Navigating Billing & Insurance at Lakewalk Surgery Center: A Patient’s Guide
Undergoing surgery can bring a lot of questions, and understanding the financial aspect is often a big one. At Lakewalk Surgery Center in Duluth, we believe in clear, straightforward communication when it comes to billing and insurance. We’re committed to making your experience as smooth as possible, from your procedure to your payment.
Let’s demystify the “ins and outs” of billing and insurance at Lakewalk Surgery Center, answering some of the most common questions our patients have.
We Work With Your Insurance
One of the first questions we often hear is: “Do you take insurance?” The answer is yes! Lakewalk Surgery Center is an authorized provider for most major insurance carriers. We are also proud to be Medicare- and Medicaid-certified.
However, it’s always best to confirm your coverage. While we work with a wide range of plans, we highly recommend that you:
- Contact Lakewalk Surgery Center directly before your procedure to discuss your specific plan.
- Call your insurance carrier to understand your benefits, deductibles, co-pays, and what your plan will cover for services at an ambulatory surgery center like ours. This proactive step can help you avoid surprises down the road.
Understanding Your Costs: Good Faith Estimates & Price Transparency
We believe in price transparency. You might be wondering, “Do you provide ‘good faith’ estimates?” Absolutely. We offer insights into our standard fees, negotiated (insurance) prices, and estimated self-pay rates (per CPT code).
It’s important to note that implant costs can vary significantly depending on your specific procedure. Some fees may not include the cost of implants, so please Click here for our rates (CSV file).
For the most accurate estimate tailored to your individual needs and insurance plan, please don’t hesitate to call us directly at (218) 728-0650. Our team can provide a personalized breakdown based on your planned services.
When to Expect Your Bill & How We Handle Insurance Claims
After your surgery, you’ll likely be wondering, “When will I receive a bill from Lakewalk Surgery Center?”
Once your insurance company has processed and paid their portion, we will send you a monthly statement of your account. If you need a statement sooner, just reach out to our billing staff, and they’ll be happy to assist you.
“Will Lakewalk Surgery Center bill my insurance company(s)?” Yes, absolutely! We are happy to file your bill with the insurance companies you’ve authorized. To ensure a smooth process, please provide us with complete and accurate information for your insurance companies, including addresses, policy numbers, and group numbers.
“How long will it take to settle with my insurance company?” Generally, you can expect it to take anywhere from 20 to 45 days for us to obtain payment from your insurance carrier. We appreciate your patience during this period.
Understanding Multiple Bills: Why You Might Receive More Than One
It can be a little confusing when you receive several bills related to a single surgery, leading many patients to ask, “Why am I getting multiple bills for the same surgery?”
Rest assured, these are not duplicate bills! As an independent facility, you may receive separate bills from different providers involved in your care. Here’s a breakdown:
- Facility Charges from Lakewalk Surgery Center: This bill covers the costs associated with using our Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC), which replaces a hospital charge. It includes the use of the operating room, equipment, supplies, nursing staff, technicians, and other overhead costs.
- Anesthesia Charges: This bill is for the professional fees of your Anesthesiologist or CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) who administered your anesthesia. For any questions regarding these bills, please contact North Shore Anesthesia directly at (800) 766-4102.
- Physician Charges: This bill covers the professional fees of your surgeon for performing the surgery. For any inquiries about these charges, please contact your surgeon’s office directly.
Flexible Payment Options for Your Convenience
We understand that even with insurance, there might be out-of-pocket expenses. That’s why we offer various payment solutions to ease your financial burden.
“Will Lakewalk Surgery Center accept monthly payments on the portion I owe?” Yes, we absolutely do! Monthly payments are acceptable, but they must be part of an approved payment plan. We are always glad to discuss payment arrangements with you to create a plan that is mutually satisfactory.
Here are our convenient payment options:
- Online Bill Payment: Our secure Patient Notebook allows you to pay your bills online 24/7. It’s quick, easy, and secure. We accept major credit cards (American Express, Discover, MasterCard, or Visa), as well as debit or check. You can also schedule automatic monthly payments by contacting our billing staff for assistance.
- CareCredit: We are proud to offer CareCredit, a healthcare credit card designed specifically for health and wellness needs. It can be used to cover out-of-pocket expenses not covered by medical insurance and often provides special financing options that may not be available with other cards.
Need Help with Your Bill? We’re Here for You!
We know that billing can sometimes be complex, and you might have specific questions about your account. “Who do I contact at Lakewalk regarding my bill?”
Our dedicated billing staff is here to help you navigate your options and answer any questions you may have. To ensure you connect with the right person, please call the number that corresponds with the first letter of your last name:
- (B-I) Jody: (218) 728-8551
- (J-O) Gloria: (218) 728-8501
- (A, P-Z) Tina: (218) 728-8552
You can also call us toll-free at (800) 728-0650 and ask for the billing department.
At Lakewalk Surgery Center, your health and peace of mind are our top priorities. We strive to make the billing and insurance process as transparent and stress-free as possible so you can focus on your recovery.