GETTING TO KNOW NORTH SHORE HEALTH
Understanding Your Hospital Bill: We’re Here to Help
By Nicole Siegner, Interim Chief Financial Officer
We know that a hospital visit can be stressful, and the last thing you need is confusion about your bill. Whether you came in for an emergency or a routine visit, navigating medical costs can feel overwhelming. At North Shore Health, we’re not just here to provide medical care—we’re here to support you through every step, including understanding your bill and exploring payment options that work for you.
Why Do Hospital Bills Seem Complicated?
If you’ve ever looked at a hospital bill and felt confused, you’re not alone. Medical billing can feel overwhelming because it involves multiple components. Each service you receive—such as diagnostic tests, medications, physician care, and hospital stays—is carefully documented and billed according to established healthcare guidelines. Our billing system is designed to be transparent, ensuring that charges reflect the care provided. However, we know that the process can be difficult to navigate, and we are committed to helping you make sense of it.
A Breakdown of the Billing Process
Registration and Insurance Verification – When you arrive at the hospital, our team gathers your insurance information and verifies your coverage. This helps us estimate what portion of the costs your insurance will cover and what you may be responsible for.
Receiving Care – Every service, from a simple lab test to an extended inpatient stay, is documented and coded based on standardized medical billing codes. These codes ensure accurate billing to your insurance provider.
Insurance Processing – Once your care is complete, we submit a claim to your insurance company. Claims are submitted on average within 10-14 days of your service or discharge. The insurance company will then review and determine what portion of the bill they will cover. This process can take several weeks up to months if there are follow up communications needed with the insurance company.
Billing Statement – After the insurance review is complete, you will receive a statement from North Shore Health detailing what has been paid by insurance and what remains as your responsibility to pay. We strive to make these statements clear and easy to understand but we know there are challenges with the statements we are able to generate. We are continuing to enhance our statements within the ability of our software and we encourage you to reach out with any questions.
Payment and Financial Assistance – If you owe a balance, we offer payment options and financial assistance programs to help. We are here to work with you to find a solution that fits your situation.
Our Commitment to You
We understand that medical expenses can be unexpected and challenging. That’s why we have a dedicated team available to answer questions, explain charges, and guide you through payment plans or financial aid options. If you ever feel uncertain about a bill, we urge you to call us. Our team is not just here to discuss numbers—we are here to listen, to understand, and to support you through the process.
Helpful Tips for Managing Your Medical Bills
Know Your Insurance Coverage – Understanding your policy can help you anticipate costs and avoid surprises.
Ask Questions – If something on your bill doesn’t make sense, reach out.
Explore Payment Options – We offer installment plans and financial assistance for those who qualify.
Stay Proactive – Contact us early if you foresee difficulties in making payments. We’re here to help find solutions.
At North Shore Health, we are more than a hospital—we are a community partner that cares deeply about your well-being. From the moment you walk through our doors to the time you receive your final bill, we are committed to treating you with the respect, dignity, and compassion you deserve.
If you have any questions about your bill or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Business Office by calling (218) 387-3040. We are here to help, every step of the way.
For more information, visit: https://www.northshorehealthgm.org. Stay tuned for future informative Getting to Know North Shore Health articles published monthly in the Cook County News Herald.