Insurance Update
University Cancer & Blood Center is an in-network provider, and has been added to the Blue Cross Blue Shield Point of Service network, for the State Health Benefit Plan (SHBP). The SHBP initially denied UCBC in-network status last year, but reversed that decision thanks to the efforts of community leaders such as Rep. Tom McCall, R-Elberton, and his staff, who led an effort to ensure that existing and future SHBP members would continue to have access to UCBC’s state-of-the-art cancer therapies and clinical trials.
Insurance
UCBC participates in nearly every insurance plan in Georgia, including Medicare and Medicaid. However, it is important to discuss your coverage with our financial staff. We will contact the insurance company to verify eligibility and coverage. Once this is done, we will confirm the first appointment.
To minimize anxiety about financial matters, our patient account representatives and other business office staff are available to help with these concerns. We want to be sure each patient receives the care he or she needs while having a clear understanding of financial responsibilities.
Financial Policies
- Co-payments and deductibles are due at the time of service. We accept cash, check, and most credit cards. You can also pay online here.
- Unpaid prior balances will be collected at the time of next service.
- Non-urgent appointments may be rescheduled if a patient is not prepared to pay the balance, co-pay or deductible.
- Financial assistance may be available to uninsured patients.
- There is a $25 charge for returned checks.
- As a courtesy, we will file claims under a cancer benefits policy and assign the payments to the patient.
Private Pay/Uninsured
Private pay patients will meet with a Patient Account Representative on the first visit. Payment-in-full will be collected at the time of service unless other arrangements are made.
Billing Process
- We send insurance claims for our services directly to the patient’s insurance plan.
- Our fees are based on what is “usual and customary” for the specialized care we provide within our service area.
- UCBC physicians provide only medically necessary services. If an insurer arbitrarily says a service is not medically necessary, the patient will be responsible for payment.
