Billing

We will do everything possible to expedite your claim for the hospital services you have received. Please have your insurance cards available during your hospitalization. If all necessary insurance information is available at your admission, we will bill your insurance carrier for you.

The hospital is responsible for submitting bills to your insurance company. It is important, however, for you to remember that your policy is a contract between you and your insurance company and that you have the final responsibility for the payment of your hospital bill.

Your bill reflects all of the services you receive during your stay. Charges fall into two categories: one for hospital-provided services, another for physician services. A few examples of the physicians that may bill you separately are anesthesiologists, radiologists, pathologists, emergency medicine physicians and your personal physician or surgeon. These charges will not appear on the bill you receive from Christiana Care. You might also receive bills from physicians you did not see in person. These doctors render services such as interpreting test results. Any questions you may have about these bills should be directed to the telephone number printed on the statement you receive from them.

The charges for hospital services include general nursing care, house staff physician visits, housekeeping, maintenance, medical supplies, laundry and linens, meals, administrative services and room charges. If you have any questions concerning these charges, please call Customer Service at 302-623-7000. Our staff will be happy to assist you.

Insurance

Please keep information about your Blue Cross, Medicare, Medicaid, HMO or other insurance plan with you during your hospital stay. Important information to know includes your insurance plan name, group number, type of coverage and identification number.

Insurance plans have a restriction on what will be reimbursed in a hospital setting. For example, Christiana Care is reimbursed only for acute care that is medically necessary. In addition, preadmission/pre-procedure certification and second surgical opinion requirements must be met to guarantee payment if your insurance requires it. Utilization Management coordinators will assist you in interpreting your insurance requirements and the need for inpatient care. They will help your physician and refer you to the appropriate discipline for discharge planning.

Financial Assistance Program

If you have difficulty paying your hospital bill, please let us know. We have a Financial Assistance Program that can help you. For more information, please call our Customer Service Department at 302-623-7000.