Hospital Outpatient Department Clinic Billing

Saint Francis Healthcare System (Medical Center) strives to provide our patients with information to help them make the most informed decisions possible related to their healthcare. The information contained on this page is being provided to help you better understand hospital outpatient department (HOD) clinic-based billing and which Saint Francis Healthcare System clinics are HOD locations.

What is a HOD clinic location?

The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) & other insurance payers permit clinics to operate as HODs when certain conditions are met. These clinics are integrated into the hospital and are therefore permitted to bill services as hospital outpatient departments. These charges often show up on a statement as “facility charges” which help cover the additional expenses of operating an outpatient department of a hospital compared to a free standing physician office. You will be billed separately for hospital and professional charges.

Which Saint Francis Medical Center clinics operate as hospital outpatient departments and bill charges as a HOD?

Will I experience higher out of pocket costs for being seen in a HOD clinic vs a free standing office?

Most patients seen in a HOD will have higher out of pocket costs compared to being seen in a free standing physician office location. Patients that do not have a secondary or supplemental payer are more likely to experience higher out of pockets costs at these locations.

Who can I call if I have more questions about HOD costs or my bill?

The Saint Francis Customer Service Specialists can be reached by calling 573-331-5217 option #4.

Who can I speak to if I need to discuss payment arrangements or payment plan?

The Saint Francis Customer Service Specialists can be reached by calling 573-331-5217 option #4.

Who can I speak to if I am having difficulty paying for my bills received by Saint Francis?

The Saint Francis Financial Counselors can be reached by calling 573-331-5217 option #2.

How much can I expect to pay out of pocket for services at a HOD Clinic?

Out of pockets costs can vary greatly in a HOD based on services provided and patient specific benefits. If you have questions or would like a personal estimate specific to a certain service, please call our financial counselors at 573-331-5217 option #2 or click here to request an estimate.