Patients create their own estimates
Self-serve portal provides out-of-pocket costs
Patients at Danville, PA-based Geisinger Health System can create their own estimates online via a self-serve portal, MyEstimate.
"This provides patients with out-of-pocket estimates on nearly 300 services," says Barbara Tapscott, vice president of revenue management.
After patients enter their insurance information, estimates are tailored to the verified benefit coverage and the location of the service requested. Patients can select an ambulatory surgery center, a hospital, a physician’s office, or a hospital-based clinic for their estimate.
"The Geisinger product provides a combined estimate, in that it includes hospital and physician expenses," says Tapscott. Because the patient’s insurance is verified, the estimate takes into consideration negotiated insurance rates rather than gross charges. If the patient is uninsured, or if a service is unlisted, MyEstimate directs the patient to a financial counselor. The counselor can be accessed by a toll-free number, by creating an online request, or by visiting a Geisinger location.
"Financial counselors can assist uninsured patients with alternative funding options, such as state program enrollment," adds Tapscott.
