Billing FAQ

• Whom can I contact if I have questions about my bill?
  For questions about Craig General Hospital billing contact (918) 256-7551, Ext. 183.

• Why do I get a statement that is not itemized?
  Craig General Hospital does not send out itemized statements due to cost; however we are happy to send an itemized statement upon request.

• Whom can I contact if I have questions about my Doctor's bill?
  Please call the physician’s office with questions about those charges.

• Why do I receive several bills for procedures performed at Craig General Hospital?
  Depending of services received at Craig General Hospital, you might receive a separate bill for hospital services, diagostic testing and physician services. If your test requires a specialized physician to interpret, you will receive a bill from that physician.

• Why is there a long period of time between the services I received at Craig General Hospital and the bill from those services? The staff at Craig General Hospital works very hard to file your claims in a timely manner; however, sometimes other information is needed to process your claim. It can take up to 60 days for your insurance provider to pay your claim and then for you to receive a statement for the balance, if any. You may check with your insurance company on the status of your claim at any time.

• What happens if I do not pay my bill on time?
  The Craig General Hospital Business Office will attempt to work out a reasonable payment plan with the guarantor. If a reasonable payment plan cannot be worked out, the account will be referred to a collection agency.

• Why do I have to present my insurance card every time I go to the hospital?
  Craig General Hospital keeps a copy of your current insurance card to make sure your information is up to date, therefore, we ask for a copy of your card each visit.

• Why do I have to sign forms each time I come to the hospital? The forms you sign give permission to perform the test ordered by your doctor. We need your signature in order to make a claim with your insurance company. If there is a co-pay or deductible, your signature confirms that you will make arrangements for that payment.

• Can you tell me how much my procedure will cost?
  All procedures vary in cost depending on time spent in OR, anesthesia time, supplies, complications, etc. We can give an approximate cost based on the average cost of a particular procedure, but we cannot guarantee the amount.

• How can I make payments to CGH for services rendered?

1. By Phone: Simply call us with your credit card information
2. In Person: Monday-Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, payments may be made at CGH in the Patient Accounts or Registration areas.
3. By Mail: Craig General Hospital, P.O. Box 326, Vinita, OK 74301

Medical Records FAQ

• How can I obtain copies of my medical records, records for a minor, or for a deceased family member? To obtain medical records, you can contact the Craig General Hospital Medical Records department at (918) 256-7551, Ext. 251.

• What is the turn-around-time for requests for medical records? It may take up to 10 business days for “personal use” medical records (i.e. yourself, insurance company, attorney, etc.) to be copied and mailed.

• Do I have to wait 10 business days if I need my medical records sent to my physician’s office for an upcoming appointment?
  No, we can get those copied and mailed to your physician as soon as possible. However, if you want to hand carry your medical records to your doctor’s appointment, there will be a charge of $1 for the first page and $.50 for each additional page. Oklahoma state law allows us to charge for the copying of medical records.

• What are the charges associated with obtaining copies of my medical records?   Oklahoma state law allows us to charge $1.00 for the first page and $.50 for each additional page for copies of medical records.

• Is there a charge if my medical records are for continued treatment with my physician?
  No, as long as our staff sends the medical records directly to your physician, there is no charge.

• Do I have to sign anything in order to obtain copies of my medical records?
  Yes, an Authorization For Use Or Disclosure Of Protected Health Information release form must be filled out by the patient or personal representative for the patient

• If I come to pick up copies of my medical records at your office do I need to bring proof of ID?   Yes, a drivers license must be presented at the time to verify identity.

• Instead of signing a release form can I just call by phone to request my records?   No, Oklahoma law and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) require that a release form be filled out correctly, signed and dated prior to medical records being released. Only the patient or his/her personal representative (Power of Attorney, Exec. of Estate etc., **papers must accompany rep)may sign the release form. A letter signed by pt stating who to release to will work.

• If I signed the release form for copies of my medical records to be picked up by myself, can I send my spouse/sibling/child to pick up the records if I don’t have time?
  No, the release form is very specific as to who is receiving copies of the medical records. The only individual that can pick up the copy of the medical records is the person listed on the release form.

• What is the process of obtaining copies of my deceased relatives medical records?
  A certified death certificate must be brought to the Craig General Hospital Medical Records department, and the medical record must state next-of-kin and/or beneficiary must be named. For families trying to obtain copies of medical records for the deceased, the first person authorized is the spouse. If the spouse is not living, then the children are next-of-kin.