Convenient Online Bill Payment Options for Sansum Clinic Patients

Receiving medical care inevitably leads to medical bills To provide a smooth billing experience, Sansum Clinic offers transparent pricing information and easy online bill pay options for patients

Overview of Sansum Clinic

Sansum Clinic is a non-profit healthcare network serving Santa Barbara County and surrounding areas. With over 190 physicians across more than 22 specialties at over 20 locations it provides comprehensive outpatient medical care.

Services offered include primary care, pediatrics, family medicine, urgent care, medical imaging, lab tests, and many specialties. Sansum Clinic accepts most major health insurance plans.

Key Billing Information for Sansum Clinic Patients

Below are some key points Sansum Clinic patients should understand about medical billing

• Insurance coverage – Clinic verifies eligibility and benefits before visits. Patients are advised of estimated out-of-pocket costs.

• Patient responsibility – Any copays, deductibles, co-insurance as per insurance policy are collected during visit.

• Uninsured discounts – Uninsured patients may receive discounted cash rates when arranged prior to visit.

• Billing questions – Dedicated billing staff can explain invoices and insurance benefits by phone or email.

• Price estimates – Patients can request estimated costs for specific procedures when scheduling visits.

• Financial assistance – Charity care and payment plans available for eligible patients facing financial hardship.

• No surprise billing – Sansum Clinic is compliant with legislation around surprise medical bills.

Online Bill Payment Options for Sansum Clinic

Sansum Clinic offers multiple convenient options for patients to pay their medical bills online:

1. MyChart Patient Portal

• Secure online portal provides access to visit summaries, lab reports, appointment scheduling and billing.

• Patients can view account balance and quickly pay bills via credit/debit card or bank account through portal.

• Can also opt for paperless bills and receive notifications via MyChart.

2. Sansum Clinic Website

• On Sansum Clinic website, go to ‘Pay Online’ link and select ‘Pay Bill’.

• Input invoice number, date of birth, zip code to securely view and pay bill online by card.

3. Automated Phone Payments

• Call central billing phone line and follow prompts to pay bill via touch-tone activated automated system.

• Have invoice number and payment information ready to complete quick payment by phone.

Assistance for Managing Medical Expenses

For patients undergoing financial hardship, Sansum Clinic can help in managing medical bills through:

• Charity care – Uninsured/underinsured patients meeting income criteria may qualify to have bills reduced or forgiven.

• Payment plans – Available to extend large payments over multiple months based on individual circumstances.

• Billing reviews – Ensure all charges accurately reflect services provided and identify any errors.

• Insurance assistance – Help patients understand policy benefits, file claims, appeal denials.

• Application assistance – Provide guidance with applying for Medicaid, Medicare, Marketplace plans.

Price Transparency for Informed Financial Decisions

To empower patients to make informed care decisions, Sansum Clinic provides relevant pricing information in multiple ways:

• Cost estimates – Share expected out-of-pocket expenses for specific procedures or visits when requested.

• Public price lists – Publish payer-specific charges for common services, tests and procedures.

• Breakdown of bills – Clearly itemize each charge on billing statements.

• Financial counselors – Available to take time and explain billing details.

• Insurance verification – Confirm coverage eligibility and estimate copays/deductibles upfront.

Benefits of Paying Sansum Bills Online for Patients

Paying Sansum Clinic bills online has many advantages for patients including:

• Convenience – 24/7 access to pay bills from any device

• Quick – Takes just minutes to make secure payment by card

• Organized – Payment history available anytime through portal

• Notifications – Get bill alerts and reminders via email/text

• Control – Initiate payments on your schedule, instead of waiting for bills

• Automatic – Can setup recurring auto-pay for routine bills

• Proof of payment – Can save or print electronic receipts

• Support – Assistance available for any questions

Advantages of Online Bill Pay for Sansum Clinic

In addition to improving patient experience, online bill payment delivers tangible benefits to Sansum Clinic such as:

• Quicker payments – Electronic payments post faster than mailed checks

• Lower processing costs – Automation reduces manual efforts

• Fewer late payments – Email/text reminders increase on-time payments

• Improved tracking – Real-time payment data vs batch updates

• Enhanced security – Reduced risk of fraud with electronic tracking

• Increased collections – More complete payment of balances when convenient

• Environmental benefit – Less paper bills and mailing use

Emerging Trends in Medical Bill Pay

Key trends shaping medical bill payment include:

• Expanding price transparency and consumer financial responsibility

• Increasing comfort with digital payments and money management

• Integration of medical bills into overall finances

• Shift toward self-service through patient portals

• Rising auto-pay enrollment for recurring bills

• Demand for mobile access and notifications

• Seamless user experience across channels

• Rewards and loyalty programs integration

Healthcare systems need to continuously refine payment technologies to align with these evolving expectations.

With online bill pay options, pricing transparency and financial assistance, Sansum Clinic simplifies medical billing for patients. Digital payment channels coupled with dedicated support provides a streamlined experience. Sansum Clinic enables patients to easily manage healthcare expenses and focus on health and wellbeing.