Barton unveils new billing services

Barton Health has launched two new billing services: a Price Estimator Tool and a reduced MRI cost structure.

The new Price Estimator Tool gives patients an estimated cost for a planned surgery or medical imaging service at Barton Memorial Hospital. It allows patients to financially plan for a procedure and simplify their billing process by knowing their estimated costs prior to a procedure.

“We value being a community partner and have listened to our patients’ feedback about the billing process,” says Mindi Befu, Barton’s Director of Public Relations and Marketing. “We are making changes to improve accessibility and minimize billing confusion.”

The tool works by pulling in rates for procedures and insurance contracts. It factors in how much a particular patient’s deductible has been met resulting in an out-of-pocket estimated cost for the patient. Patients receive a 10% Point of Service discount off their procedure when they pay prior to their procedure. The Price Estimator Tool excludes physician fees or unexpected complications; these fees will be billed separately.

Additionally, Barton Health lowered outpatient MRI costs allowing patients to save money and receive quality imaging. Privately insured patients will receive 40% off their out-of-pocket cost by paying up front with a Point of Service discount. Those without insurance or choosing self-pay options will also receive a discount off their outpatient MRI cost when paying prior to the procedure.

“Patients have expressed their appreciation for how convenient it is to have less expensive outpatient MRI services at the hospital,” says Dr. Stephen Bannar, an orthopedic surgeon for Barton’s Tahoe Center for Orthopedics. “In many cases, this brings a patient’s out-of-pocket cost much closer to outpatient medical imaging facilities providing our community a convenient, affordable and high quality option here in South Lake Tahoe.”

Visit bartonhealth.org/medicalimaging for medical imaging services available.