Patient Information
The entire staff at the South Bend Clinic — from
receptionists, nurses, and physicians to technical
staff, patient accounts, and administration — believes
that the best medical care starts with a strong team … you
and us working together for treatment and prevention.
So in addition to taking time during office visits
to fully explain procedures and answer any questions
you may have, we want to be sure you have access
to the most current information on available classes,
new treatment options and procedures, and physicians
and locations. We also want to share medical breakthroughs
and success stories about other team members as we
can.
Frequently Requested Phone Numbers
The South Bend Clinic Business Office
Commerce Center
401 East Colfax
Suite 400
South Bend IN 46617
Billing inquires: 574-299-2437
twalerko@southbendclinic.com
Pharmacy
211 North Eddy Street
574-237-9295
Hours Monday – Friday
8 am to 5 pm
Radiology Department
211 North Eddy Street
Appointment desk 574-237-9203
Optical Department
211 North Eddy Street
South Bend
574-247-3937
Visions Optical Department
City Plaza
1233 E. University Drive
Granger
574-247-3937
Audiology/Hearing Aids
211 North Eddy Street
574-237-9200
Laboratory
574-237-9338
The South Bend Clinic Job Line
574-237-9319
Billing - Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do you participate in my health plan?
HMOs and PPOs are not insurance companies, but are considered
the “Network” under which insurance plans are affiliated. The South Bend
Clinic participates in most, but not all, health networks. Currently,
The South Bend Clinic participates with CHA, Select, Anthem/Blue Cross Blue
Shield, Sagamore and a few others. Please call your employer or health plan
for a roster of participating physicians.
Q: What are my benefits with my insurance health plan?
All benefits are written specifically for an employer or insured. Please refer to your plan benefit packet or booklet. Benefit information can also be accessed by contacting your insurance carrier or via their Website.
Q: I have a co-payment with my insurance plan. Can I be billed for this?
All co-payments should be paid at the time of service. The co-payment is a PPO or HMO requirement per your agreement with the health plan.
Q: You accepted “assignment” with my health insurance. Why are you billing me?
By accepting assignment, or by participating in a health plan, you may still be responsible for out-of-pocket amounts due to co-insurance, deductible, non-covered or plan exclusions.
Q: My family gets more that one bill per month. Why?
Ideally, The South Bend Clinic does a “family billing” arrangement, whereby all (minor) family members are listed to one parent, guardian or “responsible party." If you receive more than one bill, contact the Business Office at (574) 299-2450 to have all family members combined under one bill.
Q: I have two insurance policies. How do I know which one is primary?
If you are the patient and the insurance holder, your policy will be listed first for you, followed secondarily by any coverage you may have under your spouse.
Q: My insurance company is asking me for additional information. Do I have to complete the information and why?
The insurance company may need information from you to determine your eligibility, coordination of benefits, student status, whether this visit was due to an accident, or several other reasons. You must complete the information in order for your claim to be paid; otherwise, the full amount is charged to you.
Q: Why did you charge an office visit and my physical exam at the same time? Aren’t these the same thing? My insurance company did not cover all of it.
Sometimes a patient can be seen for health maintenance reasons, but also may present for a new or specific problem. Both services are billed separately; however, payment for these services depends on your coverage, deductible and other plan provisions.
Q: When do I need a pre-certification or referral and who is responsible to do this?
You are responsible to know your plan benefits and what service requires a pre-certification or referral. Very often, outpatient or in-patient procedures or services do require some form of prior notification. Often the hospital or specialty department may do this for you; however, please make sure that this is arranged by calling your insurance company prior to services.
Q: I see a physician at one of your satellite offices and also at the main clinic. Will I receive two different statements?
No. All clinic locations are billed under one statement. The clinic has a central Business Office responsible for all billing activity. Co-payments and amounts that may be due may be paid at each respective office; however, statements are generated monthly that encompass all services for all locations.
Q: I had an auto accident and you billed my health insurance. Why?
If a patient has an auto accident or is injured on the job, claims will need to be filed to the auto or Worker’s Compensation carrier. Please bring this health information with you to your visit so that your regular insurance is not billed for these services.
Q: I have questions regarding my statement. Whom do I contact?
The South Bend Clinic Business Office is available as early as 7:00 a.m. to answer billing questions. We are open until 6:00 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. The phone number is (574) 299-2450. Our office is located at the Commerce Center, 401 E. Colfax, Suite 400, in South Bend, for patients who wish to speak with a Business Office Representative. The Main Clinic also has Business Office Representative available
weekdays, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm and can be reached at (574) 237-9277.
Q: My daughter is a 25-year-old student and is covered under my health insurance. Why can’t I call and get questions about her coverage or bill?
Under HIPAA guidelines, if a patient is over the age of 18, his or her privacy is protected and therefore not released without their consent. Health insurance claim information, financial information, etc., cannot be discussed with anyone under this guideline. A family member may request that his or her health and financial information be shared with another specific family member, but this must be done in writing. The patient may request our HIPAA Form 4000 to facilitate such requests.
Q: Why do I need to give my insurance card every time I come for an appointment?
If your health insurance changes, it is vital that we change your information to keep current with the address of your carrier, your group, and policy numbers and your general demographic information.
Q: I have no insurance coverage. Am I eligible for any type of discount?
Yes, you are able to receive a 20% discount if you pay at the time of service. This discount does not apply to cosmetic, LASIK, eyeglasses, immunizations, durable medical services and supplies or pharmacy services.
Q: Is this discount available for non-covered services if I have insurance?
No, not at the current time. If you have insurance coverage and an amount that is past due, please contact our Business Office and we will work with you to establish a payment plan, etc.
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