-Admitting Department hours of operation are Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and may be reached at 360-704-4778 or 1-888-677-9757, ext. 4778.
Scheduling
Patients registering at Saint Thomas DeKalb Hospital should have all of their pertinent information available for registration.
This should include:
- All active insurance cards
- Picture ID
If a valid insurance card is presented at the time of service, we will accept your insurance and bill the charges to your insurance carrier, regardless of the amount. However, you are responsible to pay any deductible and/or co-payment amounts as specified under the schedule of benefits of your insurance coverage. Payment of these amounts will be requested at the time of service.
You may determine the co-payment or deductible amounts you are responsible for by contacting the claims service phone number of your insurance company or the personnel (human resources) director at your place of employment.
Self Pay or Uninsured Patients
If you are not covered under a healthcare plan, you will receive the same care as insured patients. The quality of care our patients receive is not determined by their ability to pay. You will be asked to pay a discounted amount of your estimated charges or a cash deposit at the time of discharge. If you cannot make a cash deposit, we will ask you to speak with a financial counselor to discuss a plan for paying your bill.
Outpatient Services
We consider that a 45-day period after billing is more than a reasonable time for your insurance carrier to pay your bill. If we do not receive payment from your insurance within 45 days, you may be billed for the services rendered and/or contacted by a representative of our office to intervene and request payment from your insurance company. If payment is not received within an acceptable timeframe, you will be held responsible for the balance in full.
In the event your insurance carrier submits payment after you have paid, the overpayment will be applied to any balance(s) outstanding, with the excess refunded to you.
