|
To simplify pre-registration, patients have the ability to complete pre-registration through the power of the Internet. This Web Site allows the patient to complete the pre-registration process from their home and other locations with Internet access.
When do I pre-register?
Patients can pre-register when surgery, test or procedure has been scheduled. On-line pre-registration, may occur up to five days before the scheduled date. If the patient is unable to meet this timeframe, pre-registration can be completed, by telephone, the day prior to surgery, test or procedure.
Why pre-register?
- Collect patient demographic/insurance information for registration
- Expedite the registration process in order to decrease patient wait time
- Advise patients of their financial responsibilities
- Provide financial arrangements prior to service
- Inform patients as to what they must bring at time of service (insurance card, Advance Directive, payment if previously arranged)
- Improve patient relations so patients will have less to worry about during service
- Provide directions to hospital and department(s)
How is a patient pre-registered?
Pre-registration can be completed several different ways for the patient's convenience. Choose one of the following options:
- On-line Pre-registration: Complete the form and transmit
If questions have not been answered, a Patient Access Representative will obtain information when the patient arrives for their surgery, test or procedure.
- Telephone Pre-Registration: An agent will contact you via telephone.
Is on-line pre-registration secure?
The Business Office/Patient Access supports the St. Vincent Core Values of Reverence and Wisdom by respecting the right to privacy and confidentiality of all patients. View our Privacy Policy.
How will the patient know if hospital has received the pre-registration faxed form or if pre-registration has been completed on line?
If the Pre-Registration Department has not received an on-line pre-registration scheduled surgery, test or procedure, the patient will be called to pre-register by telephone.
Transportation Home
The hospital recommends that all patients check with their physician/surgeon to determine if the patient will need another individual to transport patient to their home after surgery, test or procedure.
Insurance and Financial Information
Many insurance plans require pre-authorization for hospital admissions and certain outpatient procedures and services. recommends that the patient check with their insurance carrier to verify that visit has been authorized/pre-certified or physician referral has been obtained.
If you have any financial concerns, regarding your surgery, test or procedure, contact a financial counselor before hospital arrival at one of the following phone numbers:
Patients may be requested to pay for services, at time of registration, if services are not covered or if insurance should not be billed.
Note: Patients will receive separate charges for the physician/surgeon since the hospital and physicians are separate entities.
What items should the patient not bring to the hospital?
For the patient's protection, patients should not bring jewelry, credit cards or large amounts of cash to the hospital. If this occurs, patient will be requested to send items home as soon as possible. Until such arrangement is made, valuables may be stored in the hospital safe. St. Vincent Hospital does not assume responsibility for lost items.
What time should a patient arrive for surgery?
Please consult with the physician/surgeon for hospital arrival/surgery time.
Will it be necessary for the patient to bring their insurance card?
Yes. The hospital needs a copy of the insurance card in order to verify coverage and to determine if pre-certification is required for an inpatient admission.
Will patients be required to stop at registration?
Yes. At point of check in, the following will occur by a Patient Access Representative:
- Forms signed by patient and/or representative
- Insurance card copied
- Advance Directive copied (if applicable or executed)
- Demographic/insurance verified
- Financial obligations provided or collected
- Medicare Secondary Payor Questionnaire (MSP) completed for Medicare patients only
Should a patient bring a copy of their Advance Directive to the hospital?
Yes. If the patient has executed an Advance Directive, a current copy needs to be provided to the hospital. Situations and wishes change, so the hospital cannot assume that Advance Directives are valid from one admission to another. If you have questions or concerns regarding Advance Directives, the hospital encourages the patient to talk with their physician and loved ones. If you need additional information about how to execute an Advance Directive, please contact the Pastoral Care Department at (317) 338-2238.
When will the Medicare Secondary Payor Questionnaire (MSP) be completed?
Patient Access Representative will complete the Medicare Secondary Payor Questionnaire (MSP) when the patient arrives for their surgery, test or procedure.
Federal Law requires that providers of medical services to Medicare beneficiaries determine whether or not there is other insurance coverage for the beneficiary that should be billed before a bill is submitted to Medicare. Providers, such as hospitals, must be able to document that they have screened for other insurance coverage by asking the beneficiary questions which will identify if other insurance is available. The Medicare Questionnaire contains all of the necessary questions that need to be asked of the beneficiary to determine if there is other insurance that is primary to Medicare.
Accurately completing the Medicare Secondary Payor Questionnaire ensures expedient payments to providers, as well as, compliance with Medicare rules and regulations.
What is pre-certification and how does it happen?
The basic definition of pre-certification is obtaining approval from the insurer for patient services prior to treatment. Pre-certification is a critical element for payment of services. For surgical cases, the physician's office is responsible for obtaining pre-certification. The doctor has access to the patient's medical history and indication for the procedure. It is advisable for the patient to do a follow-up, with their doctor, to ensure that this process has occurred. Failure to have a surgery, test or procedure pre-certified could result in reduced or denied benefits by the insurance carrier.
Should the patient eat or drink prior to surgery, tests or procedures?
Consult with the physician/surgeon regarding medical questions. If the orders are not followed, this could result in surgery, tests or procedures being delayed or cancelled.
How is a wheelchair obtained when the patient arrives?
Wheelchairs are located at the information desk and/or registration check-in.
Will the patient have instructions to take home?
The patient will be discharged according to the physician/surgeon's orders. Instructions will be provided as to the patient's care, medication and post-op follow-up after hospital visit and/or surgery.
| 
