How to Pay Your Medical Bill at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

Paying your medical bills can be confusing and stressful. At Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, we want to make the process as simple as possible. This article will walk you through everything you need to know about paying your OSU Medical Center bill online or over the phone.

Overview of OSU Medical Center Billing

After receiving care at any OSU Medical Center facility you’ll get a bill in the mail or online through your MyChart account. This bill will list out all the charges for your visit tests, procedures, etc.

OSU Wexner Medical Center bills can include charges from multiple departments depending on the services you received. For example, you may see separate charges for the hospital, the emergency department, radiology, pathology, surgery, anesthesia, and your specific doctor’s services.

It’s important to go through your bill line by line to understand what you’re being charged for. If you see any discrepancies or have questions, don’t hesitate to contact OSU Medical Center billing services for clarification

When to Expect Your OSU Medical Center Bill

You should receive your first bill within 30 days of discharge if you were hospitalized, or within 30 days of your clinic visit

However, it can sometimes take longer for all the claims to be processed from the various departments involved in your care. You may receive multiple bills over the course of a few months.

It’s a good idea to keep track of all bills you receive related to a single visit or hospitalization. That way, you can ensure everything is paid correctly when the time comes.

How Much Time Do I Have to Pay My OSU Medical Bill?

Payment is due within 30 days of receiving your first bill. However, paying your OSU Wexner Medical Center bill late will not immediately send your account to collections.

You have at least 120 days from the date of service to pay in full before collections is considered. Make sure to pay as soon as possible though, because late fees will start accruing after 30 days.

If you need more time to pay or want to set up a payment plan, contact OSU Medical Center billing services right away to make arrangements. Don’t let your bill go unpaid past 120 days or it will negatively impact your credit.

What Payment Options Are Available?

OSU Wexner Medical Center offers several convenient payment options:

• Pay online through your MyChart account. Log in to MyChart, go to billing, view your account balance, and make a one-time payment.

• Pay over the phone by calling OSU Medical Center central billing at 800-678-8037. You can pay using a bank account, credit card, or debit card.

• Pay by mail by sending a check or money order to the address listed at the top of your printed bill statement. Make sure to include your account number on the check.

• Set up a payment plan if you can’t afford to pay the full balance due. Call 800-678-8037 to discuss installment plan options.

• Apply for financial assistance if you’re uninsured or underinsured. Call central billing or the financial counselor’s office to ask about applying for charity care or a discount program based on your income.

Paying Online Through MyChart

Paying your OSU Medical Center bill through your MyChart account is the fastest and most convenient option. Here are step-by-step instructions:

1. Log into your MyChart account at mychart.osumc.edu or through the MyChart app.

2. Click on the Billing tab.

3. View your account balance and click “Pay Now”

4. Enter the payment amount and select your payment method. Options include credit/debit card, HSA card, or bank account.

5. Enter your card or bank account information and follow the prompts to complete payment.

6. Your account balance will update immediately and you’ll receive an email confirmation.

Paying online is secure, simple, and allows you to easily track payment history. It’s the best way to take care of your OSU Medical Center bills quickly.

Paying Over the Phone

If you prefer to speak with a billing representative, you can pay your OSU Medical Center bill easily over the phone.

Call central billing services at 800-678-8037 and provide:

• Your name and account number
• The amount you want to pay
• Your credit/debit card or bank account information

The representative will process your payment and provide a confirmation number. Payment will post to your account immediately.

Setting Up a Payment Plan

If you can’t afford to pay your full balance due, OSU Medical Center offers payment plans to pay your bill over time in installments.

To set up a payment plan:

• Call central billing at 800-678-8037
• Explain that you need to set up a payment plan for your balance
• Be prepared to provide information on your income, expenses, and ability to pay
• Discuss installment plan options like 3, 6, or 12 month plans
• Make your first installment payment to activate the payment plan

As long as you stick to the agreed upon payment schedule, your account will remain in good standing. Payment plans help avoid late fees, collection notices, and credit damage.

Applying for Financial Assistance

OSU Wexner Medical Center offers financial assistance programs to help patients who cannot afford their medical bills.

If you are uninsured or underinsured, and your income falls below a certain level based on the federal poverty guidelines, you may qualify for:

• A full charity care waiver, paying nothing for your bill
• Discounted care covering a portion of your bill

To apply for financial assistance:

• Inform hospital registration you need financial assistance
• Complete an application with your income, assets, expenses
• Provide supporting documents like pay stubs, bank statements
• Allow 30 days for application processing
• If approved, your bill will be adjusted or waived

Don’t assume you won’t qualify – it’s worth exploring financial assistance options with OSU Medical Center before your unpaid bill gets sent to collections.

Avoiding Medical Bill Surprises

To avoid getting hit with a surprisingly high medical bill after receiving care:

• Check if your providers and hospital are in-network – Out-of-network charges can be much higher
• Ask about costs beforehand – For elective procedures, get cost estimates first
• Review bills closely – Ensure all charges are accurate
• Watch for multiple bills – Expect bills from separate providers/departments
• Call billing with questions – Don’t hesitate to inquire about unclear charges
• Provide correct insurance info – Double check your card/plan is current
• Pay promptly – Prevent late fees and collection notices

Getting Help with Medical Bill Questions

If you have any questions or concerns related to your OSU Wexner Medical Center bill, call central billing services at 800-678-8037 for assistance.

Representatives can explain charges, initiate payments, setup payment plans, take applications for financial assistance, and more.

You can also log in to your MyChart account and use the billing messaging feature to send inquiries directly to the billing department. Or visit any hospital registration desk in-person for help.

The financial counselors and billing staff at OSU Medical Center are here to make sure you understand what you owe and help manage costs effectively. Don’t hesitate to reach out!

Key Takeaways

• OSU Medical Center bills are due within 30 days but you have at least 120 days before collections.

• Pay conveniently online through your MyChart account anytime.

• Call 800-678-8037 to pay over the phone or set up a payment plan.

• Financial assistance is available – ask about applying if you have a low income.

• Reach out to billing services with any questions or concerns about your medical charges.

Paying your OSU Wexner Medical Center bill doesn’t have to be scary or confusing. Use online and phone options for easy payments. Seek assistance to understand your charges or if you need help managing costs.