Insurance
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center accepts virtually all insurance plans. A patient insurance representative is available at (225) 215-1156 to answer any insurance questions you may have. We are committed to working with you, your doctor and your insurance carrier to make sure that you have full access to the Center’s services.
Commercial Insurance
If you have commercial insurance -- either primary, supplemental policies or both -- the Center will file your claims for you. If it is determined that there will be any deductibles, co-payments or charges remaining after all insurance companies have paid their portions, our business office staff will discuss payment arrangements, and if appropriate, help in determining assistance programs for which you may be eligible. Although we will file all insurance claims as a service to you, you are responsible for payment of your bill.
At the time of your first visit to the Center, please provide us with the most current and accurate information regarding your insurance. A copy of your insurance card will be made. This will enable us to determine what charges will be covered by your insurance carrier and what amount, if any, that will have to be paid directly by you. Should your insurance pay after your personal payment, and there is an overpayment on your account, you will be refunded the overpayment within a reasonable length of time.
Insurance coverage is a contract between you and your insurance company. For your convenience, the Center will file the claims for you; however, should your insurance company not settle the account for any reason, you are responsible for and will be expected to pay the balance due. Some insurance policies may pay benefits directly to you. If payments are made to you by your insurance company, these payments should be used to pay the balance due on your account at Mary Bird Perkins. For your convenience, we will ask you to sign a form which assigns benefits from all of your insurance companies, which means that generally payments on claims will be made directly to the Center with advice notices being sent to you.
Blue Cross/Blue Shield
The Center accepts assignment (direct payment) on all Blue Cross/Blue Shield claims. If there are deductibles and/or co-payments remaining after payment by Blue Cross, our business office will work with you on payment of these amounts and/or help in determining assistance programs for which you may be eligible.
Medicare
Mary Bird Perkins and its physicians are participating providers in the Medicare program. This means we accept assignment on Medicare claims. “Accepting assignment” means payments will be made directly to Mary Bird Perkins. You will be responsible for the coinsurance amount. Your Medicare information must be presented at the time of registration. You will receive a monthly statement from the Center noting all charges, Medicare write-offs and payments from Medicare.
Medicare/Medicaid
If you are covered under both the Medicare and Medicaid programs, we will bill Medicare first, accepting assignment. Then we will file your Medicaid claim. Please make sure you bring your monthly Medicaid card with you to the Center and present it to the receptionist so that a copy may be made and put in your records. Your claim will be submitted, and Medicaid will pay us directly.
Managed Care Plans (HMOs, PPOs, etc.)
The Center contracts with various managed care companies to treat their members. In order for you to be treated, however, we must have verification of approval by (or the authorization number of) your particular managed care plan prior to your initial visit. All necessary forms are filed by the Center. You will receive a monthly statement.
You will be responsible for any co-payments required on the day services are rendered.
Financial Counseling
Questions regarding financial counseling should be directed to the Center’s financial services counselor. You are encouraged to discuss any questions you may have regarding the cost of your treatment, payment options, and/or payment schedules.
Appointments may be made with the Baton Rouge Center’s patient financial counselor by calling (225) 215-1156. At the Hammond and Covington facilities, appointments may be made with the patient financial counselor by calling (985) 542-5000 in Hammond or (985) 875-2234 in Covington.
Additional Bills
If you need additional tests not performed at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, you may receive a charge from the facility performing the service. For example, if you are sent by your Mary Bird Perkins doctor to have an X-ray or MRI test at a hospital, you will be billed by the hospital and/or a local radiologist, not Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, for that particular test.
If you have any questions about additional bills, you may always contact the patient account representative.
Financial Policy
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center’s charges for services are based on the complexity and duration of the procedures. As a patient of the Center, you are responsible for the prompt fulfillment of your financial obligations. All payments should be made directly to the Center. You will receive one statement each month listing charges for both the technical and professional components of your treatment.
The technical component covers services provided by the Center associated with your treatments, such as X-rays, staff, equipment, etc.
The professional component covers services provided by your radiation doctor associated with consultation, treatment planning, management, supervision of your therapy and follow-up.
Payment Options
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center accepts all insurance plans, Medicare, Medicaid and private payment. Payment may be made with cash, checks, Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.