Medical Billing
Introduction
The Medical Billing Department processes more than 40,000 bills annually. These bills reflect revenue generated by physicians, nurse practitioners, psychologists and social workers who practice within our Medical Service Plan (MSP). Reimbursement received from Medicare, Medicaid, other third party payers, and self pay allows the Medical Service Plan to support and invest in various programs within the University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria (UICOMP).
Our department includes: billing, collection, cash posting, and data entry staff.
Online Health Account
Pricing Information
The University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria is committed to helping our current and prospective patients make informed decisions on all aspects of their care, including potential out-of-pocket costs. In accordance with regulatory requirements, UICOMP provides good faith estimates and participates in the advanced Explanation of Benefits for insured patients.
Learn more about the No Surprises Act
Please see our FAQ below for answers to common questions. If you have additional questions or need our help, please contact us at 309-671-8472.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will I have to pay out of my pocket?
If you have health insurance, you will need to pay the deductible, copay and/or coinsurance set by your health plan. If you have reached your maximum out-of-pocket or met your deductible for the year, or if you have secondary insurance coverage that provides additional coverage, you may not owe anything. Your financial obligations could differ depending on whether the physicians are “out-of-network,” meaning the health plan does not have a contract with them. Please contact your health plan to understand your financial obligations.
If you do not have health insurance, we will discuss financial assistance options, which may include a complete write-off or a substantial reduction in charges, in accordance with UICOMP’s financial assistance programs.
What does my health insurance pay?
Health plans such as Medicare, Medicaid, workers’ compensation, and commercial health insurance do not pay charges. Instead, they pay a predetermined or negotiated price. You only pay the out-of-pocket amounts set by your health plan.
What do the following health insurance terms mean?
Deductible: means the amount you need to pay for health care services before the health plan begins to pay. The deductible may not apply to all services.
Copay: means a fixed amount (for example, $20) you will have to pay for a covered health care service, such as a physician’s office visit or prescription.
Coinsurance: means the percentage you pay for a covered health service (for example, 20% of the bill). This is based on the amount your health plan determines is the allowed amount for the service. You pay coinsurance plus any deductibles you may owe.
Your specific health care plan coverage, including the deductible, copay, and coinsurance, varies depending on the plan you select. Health plans also have different networks of hospitals, physicians, and other providers with whom they have contracted. It is important that you contact your health plan to discuss this specific information.
What is the difference between charges, cost, and price?
Total Charge is the amount set before any discounts. Providers are required by the federal government to utilize uniform charges as the starting point for all bills. The list of charges is the same for all patients. However, the total charges for an individual patient often vary from one patient to another for several reasons, including but not limited to:
- How long does it take to perform the service
- Whether the service or procedure you receive is more difficult than expected
- If you experience complications and need additional treatment
- Other health conditions you may have that may affect your care
It is very important for patients to understand that amounts are almost never billed to patients or received by hospitals as payment. The charge amounts are billed to a health insurance company (commercial or government), and those insurers then apply their contracted rates to the services that are billed. When a patient does not have health insurance, UICOMP has financial assistance policies that apply discounts to the charges.
How can I get an estimate for a specific procedure or service?
Please contact our Medical Insurance Specialist at 309-671-8472. Estimates will be an average charge for the procedure without complications. A physician must determine specific care you may require based on considerations, including your specific diagnosis, general health condition, and many other factors.
Remember, if you have health insurance, you will only pay the specified deductible, copay, and coinsurance amounts established by your health plan. If you do not have health insurance, you may be eligible for significant discounts on charges under the financial assistance policies.
Why am I receiving different bills for the same visit, service, or procedure?
A UICOMP bill does not include charges for services provided in a hospital facility; it only reflects charges for services provided by health care professionals (called a professional fee). The patient may receive separate bills from the hospital and other doctors involved in their care.
We are here to help you navigate healthcare costs and billing. If you have additional questions or need our help, do not hesitate to contact us at 309-671-8472.
Medical Service Plan
The Medical Service Plan of the University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria was established by the Illinois Legislature as a means to hire, contract and confer benefits to physician and medical professional providers who instruct, train and observe University of Illinois students through their residencies.
The MSP in Peoria is the vehicle for physician providers to charge patients or contracting hospitals or other organizations for clinical services provided. The MSP participating physicians and medical professionals (for example, nurse practitioners, psychologists and social workers) generate over 30% of the revenue supporting this College of Medicine location.
Physicians and other medical professional providers are involved in these departments and programs:
Departments
- Family & Community Medicine
- Internal Medicine
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Obstetrics/Gynecology
Departments continued
- Pathology
- Pediatrics
- Med-Peds
- Psychiatry
- Surgery