Tadpole
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
- Joined
- Jul 9, 2004
- Messages
- 1,438
I came back to this thread to show what a patient visiting a Peaceheath facility is expected to sign prior to treatment. This is the document I called a blank check. Peacehealth presumably accepts Medicare assignment and people visiting the desk are first asked to sign this onto their computers sight unseen. You can see it if you ask to see the document you are signing. Note the blank check you are signing especially with respect to the last two bullets.
Note the lack of responsibility on their part to negotiate with me first concerning the existence, much less the billing, of non-insurance covered services. This is what makes it a blank check.
I have an appointment with a Nurse Practitioner and they will want me to sign this sight unseen when I check in for the appointment.
Since Peacehealth buys up the competition and already is the only choice for most hospital and specialty services, they are locking this area into a zone of insurance uncertainty with the cards all in the Peacehealth hand.
I thought it was illegal to ask Medicare patients to sign agreements like this if the organization listed themselves as accepting assignment. This agreement, once signed, makes it impossible to know how much your bill for a throat swab might be and they don't have to tell you or negotiate a price.
Note the lack of responsibility on their part to negotiate with me first concerning the existence, much less the billing, of non-insurance covered services. This is what makes it a blank check.
I have an appointment with a Nurse Practitioner and they will want me to sign this sight unseen when I check in for the appointment.
Since Peacehealth buys up the competition and already is the only choice for most hospital and specialty services, they are locking this area into a zone of insurance uncertainty with the cards all in the Peacehealth hand.
I thought it was illegal to ask Medicare patients to sign agreements like this if the organization listed themselves as accepting assignment. This agreement, once signed, makes it impossible to know how much your bill for a throat swab might be and they don't have to tell you or negotiate a price.
(bolding mine)PEACEHEALTH MEDICAL CENTER and PEACEHEALTH MEDICAL GROUP
Consent for General Treatment:
I understand and agree that as a patient I will receive general medical services and treatment, including HIV testing. I understand I have the right to ask questions about and refuse these services.
I acknowledge that my health care providers may be independent contractors not employed by PeaceHealth. Health care students may also treat me. I understand if special procedures or operations are needed, my health care providers will discuss this with me and my additional consent may be required.
I authorize the hospital and all clinical providers who provide care to me, along with any billing services or other agents who may work on their behalf, to contact me on my cell phone and/or home phone using automated telephone dialing systems, email messages, text messages or other computer assisted technology.
Financial Responsibility Agreement:
• I understand that in consideration of the services provided I agree to pay charges according to PeaceHealth regular rates and terms.
• I understand and agree that PeaceHealth may make inquiries regarding insurance coverage and my financial responsibility from third party payors or other responsible parties. In addition, I give consent for these payors and/or references to release information to PeaceHealth.
• I understand that PeaceHealth reserves the right to require proof of my ability to pay and may require a payment prior to service. I further understand that payments collected will be applied to my total bill owed.
• I authorize direct payment to PeaceHealth and/or health care providers during this period of medical care any third party, insurance, or liability benefits otherwise payable to me. I also authorize direct payment to the surgeon and/or physician or anesthesiologist any third party/insurance benefits which may be due under this claim.
• If I am applying for payment under Medicare, Medicaid, Champus, or TRICARE, I certify that the information I give is correct. I request benefit payments be made directly to PeaceHealth.
• I further agree to pay for services denied or not covered by my insurance regardless of the reason for denial or non-coverage.
• I understand I will be billed separately for services provided by non-employed providers such as Emergency Room Physicians, Anesthesiologists or Radiologists.
Financial Assistance Program: PeaceHealth provides financial assistance to all persons meeting income eligibility criteria. Charges may be waived or reduced only after all other financial resources have been applied for and exhausted and if the patient is eligible for PeaceHealth Financial Assistance Programs.
Non-Discrimination Policy: PeaceHealth provides services to all people. It does not discriminate against any patient because of race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability or insurance program such as Medicaid or Medicare. PeaceHealth provides emergency services regardless of the patient’s ability to pay for those services.
Personal Property and Valuables – Patient Waiver of Liability: PeaceHealth is not responsible for loss or damage to personal property or medications brought to the hospital. Patients are advised to leave valuable items at home or to send valuables home with a responsible person. Only medically necessary devices may remain at the bedside.
Patient Rights and Responsibilities: I acknowledge receipt of information regarding Patient Rights and may accept or refuse care at any time.
I am the patient or the patient’s agent or authorized representative. I acknowledge that I have read this agreement and understand its purpose and contents. By signing here, I consent for health care services and accept the terms of the financial agreement.
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