Hospital Bills and Insurance

If You Have Health Insurance
It is a good idea to know the terms of your insurance coverage before you are admitted to the medical center. Most insurance companies require that non-emergency patients receive pre-authorization for medical services. Please pre-register at least 48 hours prior to admission by calling the Registration Department at (310) 900-4511.

When you pre-register, please have a copy of your insurance identification card. We may also need the insurance forms supplied by your employer or insurance company. You will be asked to assign benefits from the insurance company directly to the medical center. After the insurance company pays its share of your bill, the remainder of the bill becomes your responsibility, and the medical center will bill you.

Your Hospital Bill
Your hospital bill reflects all of the services you received during your stay. The hospital bill does not include the services of your physicians; they will bill you separately. The hospital will submit an itemized hospital bill to your insurance company directly. After the insurance company pays its share of your bill, any remainder of the bill that is your financial responsibility will be billed to you directly.

If You are Covered by Medi-Cal or Medicare
We will need a copy of your Medi-Cal eligibility card or Medicare card to verify eligibility and to process your billing information. Deductibles and co-payments are your financial responsibility.

If You are a Member of an HMO or PPO
Your health plan may have special requirements such as pre-certification or authorization for certain tests and procedures. It is your responsibility to make sure the requirements of your health plan have been met. If your plan’s requirements are not followed, you may be financially responsible for all or part of the services rendered.
If you have questions regarding your hospital bills you may contact Patient Financial Services at (310) 900-7420.

Your Physician’s Bills
Physicians are members of the medical staff and are not employees or agents of the hospital. You will receive bills directly from the physicians that care for you during your hospital stay. If you have any questions regarding your physician’s bills, you may contact them at the telephone number listed on their billing statement(s).