In 2018, The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized the 2019 Inpatient and Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System (IPPS / LTACH PPS) rule, which now requires hospitals to publicize a listing of their standard charges online. CMS has stated that their intent behind this ruling is to empower patients by providing them information on healthcare pricing.
While pricing information can be useful, patients should consider many factors when making healthcare decisions. Other factors to consider include facility quality, safety, patient outcomes, and overall value. Black River Ambulatory Surgery Center strives to provide the best overall value (combination of quality and pricing) to the region we are privileged and honored to serve.
Do Black River Ambulatory Surgery Center’s total charges represent my personal out of pocket costs?
Most government payers provide what is known as “fixed payments,” meaning that regardless of what Black River Ambulatory Surgery Center “charges” for a service, the cost to the payer and the cost to the patient are not impacted by the total charge. It is always best to contact us to obtain a personal out of pocket estimate.
What is a “contractual adjustment?”
A contractual adjustment is a discount amount provided to patients that carry insurance coverage with which Black River Ambulatory Surgery Center has a contract or agreement. These discounts are provided to encourage patients to seek care at “in-network” facilities and physicians.
Who pays the contractual adjustment amount?
Neither patients nor the insurance company pays for the contractual adjustment amount. This is a discount Black River Ambulatory Surgery Center provides to the insurance companies which then gets passed along to patients.
Who can I contact if I have questions or would like additional information?
Please call 573-772-7688.
Who can I speak to if I am having difficulty paying for my bills received by Black River Ambulatory Surgery Center or if I would like a personal cost estimate?
Please call 573-772-7688.