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FAQS
At Panola Medical Center, it is our mission to Deliver America’s Best Local Health Care. Consistent with fulfilling that mission, we take a positive and proactive approach to patient billing and collections. Our goal is to coordinate payment for services in the most efficient, timely and customer-oriented manner possible. We understand that the billing and collection process can be confusing. In order to assist you in understanding these services and to answer any questions you might have, please review the following.
Payment
We accept payment by cash, check, VISA®, Mastercard®, American Express® and Discover®.
Registration and Billing are committed to providing excellent customer service. If at any time you have questions or comments regarding your insurance coverage or your bill, please contact our Patient Accounts Department at (662) 712-2175 during business hours: Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
What are Panola Medical Center's standard charges?
As part of the Public Health Service Act, hospitals are required to make public a list of their standard charges via the Internet. For this reason, we offer the following information:
Do I need a referral?
If you have an HMO plan with which we are contracted, you need a referral/authorization from your primary care physician. If we have not received a referral prior to your arrival for your scheduled service, we have a telephone available for you to call your primary care physician to obtain it. If you are unable to obtain the referral at that time, your appointment will be rescheduled.
What are my responsibilities for Outpatient Testing/Surgery?
If your physician recommends a minor procedure, a staff member will be available to answer specific questions about the procedure scheduling process, discuss the paperwork and tests involved, and complete all pre-certification/authorization requirements that may be needed for your insurance company to pay the maximum benefits on your behalf.
You will also be asked for a pre-surgical deposit, the amount of which depends on your coverage and deductible amount. A cost estimate which shows your financial responsibility, based on the benefit levels and coverage of your insurance plan, will be explained by a staff member.
What if my child needs Outpatient Surgery?
A parent or legal guardian must accompany patients who are minors on the patient’s first visit. The accompanying adult is responsible for payment of the account, according to the policy outlined above.
What does “Provider-Based” designation mean?
This is a Medicare status for hospitals and clinics that comply with specific Medicare regulations. Medicare has determined that this hospital has met these regulations and has been designated as such. This status requires that the hospital send two separate bills to Medicare, one for the facility and one for the physician. This means you may receive two billing statements and two separate Explanation of Benefits statements from your insurance company for one date of service.