SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., – Until recently, patients needing procedures at hospitals have been largely in the dark about what the final cost to them would be. Now, Regional West Medical Center has implemented a new system that generates a highly accurate cost estimate for many procedures upfront. The system calculates what the hospital’s charges will be, how much insurance will reimburse, and what the patient’s final responsibility will be. Patients who are able to pay their portion at the time of service then receive a five percent discount off the projected amount due.

According to Pam O’Neal, director of patient access for Regional West Medical Center, “Patients like knowing what a procedure is going to cost and getting a discount makes it even better. We are able to give the discount because payment upfront makes our billing process simpler and shorter.”

Patients can find out what their procedure will cost at the time of scheduling or the time of check-in. They need to supply information off their insurance card. A Regional West patient access specialist enters this information into a computer along with details of the procedure and then provides the estimate of patient responsibility.

To receive the five percent discount, the patient must pay the estimated balance due at that time. Cash, check or major credit cards are accepted. If the patient is not able to pay the balance due at the time of service, the hospital has a variety of alternative payment options available. For more information, please call Regional West Patient Financial Services at 308.630.1350.

Although the five percent discount does not apply to the alternative plans, it does apply if the final balance due is different from the estimate.

“Our estimates are highly accurate,” explained O’Neal, “but sometimes a procedure can be simpler or more complicated than we expected. If charges are lower than expected, we will refund the difference. If they are higher, an additional bill will be sent but the five percent discount will still apply.”

Currently, cost estimates are available for some, but not all hospital procedures at Regional West.

“Our goal,” O’Neal said, “Is to be able to provide estimates for all procedures. Right now we’re learning to use this new technology and will be expanding the number of procedures as we go forward. We’re trying to make the cost of hospital procedures as predictable as possible.”

Regional West Health Services is the parent company for Regional West Medical Center and Regional West Physicians Clinic. These organizations, with over 1,800 employees, provide comprehensive and innovative health care services for the people and communities of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota and Wyoming. With over 110 active physicians, 95 percent of whom are board certified or board eligible, plus an additional 25 consulting specialists, the Regional West family of health care organizations offers care that spans more than 30 medical specialties.