(828) 262-4100
Estimate Your Healthcare Cost

Estimate Your Healthcare Cost

Call for an Estimate

828-262-4111
The best way to get an accurate estimate

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Apply for Financial Assistance

You may qualify even if you have insurance

Discounts & Payment Plans

Insurance Information

We understand medical bills can be difficult to understand or pay. We can help you estimate your planned healthcare expenses so you’ll know what to expect.  The best way to get an accurate picture of what you’ll pay is to call us at 828-262-4111. This way, we can consider factors like insurance coverage, self-pay, diagnosis, financial assistance, and more. 

 

Advance_directiveWhat you will need:

In order to get the most accurate estimate of your portion of the bill, we will need the following information:

  • CPT code from the provider who ordered the service
  • Up-to-date insurance information

 

Your estimate may NOT include:

  • Cost of outside physician professional fees such as anesthesia, radiology, emergency room physicians and/or pathology.
  • Pharmacy pricing estimates are available upon request. Pricing formulas depend on the specific dose amount, among other factors.
  • Any other services or tests done in addition to the original orders

You may receive additional costs or bills from these providers and/or services.

 

Why do healthcare estimates vary?

Estimates for outpatient procedures may vary based on a variety of items such as

  • Time in the Operating Room
  • Cost of medical supplies
  • Pharmacy costs
  • Multiple views or procedures on same visit

 

A list of healthcare charges for Appalachian Regional Healthcare System

The “chargemaster” is a list of our charges before insurance, discounts, or financial assistance are considered. You can download the Chargemaster below.

We offer self-pay discounts, financial assistance and insurance contract rates not listed in the chargemaster. Please call 828-262-4111 to get the most accurate estimate of the patient’s responsibility of the charges.

 

 

Financial Assistance

We understand medical bills are often unplanned and can be difficult to understand or pay. ARHS has Patient Financial Advocates who are professionally trained to assist with your financial questions. We also offer help identifying other programs, discounts, and services for which you may qualify. Read More: Financial Assistance

read more

Contact Patient Accounts

If you have questions about your bill or a patient account, please call (828) 262-4111 or send a message through the following form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for financial assistance?
  • Uninsured and underinsured people who need emergency or medically necessary treatment and have a household income between 200% and 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG).
  • When determining patients’ eligibility, Appalachian Regional Healthcare System does not consider race, gender, age, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, or social or immigrant status.
  • Eligible patients must submit a completed financial assistance application within 240 days (including all documentation required by the application) after ARHS provides the first post-discharge billing statement for the care.  You may have to meet with hospital Patient Financial Advocates before receiving financial assistance.

Learn more or apply for financial assistance >

For which services can I use financial assistance?
  • Financial assistance is provided only when care is considered medically necessary and after patients have met all eligibility requirements.
  • Emergency or urgent care, services considered medically necessary by Appalachian Regional Healthcare System.
What is the discount amount?

Click here to see what types of discounts you may qualify for >

What providers are included in ARHS billing and financial assistance?
How do I get an itemized statement?

To receive an itemized statement with detailed charges about the services provided, call our Customer Service department at (828) 262-4111, contact us online, or send a written request to billing@apprhs.org.

How do I dispute or appeal a billing decision?

If you wish to dispute charges or make sure that charges and patient balances are accurate, you may request a review. Call our Customer Service Department at (828) 262-4111, contact us online, or send a written request to billing@apprhs.org

If a review of the charges and balances on your bill are determined to be correct, you may still appeal this decision by sending a written request to 155 Furman Road, Suite 101, Boone, NC 28607 to attention of Appeals.

What is the collections process?

After your health insurance company has paid its portion of your visit, we will send you a monthly statement(s) for the amount that you owe.

  • We will contact you at least three times (via billing statements and/or phone calls) during a 120 day period to remind you of your balance. During this period, you will be expected to pay your balance in full, set up a payment plan or apply for financial assistance.
  • If the balance is unpaid after the 120 day billing period, your account will be sent to a collection agency. If the balance is not paid or set up on a payment plan within 60 days of collection agency placement, your credit score may be impacted.

You will receive three billing statements for unpaid bills. After the third billing statement, if you do not pay the amount you owe in full, apply for financial assistance or set up a payment plan the third billing statement will include a 30 day collection notice. If the balance remains unpaid after the 30 day period, your account will be sent to an outside collection agency.

Learn about all the ways we can help you pay your bill >

Billing and Insurance

Pay Online

 

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Apply for Financial Assistance

Discounts & Payment Plans

You may qualify even if you have insurance

Need Billing Help?

(828) 262-4111
Contact us online >

Financial Assistance

We understand medical bills are often unplanned and can be difficult to understand or pay. ARHS has Patient Financial Advocates who are professionally trained to assist with your financial questions. We also offer help identifying other programs, discounts, and services for which you may qualify. Read More: Financial Assistance

read more

Insurance Information

Need Help?

Contact us at
(828) 262-4111
Contact us online >

Pay Online

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Apply for Financial Assistance

We know that healthcare billing and insurance can be complicated and hard to understand. We are here to help you every step of the way.  As a courtesy to you, ARHS will bill all your insurance providers, as long as you give us all the necessary information.

 

Your Responsibility

You are responsible for any portion of your charges remaining unpaid by your insurance company, this includes non-covered services, co-insurance, co payments and deductibles. If your insurance does not pay within 90 days, you will be billed for the full balance. If you feel that your insurance company should have paid your bill, you should contact your insurance company or our customer service center at (828)262-4111.

  • Before getting care from ARHS, you should find out if your carrier is in- or out-of-network with us and if they have any exclusions, benefits, co-insurance, co-payment and deductibles outlined in your plan.
  • According to our policy, you may have to pay the full patient responsibility or a deposit representing an estimate of 30% of patient responsibility before leaving the hospital or practice or upon scheduling of services.

You may also be responsible for services rendered by other providers. These may include physicians, anesthesiologists, radiologists and pathologists. We will share your billing information with those providers so that they can file with your insurance company directly.

 

How we can help

We have many ways to help you pay your bill. If you have no insurance, you qualify for a 25% – 100% discount based on household income. You can also set up a 0% interest payment plan, apply for a healthcare credit card, or apply for financial assistance.

Learn more about all the ways we can help you pay >

 

Common Insurance Situations

I recently lost my insurance (COBRA benefits)

If you were recently covered by insurance under a group health plan, you may be eligible to pick up those benefits to assist you with your medical bills. Our Patient Financial Advocates can assist you in determining if you might qualify for COBRA benefits.

I have Workers' Compensation

If services you are requesting are the result of a work related injury, ARHS will bill your employer or your employer’s liability carrier. 

I have an HMO managed care plan

If you are covered by an HMO managed care plan, your insurance may restrict where you receive care. If you have services outside of your network, you will be responsible for your charges. Check with your insurance company to ensure your provider is in network.

I am on Medicare

Medicare requires that all tests have supporting diagnosis to demonstrate the test is medically necessary. If your physician orders a procedure or service that does not support medical necessity, you will be asked to sign an Advanced Beneficiary Notice (ABN).

The ABN informs you in advance that Medicare is not likely to pay for the procedure or service, and that you will be responsible for payment. By signing the ABN, you are indicating that you understand and are willing to continue with the procedure.

You will then receive a bill for payment of the service provided. You have the option of agreeing to be financially responsible for the procedure by signing the ABN or refusing the tests or services. If you refuse the test or service, you will be asked to sign a form indicating that you have elected not to have the service. If you request the service and will not sign the ABN, you will still be responsible for payment.

My account is past due

Federal and State laws require all hospitals to seek full payment. If your account becomes past due, ARHS will take appropriate action to recover the amount due. We do have many ways to help you pay your bill on time. Click here to see all the ways we can help you >

If there is a problem with your account, contact the Customer Service Center at (828) 262-4111 to discuss a workable solution. If you do not pay your bill or contact us for financial assistance, ARHS may refer your account to a collection agency. 

Financial Assistance

Financial Assistance

ARHS offers several financial aid options to help you resolve your account balances. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, cash or checks. We offer 12-month interest-free payment plans and a Healthcare Credit Card for longer term loans. We also offer help identifying other programs, discounts, and services for which you may qualify.

We understand medical bills are often unplanned and can be difficult to understand or pay. ARHS has Patient Financial Advocates who are professionally trained to assist with your financial questions. The Financial Counseling Department is also available to help patients who may have difficulty repaying their medical debts.

Financial Assistance Options

  • Set up a payment plan: 0% interest for 12-24 months, with approval
  • Apply for a healthcare credit card: for long-term loans
  • Apply for financial assistance: follow the steps below or contact us
  • Government and community programs: our Patient Financial Advocates can assist you in determining if you might be eligible.

Contact Us:

  • Billing and Account Questions: Contact us here >
  • Financial Counseling Office: (828) 262-4110
  • Financial Counseling Customer Service: (828) 262-4111
  • Patient Financial Advocates: (828) 262-4413
Financial Assistance Documents & Application

 Financial Assistance

Financial Assistance is available to those patients who are in need of help to pay their account. Assistance is based on the guarantor’s financial status. The guarantor is the person who is responsible for paying the medical bill. In order to determine this, the guarantor will need to complete a Financial Assistance application that includes, but is not limited to, proof of income and assets.

How to receive financial assistance: 

  1. Ask for a Patient Financial Advocate while you are a patient. You may also call (828) 262-4413 or (828) 262-4410, Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  2. Complete a Financial Assistance Application.
    • Download an application or pick one up at Watauga Medical Center, Cannon Memorial Hospital, or any of the offices of Appalachian Regional Medical Associates.
    • Request an application be sent to you by mail. Call (828) 262-4110 or (828) 262-4111 or write to 155 Furman Road Suite 101, Boone, NC 28607.
  3. Return the application and all required documentation within the allotted time.
  4. ARHS will determine eligibility based on the application and supporting documents.

 

Do you qualify for Discounts & Programs?

I do not have insurance
  • All uninsured patients will automatically receive a discount of 25% on gross charges for medically necessary and emergency care regardless of household income.
  • Uninsured and underinsured patients may receive additional financial assistance discounts according to the chart below, based on household income as a percentage of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG)

Financial_Assistance_Chart

Example: If you are uninsured with a family of 4 with income less than 50,200.00 per year you could receive 100% discount after the 25% of self-pay has been taken.

Example: If you are uninsured with a family of 4 with income less than 62,700.00 per year you could receive 50% discount after the 25% for self-pay has been taken.

Government & Community Programs

Our Patient Financial Advocates can assist you in determining if you might be eligible for Medicaid, Appalachian Healthcare Project, Purchase of Medical Care, Crime Victims Compensation, Vocational Rehabilitation, or other community, state or federal programs. These programs provide comprehensive coverage including prevention, primary care, hospitalization, prescription and other services for individuals, families and children.  If you need a financial assistance application or information on these programs, please contact the Patient Financial Advocate at (828) 262-4413 or (828) 262-4110.

I have insurance coverage

If you have insurance, you may still qualify for a discount of 25% – 75% (after insurance) through financial assistance,  based on household income. We encourage you to go ahead and apply for financial assistance below.

Uninsured and underinsured patients may receive additional financial assistance discounts according to the chart below, based on household income as a percentage of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG)

Financial_Assistance_Chart

Example: If you are underinsured with a family of 4 with income less than 50,200.00 per year you could receive 75% discount after insurance.

Example: If you are underinsured with a family of 4 with income less than 62,700.00 per year you could receive 50% discount after insurance.

 

Appalachian Regional Healthcare System’s financial assistance program covers the following  facilities:

  • Watauga Medical Center
  • Cannon Memorial Hospital
  • ARMA offices:
    • Appalachian Regional Internal Medicine Specialists
    • AppGastro
    • AppOrtho
    • AppUrgent Care
    • Baker Center for Primary Care
    • Boone Urology
    • Davant Medical Clinic
    • Elk River Medical Associates
    • Harmony Center for Women
    • Tate Clinic
    • Watauga Surgical Group
  • Wake Forest Physician Billing (Emergency Department)

 

The following service providers are NOT included under our program:

  • Watauga Radiological Services
  • Watauga Anesthesiology
  • DJO Global
  • Pathology providers
  • Reference labs (Labcorp, Quest)
  • Pharmacies 
  • Appointment no-show fees

If you have any questions, contact a patient representative at (828) 262-4111 or (828) 262- 4110.