service charges & Billing
Niobrara Valley Hospital is committed to making sure our patients understand our services, charges and what to expect before, during and after your hospital visit. Healthcare can be confusing, that's why NVH encourages all of our patients to ask questions when it comes to treatments and billing.
Hospitals have a charge for every service provided. That means each test or medication ordered by your physician, days spent in the hospital, time in surgery and more have a specific dollar amount associated with them. The total list of services provided by NVH and the charges for those services can be found here.
Hospitals have a charge for every service provided. That means each test or medication ordered by your physician, days spent in the hospital, time in surgery and more have a specific dollar amount associated with them. The total list of services provided by NVH and the charges for those services can be found here.
Every service provided by a hospital is accompanied by a service charge. While charges are often similar for patients who undergo treatment for the same condition they can sometimes look very different. Here are some instances that would cause an increase or a decrease in the total amount owed for services.
It is important to understand that some patients can receive more than one bill depending on who their doctor is and what services were administered to them. You will receive a single bill from the hospital and separate bills from physicians who are not on our staff, and other health care providers involved in your care. For example, if your physician orders an x-ray and asks for the x-ray to be read by a Radiologist then you will receive a bill from the hospital for the service and a bill from the Radiologist's office for the reading. The following is a list of health care professionals who may bill you separately:
The amount you pay for your service also depends upon which, if any, insurance plan is covering your care and how your benefits are structured. Insurer contracts with the hospital determine what price will be paid for your care. Additionally, you may have a deductible that must be met before your insurance covers the cost of care, and/or you may be liable for paying a flat dollar co-payment or a percentage of the cost of any services provided.
It is also important to know whether your hospital and physician(s) are part of your insurance company's health care network. If you seek care out of network, you will likely be liable for a greater share of the bill. We recommend that you check with your health insurance plan to verify whether the providers involved in your care are in their network. To do this dial the number located on the back of your insurance card.
- How long it takes you to recover in the hospital
- what kinds of medication you require
- Whether you encounter complications and require additional treatment
- Other conditions you may have in addition to what you are being treated for that may affect your treatment plan
It is important to understand that some patients can receive more than one bill depending on who their doctor is and what services were administered to them. You will receive a single bill from the hospital and separate bills from physicians who are not on our staff, and other health care providers involved in your care. For example, if your physician orders an x-ray and asks for the x-ray to be read by a Radiologist then you will receive a bill from the hospital for the service and a bill from the Radiologist's office for the reading. The following is a list of health care professionals who may bill you separately:
- Your personal physician if he or she follows your care in the hospital and is not a member of the staff at NVH
- The Radiologist who reads your x-rays
- Other physician specialists that may be consulted by your physician during the course of your care
- Room and Board - these charges will vary by the level of care provided. For example, charges will be different for a day in intensive care versus general medical or surgical care.
- Laboratory testing
- Radiology exams
- Medical supplies
- Pharmaceuticals
The amount you pay for your service also depends upon which, if any, insurance plan is covering your care and how your benefits are structured. Insurer contracts with the hospital determine what price will be paid for your care. Additionally, you may have a deductible that must be met before your insurance covers the cost of care, and/or you may be liable for paying a flat dollar co-payment or a percentage of the cost of any services provided.
It is also important to know whether your hospital and physician(s) are part of your insurance company's health care network. If you seek care out of network, you will likely be liable for a greater share of the bill. We recommend that you check with your health insurance plan to verify whether the providers involved in your care are in their network. To do this dial the number located on the back of your insurance card.
Frequently asked questions
Q. What if I can't afford hospital and/or physician charges?
A. Find out if you qualify for free or reduced fee care under our Financial Assistance Program. There are also a number of public and private assistance programs available to help patients get health care services and meet financial obligations associated with obtaining health care services.
Q. How will i be billed?
A. Hospitals and physicians typically bill you separately for services provided to you in a hospital. You will receive one bill from Niobrara Valley Hospital for services administered in the hospital - x-rays, lab work, room and board, supplies, etc. - and a second bill from your physician or other specialists who aided in your treatment like a radiologist, surgeon or anesthesiologist.
Q. When am I expected to Pay?
A. Hospital bills are similar to most other bills, with payment expected within 30 days. If you are unable to pay the entire sum of the bill in a 30 day period call the hospital at (402)569-2451 to set up an installment plan.
Call the Hospital at (402)569-2451 with any additional questions