WMMC to Reevaluate Billing Processes,
Eliminate Provider-Based-Billing

Warrensburg, MO (February 26, 2018)—Western Missouri Medical Center (WMMC) is currently reevaluating billing processes for the organization, starting with the elimination of provider-based billing for commercial insurance holders.

In fall 2017, WMMC began implementing provider-based billing to all insurances, commercial and government, in an effort to ensure a transparent paying process across all insurance types. Government insurance holders have long been billed utilizing this method and the industry standard moved towards this way of billing with the same goals in mind.

“We want our greater community to know that we are listening to their feedback and are committed to making changes as needed,” says Darinda Reberry, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our intent was never for the additional payment responsibility to fall to the patient. While this may be an industry billing standard, WMMC’s first priority is the confidence in care from our community.”

“Our medical center is here to provide quality, seamless care so that our patients do not have to have the added stresses and expenses of traveling for quality healthcare,” says Dean Ohmart, Chief Financial Officer. “That seamless care includes billing processes so we will be continually evaluating every area of our billing.”

In light of the challenges facing rural healthcare organizations, the medical center also plans to look at renegotiating commercial insurance contracts to ensure that the organization is receiving fair compensation of services while preventing any additional financial burden to patients.

WMMC anticipates more billing changes to come in order to create a smoother bill payment experience for patients. Intentions for external expertise have led the organization to work with a Cerner Financial Alignment Executive. They will be working with Patient Accounts staff in order to streamline processes and focus on billing structures.

WMMC states that they understand navigating healthcare may be difficult, which is why we have launched a NEW customer service line for billing concerns. If patients believe that their bill has been inaccurately processed by their insurance company or feel as though their billing issue has gone unresolved, patients are encouraged to contact the newly launched Patient Accounts Messaging Center at (660) 262-7417 or [email protected]. Patient Account Representatives will return calls within 48 business hours. Patients are still encouraged to call our standard Patient Account Customer Service line if they have questions about their bill, payment options, payment plans or insurance at (660) 262-7350.

Additionally, the medical center has a “Frequently Asked Questions” document located at WMMC.com/frequently-asked-questions that can provide additional information on provider-based billing and patient accounts.

About Western Missouri Medical Center

Western Missouri Medical Center (WMMC) is a fully-accredited acute care county medical center located in Warrensburg, MO. WMMC prides itself in emergency care, obstetrics, orthopedic and general surgery, family healthcare, internal medicine, outpatient clinics, ambulatory care, rehabilitation services and more. Inpatient services include medical, surgical, intensive, obstetrical, orthopedic, pediatric and skilled nursing care, as well as a wide range of therapeutic and diagnostic outpatient services. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Learn more at WMMC.com.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Tara Carlyle
Executive Director of Communications and Development
(660) 262-7497
[email protected]