Ozarks Healthcare is offering on-site financial counselors and eligibility specialists to help patients understand available health care payment and coverage options.
“Ozarks Healthcare recognizes that receiving the right care often requires access to the right providers, equipment, medications and ongoing treatments — all of which can create financial stress for patients and families,” said Ozarks Healthcare President and CEO Terence Farrell. “Patients may have options available to them that they are not aware of, and our team is here to help identify and explain those resources.”
Financial counseling services are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at several Ozarks Healthcare locations.
An eligibility specialist and financial counselor are available in the hospital’s Main Entrance registration area. Additional financial counselors are located at the North Entrance, between the Emergency Department and Women’s Center, and in the Shaw Building for oncology and therapy patients.
Financial counselors also are available at Ozarks Healthcare Patient Financial Services in Parkway Center, 1211 Porter Wagoner Blvd. in West Plains.
The counselors assist patients and employees with payroll deductions, payment arrangements, payments and financial assistance applications. They also help patients complete Medicaid applications and guide them through presumptive eligibility determinations.
Presumptive eligibility can provide temporary Medicaid coverage for patients who appear to meet eligibility requirements while their full applications are reviewed.
Counselors also review payment options with patients, including CareCredit, local bank financing and other available resources.
“Having knowledgeable, kind and professional financial counselors available on-site means patients are not navigating these decisions alone,” said Melody Simpson, Ozarks Healthcare director of revenue cycle. “They are here to listen, explain options and help each individual find a path forward that works for their situation.”
Ozarks Healthcare officials said counseling sessions are private and intended to help patients understand their financial responsibilities and available options.
