About Our Billing Policies
We understand that hospital bills are often unexpected and insurance claims can be confusing. We want to help you understand what Centra will do to assist you and how you can assist us.
Billing Policies
Centra billing provides 24-hour access to your account through our online portal and through our automated telephone system.
Payment Options
- Payment in full. See accepted payment types below.
- Zero-interest installment program up to 6 months. Must be approved to keep your account from being considered past due.
- Need more than 6 months to pay your bill? The ClearBalance® program is a zero-interest revolving credit account you can use to repay your medical bills with Centra Health*. No application, no credit check, no annual fees, no prepayment penalties. Combine your family’s medical bills from Centra Health into one monthly payment. Easily add future balances from Centra Health.
- Financial Assistance. Please contact customer service at (434) 200-3777 or 877-908-8707 if you would like to apply for financial assistance.
We accept personal checks, money orders, Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express. Returned personal checks will be charged a $30 administrative fee. Postdated checks are not accepted. Credit card payments can be made online. If payment by mail, please make check payable to Centra, write your account number on your personal check and mail it to Centra, PO Box 2496 Lynchburg, VA 24505-2496.
* Revolving credit accounts are offered by Western Alliance Bank, member FDIC. ClearBalance is a registered service mark of CSI Financial Services, LLC, which provides certain account servicing functions for the bank.
Centra Commitment
In order to ensure the billing process is as simple as possible, Centra will provide the following:
Billing & Statements
We will file a claim to up to two insurance carriers on your behalf. We will provide you, upon request, with claim forms for you to file to additional insurance carriers.
We will mail easy-to-read statements showing the most current balance owed by your insurance carrier or due from you. Statements will show the amount your insurance carrier paid and the remaining balance owed.
Financial Counseling
We will provide access to a customer service representative to answer billing questions concerning benefits, hospital charges, and payment options.
We will help you determine if you qualify for Centra's financial assistance program which can help uninsured/underinsured patients earning up to 400 percent of the federal poverty level with discounts from 35-100 percent.
We will provide language assistance or a translator to ensure effective communication.
We will treat you with dignity and respect, regardless of your ability to pay.
Patient Committment
In order to assist us in making the billing process as simple as possible, you can help by doing the following:
Information about billing insurance
Please provide complete insurance or third party information upon registration, including Insurance ID cards, driver's license or photo ID and any changes to your personal or insurance information.
Please comply with any requirements of your insurance carrier, including submitting referral forms or completing coordination of benefits forms.
Please respond promptly to requests from your insurance, especially to resolve issues related to insurance coverage. If payment is not received from your insurance carrier in 60 days, we may require assistance in obraining payment, or we may bill you for the unpaid balance.
Questions about your bill
Please call us if you have any questions or concerns about your bill. For questions about your insurance coverage, check your health policy plan booklet or call the number on your insurance card. Physicians questions should be directed to your physicians office.
Payments
Your hospital bill is your responsibility, with the exception of Medicare, Medicaid, CHAMPUS and worker's compensation services. Please pay your portion of the bill promptly or within 21 days after you receive a bill. For your convenience Centra accepts cash, personal check, money orders, Visa, Mastercard and Discover.
Please call us if you anticipate problems paying your bill. Customer service representatives can discuss payment alternatives and financial assistance options. Certain personal and financial information is required to apply for government or hospital financial assistance programs.
Physician or other bills
You may receive more than one bill for your hospital or clinic visit, as Centra hospital bills do not include fees for physician services. Several physicians or caregivers may have participated in your medical care, for which you should receive separate bills. Please contact these physicians or caregivers directly if you have any questions concerning their bill.