How to Pay Your Medical Bills at Medical Center Health System Odessa

Paying medical bills can be confusing and stressful. The Medical Center Health System Odessa (MCHS) wants to make things as simple as possible for everyone who needs help. This article will talk about the different ways that MCHS patients can pay their bills: in person, online, or over the phone.

Overview of Medical Center Health System Odessa

MCHS is the main health care provider in Odessa, Texas, and the nearby areas. The not-for-profit health system has Family Health Clinics, Specialty Clinics, Urgent Care Centers, and Medical Center Hospital.

There are many medical services that MCHS offers, such as emergency care, cancer treatment, heart care, imaging, lab services, orthopedics, primary care, surgery, wound care, and more.

Online Bill Pay Through Quick Pay

The easiest way for most patients to pay their MCHS medical bills is through the Quick Pay online payment portal.

To access Quick Pay, go to https://mchodessa.paymyhealthbill.com/quickpay.

On the Quick Pay homepage, you’ll need to enter:

• The last name of the patient
• The date of birth of the patient
• The access code provided on the medical bill

Once this information is entered, you’ll be able to view account balances and make payments.

VISA, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, and debit cards can all be used at Quick Pay. You can also pay using your checking account.

Paying Over the Phone

If you prefer to pay your MCHS medical bills over the phone, call 432-640-1000.

The billing office is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm CST. Let the representative know you want to make a payment. They’ll take your payment information securely over the phone.

Paying In Person

You can also pay your MCHS medical bills in person at the cashier’s office located inside Medical Center Hospital at 500 W 4th Street in Odessa.

The cashier’s office is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm. Let them know you want to make a payment. They accept cash, checks, credit cards, and money orders.

Financial Assistance Programs

MCHS offers financial assistance programs for patients who qualify. These programs can cover hospital bills, prescriptions, outpatient procedures, and physician office visits.

To see if you qualify for financial assistance, speak to a financial counselor located at MCHS. There are also counselors from the Texas Department of Health and Human Services who have offices inside MCHS.

The key financial assistance programs available include:

• Ector County Hospital District Assistance Program – For Ector County residents
• Medicaid – For low-income patients
• Medicare – For elderly and disabled patients
• CHIP – Children’s Health Insurance Program for kids
• County Indigent Healthcare – For low-income patients in Texas counties
• Hospital charity care programs – For uninsured or underinsured patients

Always ask about financial assistance before paying medical bills that would cause significant financial hardship. The financial counselors are there to help patients navigate the process.

Understanding Your Medical Bills

With complex medical billing, it can be hard to understand exactly what you’re being charged for. MCHS aims to provide clear, transparent medical bills.

You can view billing resources and FAQs on the MCHS website to better understand your charges and payments. Key things to look for on your bill include:

• The date of service – When you received care
• Description of services – Tests, procedures, doctor visits, medications, etc.
• Charges – The amount billed for each service
• Payments/adjustments – What your health insurance paid
• What you owe – Your remaining balance

Always reach out to the billing office or financial counselors with any questions. They can explain the charges and make sure your bill is accurate.

Separate Billing From Hospital and Physician Groups

It’s common for patients to receive separate medical bills from both MCHS and from physician groups involved in their care.

For example, you’ll get a bill from MCHS for the hospital and a separate bill from the radiologist who reads your x-rays. Other physicians who may bill you separately include:

• Anesthesiologists
• Cardiologists
• Emergency room physicians
• Pathologists
• Radiologists
• Other specialists

This can be confusing, but is normal. The physicians are not employed by the hospital and have their own billing practices. Each bill will need to be paid separately.

Takeaway Points

Paying medical bills doesn’t have to be scary or confusing. Here are some key takeaways for paying MCHS medical bills:

• Pay easily online through Quick Pay portal
• Call or visit in person to pay over the phone or at cashier’s office
• Ask about financial assistance programs if needed
• Clearly understand your bill and charges
• Expect separate bills from physicians and hospital

The friendly billing staff at MCHS is available to answer any questions and ensure patients understand their financial responsibilities. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help paying your MCHS medical bills.