Most service organizations require payment at the time of service, including hospitals and physicians. The Regional Medical Center will implement this process, called point-of-service payment, beginning April 4.

Like many other hospitals across the nation, RMC is introducing this program to provide easier payment methods for patients. The point-of-service method consists of allowing patients to pay their portion of the bill at the time of service or immediately after services have been delivered.

“Providing patients information about their expected financial responsibility prior to service allows them to make informed decisions,” explained Jackie Fulton, Patient Access Manager.

To assist in the transition to this new process, patients should bring insurance cards, their Social Security number and photo identification (i.e., driver’s license). Registration staff will use this information to confirm with the patient’s insurance carrier the expected co-payment and deductible for the services being provided. For the convenience of RMC patients, payment options include cash, checks and credit cards.

“Of course, the first priority for any emergency room is to care for the clinical needs of patients; therefore, payment for emergency services will be discussed only after care has been provided in the Emergency Department,” Fulton said.

“Sometimes paying deductibles or co-pays can be difficult,” noted Sheila Miller, Revenue Cycle Director. “Patients who have financial hardships will be referred to a representative who can help identify possible financial assistance like Medicaid or other federal, state or local benefits coverage. Also, the representative can help the patient develop a payment plan; we participate in many programs to assist patients with their financing needs.”

For more information or questions about RMC’s point-of-service payment program, contact Jackie Fulton at (803) 395-2012.