Palatine Pediatrics requires all patient balances such as co-pays, co-insurance, deductibles and non-covered services to be paid at the time of service unless a valid credit card is on file.  We understand that this may be a new way of receiving healthcare for some of you and we appreciate your cooperation.

Why?
Insurance carriers have recently transferred more costs to you, the patient.  Most plans now have out of pocket costs beyond the traditional co-pay such as co-insurance and deductibles.  With the increase in patient responsibilities along with the rising cost of implementing and maintaining healthcare technology, we are unable to stay financially sustainable without ensuring we collect payment for services in a timely manner. 

Who is Responsible for Payment?
Payment is due by the parent who brings the child in, regardless of divorce decree arrangements.  Other family members or caregivers who bring the child in are responsible for payment at the time of service unless a credit card is on file.  For patients with financial difficulties who are unable to pay the full amount at the time of services, we can offer a payment plan to allow you additional time to pay your balance.  All payment plans will require a valid credit card on file and must be paid within 90 days.

How do you decide what to charge me?
We have contracts with each insurance carrier that decides what we can charge for each service.  We charge you only what your insurance indicates you owe.  Upon request, we can provide an estimation of your balance at the time you schedule your appointment based on the symptoms you provide. However, the total level of care cannot be determined until your visit is completed. Please note that illnesses, injuries, or significant problems addressed during check-ups may result in a separate charge, and will apply to your office visit benefits, not your preventative benefits. Whether you pay at the time of service or leave a credit card on file, we will always bill your insurance carrier so that they will know what you have paid and apply it to your deductible and/or out of pocket max. Please note that illnesses, injuries, or significant problems addressed during check-ups may result in a separate charge, and will apply to your office visit benefits, not your preventative benefits.

What if I dispute the amount of my bill?
If you receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your insurance carrier or a bill from our office that you dispute, please call us immediately.  We will put your account on hold for 30 days from the date of your bill while you work with your insurance to reprocess your claim.  If they have not made a payment on your behalf within 30 days, you will be responsible for payment and we will charge your card on file or expect payment from you within 14 days.  If at any time your insurance carrier reprocesses a claim, and makes a payment after you have already paid your bill, we will reimburse you. 

Payment Options

  1. You may leave a credit card, Health Saving Account (HSA) card, or Flex card on file with us. Cards are stored securely on InstaMed’s Level One PCI compliant software. After your insurance has processed your claim and determined the amount you owe, we will charge the card on file and upload your receipt to our patient portal. You will receive a text message to notify you that your card has been charged and a receipt is available.
  2. You may pay in full at the time of service with cash, credit card Flex card or HSA card. Payment is due at check-out and is an estimate based on your insurance carrier’s fee schedule.  You may receive an additional bill from us later if your insurance processes your claim and indicates you owe more than the amount collected at the time of visit.