How to Pay Your Bill at Texas Children’s Hospital

Medical bills can be hard to understand, but Texas Children’s Hospital wants to make the process as easy as possible. As the largest pediatric hospital in the US, Texas Children’s provides excellent care to kids and moms. With several locations in Greater Houston, Texas Children’s sees over 250,000 pediatric and obstetric patients every year.

When you or your child receives care at Texas Children’s, you may receive separate bills from both the hospital and physicians. By understanding your bill and the payment options available, you can manage your account with ease.

Receiving the Bill

After receiving treatment at Texas Children’s, you will get a bill in the mail or accessible through the online patient portal, MyChart This comprehensive bill covers all hospital charges in one statement for simplicity

The bill includes the patient’s name and account number for reference. Details are provided for each service rendered, including the date, description, and individual charge. Review your statement carefully to ensure all information is accurate.

In addition to the hospital bill, you may receive separate statements from other entities:

• Physician Group: The Texas Children’s Physician Services Organization (TCPSO) has more than 750 pediatric specialists working for it. Their bill covers any services performed by these providers.

• Specialty Physicians: Some specialists who see patients at Texas Children’s are independent or part of smaller practices. Their billing is separate from the hospital and TCPSO.

• Labs: Charges for laboratory tests, like blood work, are typically billed directly by the processing company.

Having a lot of bills can be annoying, but it lets you make sure that everyone charged you the right amount. Texas Children’s wants patients to know exactly what they are paying for when they get their bills.

Payment Options

Texas Children’s offers several payment options to fit every family’s needs:

• Online: Pay quickly via Texas Children’s website using a credit/debit card or eCheck. Apple Pay and Google Pay also accepted.

• Phone: Call 1-800-722-2570 to pay the hospital bill by credit card. Have your account number ready.

• Mail: Send a check or money order to the address listed on your statement. Write your account number on the payment.

• In person: Pay with cash, check, or credit card at any Texas Children’s location.

• MyChart: View statements and pay bills through the Texas Children’s patient portal.

• Payment plans: If you need help paying off big debts, set up monthly payments that you can afford. Counselors are available to assist you.

With multiple ways to pay, Texas Children’s makes it easy to resolve your bill promptly. Payment plans and financial assistance are also offered for families in need.

Understanding Your Charges

Deciphering a medical bill can be overwhelming if you’re unfamiliar with the terminology and items charged. Here are some key components of a Texas Children’s statement:

• Room charges: The cost for using a hospital room and amenities during your stay. More intensive units, like the ICU, cost more.

• Medications: Any drugs, fluids, or IV solutions administered during treatment. Itemized by each medication.

• Medical supplies: Things like bandages, gloves, and surgical tools used for your care. Disposable items are charged.

• Testing services: Charges for laboratory tests, imaging scans (x-rays, CT, MRI), and specialized tests like EKGs or EEGs.

• Therapy services: Any physical, occupational, or speech therapy provided. May also include infant developmental therapy.

• Nursing care: Covers skilled services from RN nurses, nurse aides, and other nursing staff.

• Physician services: Bills for doctor care, consultations, procedures, anesthesia, and interpreting results.

• OR/anesthesia/recovery: Operation room charges if you had surgery. Anesthesia care and post-op recovery room usage.

Knowing what each charge represents helps you gain clarity. Don’t hesitate to call with any questions.

Getting Assistance with Medical Bills

Texas Children’s offers financial assistance programs to help families struggling to pay their medical bills, including:

• Payment plans: Pay off large balances in smaller monthly installments over 6-12 months. No interest charged on hospital plans.

• Discounts: Uninsured patients may qualify for up to a 70% discount off total charges based on family size and income.

• Charity care: Families under 300% of federal poverty level may qualify for fully forgiven debt. Income verification required.

• Government programs: Counselors can screen you for Medicaid eligibility and other federal/state assistance if uninsured.

• Catastrophic Medical Emergency Fund: Provides aid for families experiencing financial hardship from immense medical costs.

To learn more about these programs, speak with a financial counselor by calling 832-824-5505 or applying online. You may need to verify income, assets, expenses and family size to determine eligibility.

Tips for Managing Medical Bills

• Review statements promptly and highlight unclear charges to ask about. Don’t let bills pile up unpaid.

• Call billing departments directly with questions. Staff can explain charges or correct any billing errors.

• Consolidate payments by coordinating with hospital and doctor groups. Ask if balances can be merged.

• Keep records of payments and bills as proof if discrepancies arise later. Get receipts for in-person payments.

• If uninsured, ask for an upfront price estimate before receiving care to avoid surprise bills.

• Extended payment plans allow you to pay-off debt over time when money is tight. Communicate with the billing office if you need revisions to a payment plan.

With compassionate staff and tailored assistance programs, Texas Children’s helps make medical expenses feasible for every family. Follow proper billing protocols and keep the lines of communication open for the best experience. Most importantly, focus on your child’s recovery and health above all else.