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Financial Assistance

Patient Billing and Payment Information

As a Palo Alto County Hospital (PACH) patient, you may have questions about your bill. This information should provide you with answers to the most commonly asked questions.

Do I need to inform my insurance company that I'm going to receive hospital services?

It depends on your insurance policy. Because there are so many types of insurance plans, it is difficult for us to tell you whether or not you need prior approval or notification. (Often prior approval information can be found on the back of your insurance card.) It is your responsibility to check with your insurance company or employer about this.

Should I bring my insurance card with me to the hospital?

YES. The information on your insurance card is needed for PACH to file a claim with your insurance company(s). When you register, we will ask for information about your insurance coverage and have you sign a few forms. The registration process goes faster when you bring your insurance information with you.

How do I find out if my insurance company will cover my hospital services?

Insurance policies vary. Contact your insurance company or employer with specific questions about what is covered by your insurance plan or if a referral is required. For example, many HMO insurance polices require a referral from a Primary Care physician. Also, Medicare does not cover the following services:

• Outpatient lab screenings or lab tests with a non-payable diagnosis
• Ambulance services that are not to the nearest facility or not medically necessary

Please refer to your Medicare handbook to verify coverage of services you will be receiving.

You are legally responsible to pay your bill at the time you receive services from Palo Alto County Hospital.

Will you bill my insurance company for me?

Yes. As a service to you, PACH will bill your insurance company(s) based on the information supplied by you at the time of registration. We are able to bill up to three insurance companies per patient.

When will I receive a bill?

If you are self pay, an itemized bill will be sent 14 to 21 days after you receive services. Payment can be made by personal check, cash or credit card. Payment is expected within 30 days of the date of the notice.

Will I get more than one bill?

Yes, you may receive a bill from more than one provider for the same date of service. These bills are usually for services provided by physicians, radiologists, pathologists or other professional medical groups. These groups will bill you directly for services they provided.

How long will Palo Alto County Hospital wait for my insurance to pay?

PACH will bill your insurance company twice. When we bill your insurance company the second time usually 60 days after the itemized statement is sent, the bill will be considered due from you and a statement will be sent.

How will I know my insurance company has paid on my bill?

After your insurance company has paid or denied their portion of your hospital services, we will send you a statement. It will indicate the amount that has been paid and any balance you are required to pay. This is your bill. You have 30 days to pay the balance. If you cannot pay the balance within 30 days, please contact the business office to make payment arrangements.

How do I set up a payment arrangement?

Contact our business office to develop a payment schedule based on the remaining balance due. You will be required to make a regular monthly payment. If you miss a payment and do not contact our office, this cancels the payment arrangement and further collection proceedings may be implemented.

Where can I pay my bill?

You can mail your payment to:
Palo Alto County Hospital
3201 First Street
Emmetsburg, IA 50536

If personalized assistance is needed, please contact the business office at 712-852-5500. Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

What if I just cannot afford to pay my bill?

Contact the business office regarding PACH's Financial Assistance program. You may be eligible to receive financial assistance on your hospital and clinic bills if you have been denied by Title 19, or do not meet eligibility requirements, are a resident of Palo Alto County Health System's market area and meet income guidelines.