Patient Accounts & Billing

The Good Samaritan Patient Accounts staff can assist you with most billing and payment arrangement inquiries. Please feel free to contact us regarding any questions or concerns relating to your bill. We can be reached at 508-427-3600. Our office hours are from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Financial counseling services are also available to you through the application and eligibility processes of a variety of government funded programs, payment plans and Massachusetts Free Care. For more information regarding Free Care, please call 508-427-3036. For information on MassHealth, please call 508-427-3053.

Frequently Asked Questions about Patient Accounts and Patient Bills

Q. What hospital services must be pre-certified and/or pre-authorized in order for my insurance company to pay a bill?
A. Since all insurance carriers vary, you should contact your insurance carrier for specific instructions regarding the pre-certification and pre-authorization processes. If these policies are not followed correctly, many insurance carriers impose a financial penalty to the patient, or in some cases refuse to pay anything on a bill.

Q. Who will be responsible for obtaining my pre-certification or pre-authorization?
A. If you are to be seen for inpatient services, the Good Samaritan Admitting staff will contact your insurer for pre-authorization up to 24 hours prior to treatment.

Q. Is it important to bring my insurance card to each visit?
A. Yes! During the registration process, you are asked to provide verification of your insurance coverage. If you are unable to provide this information at the time of service, we ask that you contact the Medical Center with accurate and up-to-date insurance information within 48 hours. Without this information, we cannot bill your carrier and you will be held responsible.

Q. Who is responsible for obtaining my referral for outpatient services?
A. Many insurers require a referral from the patient's primary care physician (PCP) when being seen at the Medical Center. It is the patient's responsibility to get this referral.

Q. I have insurance. Why am I receiving a bill?
A. There are multiple reasons why a patient could potentially receive a bill. Many insurance policies require you to pay a deductible or co-payment as part of your services that your insurance company does not cover. There are also situations where your insurer may pay less than the amount expected. Please remember you are ultimately responsible for the full payment of your bill if your insurance carrier does not acknowledge coverage by either payment or other communication.

Q. Why did my insurer deny payment of my bill? What can I do?
A. There are many situations where an insurer will deny payment for services. You can find out what services should be covered under your insurance plan be referring to your health benefits manual provided by your insurer or your employer. If a claim is denied, please contact your insurer for specific details regarding the denial.

Q. I was seen in Express Care and my insurance company is holding me responsible for an emergency room co-payment. Is this correct?
A. Yes. Express Care is part of the GSMC Emergency Department and is processed by your insurance company as an emergency room visit. All appropriate co-payments would be your responsibility.

Q. I was seen at GSMC but received a bill from somewhere else. Is this bill correct?
A. In many cases, yes. There are many physician and specialty groups affiliated with GSMC that contribute to your overall patient care. In many of these cases, services will be billed separate form your hospital bill. Please contact the appropriate number on the bill with any questions you may have.

Below are some of the departments with each affiliated group in addition to their names and contact information.