Patients and Visitors

Financial Information and Frequently Asked Questions

Helping with your financial concerns

We know the cost of health care services can be a concern for you, and we are prepared to help. Our staff will assist you in understanding what your health insurance will pay and the options you have to pay the part of the bill you are responsible for paying.

We hope we can ease your concerns and help you focus on your first priority: a prompt return to good health.

Understanding BAMC financial policies

Registration and admission

We can begin to help you during your registration or admission to the hospital.

We will try to pre-register you if your hospital visit is planned. We will call you before your scheduled visit to obtain your address, phone number, social security number, insurance company name, address, policy number, and employer name and address.

Always bring your current insurance card with you for all health care services, even if you have been called for pre-registration. The costs that you are responsible for paying may include deductibles and co-payments based on your insurance plan. Your plan may also not pay for some specific services.

What if I don’t have health insurance?

Bay Area Medical Center’s policy is to help you obtain needed health care service coverage from other sources for which you may be eligible. We offer:

  • A discount if you don’t have insurance and do not qualify for any third party or government health benefits.
  • A community care program that gives discounts up to 100 percent if you meet certain guidelines and can’t pay for services.
  • Interest-free payment plans if you do not qualify for community care, but qualify for financial hardship status.
  • Our financial counselor is available to discuss any of these options with you and help you understand what you will be responsible for paying. You may contact the financial counselor at 715.735.8012.
  • Elective cosmetic procedures not covered by your insurance require payment in full before the service will be provided.

Payment options

Bay Area Medical Center will accept payment by cash, check, money order or credit (or debit) card. We accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover.

  • If your health care will result in your owing part of the bill, you will be requested to pay some or the entire amount on the date the service is provided.
  • If you are unable to pay in full on the date of service, we request payment in full within 30 days of receipt of your first statement.
  • If you need more time to pay, you may divide the amount you owe into three equal amounts and make payments every 30 days, over three months, interest free.
  • If you require more than 90 days to pay the amount you owe, we will offer you a payment plan that will include an interest charge.

What if I can’t afford treatment?

Bay Area Medical Center will treat all patients, regardless of their ability to pay. Our financial counselor will assist patients, in confidence, by identifying payment options for all levels of financial needs.

Patients may be directed to other programs they may qualify for such as SSI, Medicaid, Medicare, Veterans Services or Badger Care.

What about bills from other health care providers?

You may receive bills from other health care providers who treated you during your services at Bay Area Medical Center. This can include physicians, consulting physicians, radiologists or other specialists. Please contact them directly based on the information on their billing statements. They are independent and bill for their services separately from your hospital bill.

Who should I call with questions?

Please call customer service at 715.735.4203, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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