CHANGE IN HOSPITAL OUT-PATIENT BILLING PROCEDURES

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP83-00156R000300050066-8
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 15, 2016
• Document Release Date: December 9, 2003
• Sequence Number: 66
• Publication Date: August 1, 1979
• Content Type: BULL

STAT Approved For Release 2004/05/12 : CIA-RDP83-00156R000300050066-8
Approved For Release 2004/05/12 : CIA-RDP83-00156R000300050066-8
 INTERNAL USE ONLY
Approved Forease 2004/05/12 : CIA-RDP83-00156fP0300050066-8
EMPLOYEE BULLETIN
August 1979
CHANGE IN HOSPITAL OUT-PATIENT BILLING PROCEDURES
The Government Employees Health Association, Inc.
(GEHA, Inc.) has received information concerning a change
in the billing procedures of at least one Metropolitian
Area hospital. Attached is a statement on this subject
from GEHA.
DISTRIBUTION: All Employees
Approved For Release 2004/05/12 : CIA-RDP83-00156R000300050066-8
ADMINISTRATIVE = INTERNAL USE ONLY
 Approved For Release 2004/05/12 : CIA-RDP83-00156R000300050066-8
GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES HEALTH ASSOCIATION
P.O. BOX 463
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20044
CHANGE IN HOSPITAL OUT-PATIENT BILLING PROCEDURES
During the past several months, Agency employees who partici-
pate in GEHA's Association Benefit Plan (ABP) health insurance
have alerted the Insurance Branch of their experience with a change
in billing procedures practiced by some Metropolitan area hospitals
for out-patient services. By alerting you to this change, GEHA
hopes to preclude potential embarrassment or inconvenience for all
ABP policyholders.
Generally, when policyholders require treatment or services
as an out-patient at a hospital, they present their identification
card to the admissions clerk, request their insurance company be
billed and complete an assignment of benefits form authorizing the
hospital to receive payment from the insurance company. Some
recent experience, however, indicates that at least one area
hospital (Holy Cross of Silver Spring) and on occasion others
request out-patient accounts be paid at the time services are ren-
dered. In the event you are not able to provide payment at the
hospital, payment is expected promptly after receipt of the bill
at your residence.
GEHA has been advised that this change in billing procedures
only affects out-patient services and is a direct result of a cost
containment concern by the hospital. By receiving payment at the
time services are provided, the hospital eliminates billing
expenses and can reduce support services and follow up actions.
It is also clear that this change affects not only our health
insurance plan but also other Federal Health Insurance plans
which provide benefits for treatment or services as hospital out-
patients.
As a covered member or dependent under the Association
Benefit Plan, you are encouraged to continue using your insurance
identification card when seeking treatment at a hospital. If as
an out-patient, you are requested to pay at the time service is
rendered, and you are unable to do so, you may request the
hospital bill you for the service. When you receive the bill,
please promptly submit it to the Insurance Branch with a com-
pleted claim form stating the nature of illness or injury and
include your policy number and certificate number. The Insurance
Branch claims settlements are current and with your cooperation
claims can be settled quickly and accurately.
Please contact the Insurance Branch on extension 0 if you
require additional 4n9or..,-.4-:
_ - _ .
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Approve ? r Release 2004/05/12: CIA-RDP83-C 6R000300050066-8
STA