Pre-Service Financial Navigation and Clearance
Pre-service financial clearance is designed to help patients understand their financial responsibility before services are rendered and costs are incurred. Our promise to keep patients safe includes financial health, and that’s why we want you to “know before you owe” for services.
Patients with insurance who request a health care appointment will be connected with a Financial Clearance Representative to complete a pre-service review that ensures accurate billing and insurance information. This representative will contact your insurance company to verify eligibility for the service, estimate your balance due, and receive pre-certification and authorization for your upcoming visit.
Patients without insurance are asked to pay a deposit for non-urgent service as part of appointment scheduling ($100 for new patients, $75 for returning patients). Patients are referred to Financial Counseling before scheduling additional appointments so they can identify possible insurance coverage, set up interest-free payment plans, and provide any applicable financial assistance. We have developed an approach called "Helping Hand: Healthcare Financial Navigation" to help you get the financial assistance and the health care you need.
Patients requesting Obstetrical/Maternal Fetal/Newborn care, or follow-up care after an ED visit or surgery at Wake Forest Baptist Health will be scheduled for an appointment and also connected with a Financial Counselor for future appointments.
If you have an emergency medical situation and request service in any of our emergency departments, you will receive appropriate medical care regardless of your ability to pay.
Before non-emergency services are delivered or after emergency conditions have been stabilized, a Financial Services Representative will:
Validate and Protect Your Patient Identity
To protect your medical and financial information, we use commercially available data sources to validate the accuracy of your name and address. To receive non-emergency services, you will be asked to provide a photo ID, and we will include a copy of your photo ID with your medical record.
Verify Health Insurance Benefits
To minimize your costs, we collect your health insurance information and verify your eligibility and benefits with your insurance company. If you don’t provide insurance information, we check with major health insurance companies and the North Carolina Medicaid program to see if you have eligible coverage.
Verify Medical Necessity
To accurately communicate costs for services that are not covered by your health insurance, we verify the medical diagnosis and procedure codes so you can make an informed decision about receiving the recommended services.
Obtain Prior Authorizations
If your health insurance company requires prior authorization for the services you are to receive, we try to get that authorization for you. You are still responsible for confirming your health insurance benefits and coverage. If we are unable to get prior authorization, you are responsible for the cost of services you receive.
Identify Open Bad Debt Accounts
If you have previously unpaid accounts with us and you are not enrolled in a payment plan, those balances must be paid in full or you must set up a payment plan before you can receive non-emergency services.
Provide an Estimate of Service Costs
We estimate your out-of-pocket expenses based on your health insurance benefits, your health insurance company’s prior authorization requirements and any open prior balance accounts.
Identify Available Third-Party Programs
If you do not have insurance, we check to see if you qualify for any private health insurance or publicly sponsored programs. You can also check for this by visiting www.CoverageForAll.org.
Provide Enrollment Assistance
If you qualify for one or more third-party programs, you must enroll in the program(s) to receive non-emergency services at Wake Forest Baptist. A financial service representative will help you apply for these benefits.
Screen for Financial Assistance
If you do not qualify for a third-party program, we check commercially available financial data about you to see if you qualify for financial assistance discounts through Wake Forest Baptist. We only access these data as part of our financial clearance process.
Provide COBRA Assistance
If you are eligible for COBRA coverage through a previous employer, Wake Forest Baptist may be able to help pay the costs of enrolling in the private health insurance plan. This is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Provide Interest Free Payment Options
If you need help paying your medical bills over a longer period of time, Wake Forest Baptist offers patients a 0% interest free loan program through Commerce Bank. No credit checks are required to enroll, only identity verification.
Expenses Due
- Our pre-service financial clearance process includes a consultation with our Financial Clearance Representative who will talk with you or your financially responsible party about your deductible and out-of-pocket expenses. Minimum deposits are required before you receive non-emergency services, and payment arrangements must be made prior to discharge.
- Wake Forest Baptist’s care delivery relationship is between you (the patient), your doctor and our hospitals. Our clinicians develop treatment plans in consultation with you. When you sign the “Consent to Treat” form, you accept the treatment plan and the responsibility to pay the costs for those services.
- Wake Forest Baptist bills for services according to guidelines established by the American Medical Association and/or Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
- If a third-party payer denies payment for services you have received, we seek payment directly from you (the patient), unless otherwise prohibited by state or federal regulations.
- If you disagree with how a service was billed or how insurance benefits were applied, our Customer Service team will review your bill, help prepare an appeal and involve the appropriate regulatory agencies.
- Financial assistance is available for those who qualify. Learn more about financial assistance.
Billing Statements
- Wake Forest Baptist sends out monthly billing statement(s) that list both physician and hospital charges.
- On billing statements, we identify each individual of a household who has received services and any respective charges.
- If you have provided us health insurance information, we bill after your insurance has processed your claim.
- We send four patient statements 30 days apart. Each statement provides the opportunity to pay the balance in full or pay the balance through an interest-free payment plan.
- You must contact us to set up a payment plan for your patient balances (any amount you owe). If you have an unpaid patient balance older than 120 days from initial billing, you must enroll in a payment plan in order for your account not to be sent to a collection agency.
- The Customer Service Center can answer questions about your bill and help you understand our financial policies and billing procedures. Call: 336-716-3988 or 877-938-7497, Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.
Point of Service Payment
We collect the amount the patient is responsible for before or at the time of service. Our registration and front desk staff will request payment for co-pays, coinsurance and deductibles, previous balances, and/or pre-established deposits. Depending on appointment type, the deposit may be required before an appointment can be scheduled. These deposits can be paid by phone with a credit or debit card or paid in cash at the specific clinic location in advance of appointment scheduling.
Meeting patient needs is always our priority. If you are unable to make your payment, please ask about payment options or financial assistance when you arrive for your visit or by calling our Financial Counseling department 336-716-0681 prior to your visit.