NEED HELP WITH A BILLING QUESTION?

Thank you for choosing the Mankato Clinic for your health care needs. The Mankato Clinic Business Office staff understands the complexity of medical charges and insurance plans and are available to answer any questions or concerns you may have.  Below you will find frequently asked questions about the billing process that may help in answering your question:

What insurance does the Mankato Clinic accept?
The Mankato Clinic will accept all types of insurance; however, the Clinic has special contracts with the following insurance companies:

• America's PPO
• Blue Cross Blue Shield 
• Health Partners
• Humana Medicare Advantage
• Mayo Health Plan (MCHS and Gold Cross employees only)
• Medica (not applicable for psychiatry providers)
• Medicare, including Medicare Advantage Plans

• Minnesota Medical Assistance Programs: UCare, Minnesota Care, Medical Assistance, South Country Alliance, and Blue Plus

• Multi-Plan

• Preferred One Network

• Selectcare (not applicable for psychiatry providers)
• Sanford Health Plan
• Three Rivers
• TriCare

When am I required to provide my co-payment?
All co-payments will be collected at the time of your visit at Central Registration.  Please check with your insurance company for the requirements of your policy.

How can I ensure my insurance company is billed for the services I receive at the Mankato Clinic?
The Mankato Clinic will file insurance claims on your behalf provided we have your current insurance policy information available, and according to the specifications outlined in any provider contracts with those payers.  Please come to your appointment 15 minutes ahead of your scheduled time and stop at Central Registration.  Be prepared to show us a current insurance identification card at each visit; this helps to ensure that your bill is processed quickly and efficiently.

Are all family members included on the same Mankato Clinic billing account?
The Mankato Clinic uses guarantor (family) defined accounts for billing purposes.  In case of families divided by divorce, the minor children will be placed on the parent's account with whom they reside.  Both parents are legally responsible for the minor children's accounts.

I have 100% coverage of "preventive" services.  Why am I getting a bill for a co-pay or deductible following my preventative exam?
It is not uncommon for patients in the course of a preventative care visit to also receive managment/treatment of a problem.  When this occurs, both services must be reported to the insurance company, which may be subject to a co-pay or deductible, resulting in patient responsibility for a portion of the bill.
For example, you may schedule an appointment for an annual physical, which you expect to be covered 100% by insurance.  However, during the course of the exam you indicate you are having significant back pain.  The medical care you receive regarding the back pain may be billed seperately to the insurance company.  This is done when health problems are significant and seperately identifiable from the typical preventive services, such a routine pap smear, breast exam, heart and lung exam, etc.

How soon am I required to provide payment for services received the day of my appointment?
All charges are due and payable within 30 days of receiving a statement.  Credit may be extended as a courtesy, and arrangements for extended payment plans can be arranged depending upon your needs.

What if I am unable to pay my bill?
Patients who are having financial difficulties may qualify for a reduction in monthly payment plans on their account.  They will be required to complete a financial form and include the necessary financial documents to be approved for this program.
For patients who do not qualify for a reduction in monthly payments, delinquent accounts will receve a series of notification letters.  The Mankato Clinic may use a professional collection agency when a payment of service or an acceptable payment arrangement is not met.
A finance charge of .66% per month, or an annual rate of  8%, will be applied to account balances after charges have remained unpaid for 90 days.  The finance charge will be calculated based on the average daily balance during each monthly billing cycle, after deducting payments made during the billing cycle.
Elective services (services that are not medically necessary, such as Lasik eye surgery, cosmetic procedures, etc.) will be referred to a Patient Account Representative for an interview.  At that time, services may be discussed and the patient's third-party insurance coverage will be verified for potential payment.  Any past-due balances on the account will be required to be paid up front, and payment in full will be required prior to the service being performed.

What can a Mankato Clinic Account Representative help me with?
First and foremost, the Mankato Clinic Account Representative is responsible for addressing any questions or concerns that patients have regarding billing.  Account Representatives handle, on average, 420 calls per day.  It is our goal to answer as many calls as possible, and to return messages the same or next business day.

Your Account Representative will:

• Utilize the expertise of various insurance specialists if you have specific insurance questions
• Check with coding staff to review the appropriateness of charges in cases where questions may arise regarding proper billing of services.  Complicated questions and concerns may be passed along to supervisory staff when necessary.
• Make calls to patients with accounts that are past due and will offer assistance in resolving unpaid balances.
• Offer counseling for various methods of financial assistance, including public assistance programs.
• Accept credit or debit card payments over the phone.
• Provide assistance in determining insurance coverage for elective services, counsel patients on available benefits and assist in making pre-payments for the service.

Mankato Clinic Account Representatives are available by telephone at 507-389-8507 from 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday.