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Explaining Your Two Bills

We understand that receiving two bills for a single visit can be confusing and can raise concerns about the cost of your care. It’s important to know that this doesn’t mean you’re being overcharged or that our rates have increased. We are here to help clarify why this happens, what it means for your care, and how to navigate the billing process. 

Why Did I Receive Two Bills for My Lee Health Visit? 

If you’ve recently received two bills for a single medical care visit at a Lee Health facility, there are several reasons why this can happen. Here’s a quick breakdown of common scenarios: 

1. Facility Fee & Provider Fee Separate Billing 

Some services may be provided by a hospital-based facility (like an outpatient surgery center or lab) and a healthcare provider (like your physician or surgeon). You may receive two separate bills: one for facility services and another for the provider’s professional services. These charges are separate, but both are a crucial part of your care. 

2. Medicare & Other Insurance Guidelines 

Medicare and other insurance plans have specific billing guidelines that may require two separate bills for different aspects of your care, even if the services were provided at the same appointment. Medicare classifies this as “provider-based billing.” 

For example, facility fees might be billed separately from physician services, or additional charges might apply based on the type of care or treatment received. 

3. Clinic is now a Hospital Outpatient Department (HOD) 

Specific Lee Health clinic locations have transitioned to HODs to continue offering important services for low-income patients—including federally supported programs like discounted prescription drugs, as well as Lee Health’s own sliding fee scale.

4. Separate Medical Providers 

If multiple providers or specialties are involved in your care, you may receive individual bills from each provider, even if they work together to coordinate treatment. 

Understanding Each Bill: A Step-by-Step Breakdown 

When you receive two separate bills for a single visit, each one reflects a different part of the care you received: 

1. Facility Bill: This covers the cost of the hospital or clinic space where your care took place. This includes nursing staff, medical equipment, supplies, and other non-physician support needed to deliver your care. 

2. Provider Bill: This covers the care you received directly from the medical provider. That includes time spent with your doctor, nurse practitioner, or other advanced practice providers, whether it was a consultation, exam, or procedure. 

Together, these bills reflect the full scope of care services delivered during your visit. 

Need Assistance? We’re Here to Help You 

Navigating the billing process can be overwhelming, but we’re here to help. If you have any questions or need clarification on your bills, please contact us. We can review your bill over the phone, through MyChart messaging, or by emailing [email protected].

If you’re facing difficulties paying your bills, we offer several financial assistance options, including payment plans and help with navigating insurance. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Patient Financial Services at 239-424-1500 or 1-800-809-9906. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Two Lee Health Bills

Receiving two bills is often the result of different providers, services, or facilities being involved in your care. These are separate charges because of how healthcare services are categorized by the government or insurers, and they are not the result of increased fees or rising costs. 

A facility fee covers the operational cost of the medical location where you receive care (like a hospital or outpatient center). This fee is separate from a physician’s charge, which accounts for the medical services provided by your doctor or specialist. 

Some Lee Health clinic facilities function as part of the main hospital, even if they are not located on the hospital campus. These facilities must meet the same government regulations as a hospital; therefore, services are billed similarly – like the facility fee. 

Facility fees cover the cost of keeping our healthcare system running 24/7, 365 days a year. This includes expenses related to medical technology and equipment, staff training, and infrastructure, all of which ensure you continue to access high-quality care close to home. These crucial components of your care may not always be reflected in your doctor’s bill alone. 

Medicare guidelines require specific services, such as facility charges and professional fees, to be billed separately to ensure that each part of your care is appropriately accounted for under the program. 

Yes, our Patient Billing team is available and ready to help you understand your bills. We can explain charges, assist with insurance claims, and guide you through your financial responsibilities. Contact us at 239-424-1500 or 1-800-809-9906. 

We understand that the cost of care can be burdensome, and we’re here to help. We offer payment plans and financial assistance for eligible patients. Reach out to Patient Financial Services at 239-424-1500 or 1800-809-9906 to discuss your options. 

If you’re unsure how your insurance covers your care, our team can help you compare your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) with your medical bills. We can also assist you with insurance questions and help resolve discrepancies. Give us a call at 239-424-1500 or 1-800-809-9906.