If you are uncertain about the status of your pre-authorization for outpatient services or testing, please contact your physician's office. This is the responsibility of the patient and the patient's doctor. Many insurance policies now require your hospital stay to be pre-authorized. Learn more about our financial assistance program. A hospital representative is available to assist you in applying for Medicaid or other government assistance programs. If You Don’t Have InsuranceĪ financial counselor will discuss payment arrangements with you. Deductibles and copayments are the patient's responsibility. Please be aware that these programs specifically exclude payment for certain items and services. To verify eligibility and process your claim, we will need a copy of your Medicare or Medicaid card. If You Are Covered by Medicare or Medicaid If these requirements are not followed, you may be financially responsible for all or part of the services rendered in the hospital. It is your responsibility to make sure the requirements of your plan have been met. Your plan may have special requirements, such as a second surgical opinion or pre-certification for certain tests or procedures. You will be asked to assign benefits from the insurance company directly to the hospital. We may also need the insurance forms supplied by your employer or the insurance company. We will need a copy of your insurance card. If you receive care at Ochsner - Northshore, you will receive a bill from Ochsner. Please note: If you receive care at Slidell Memorial Hospital, you will receive a bill from Slidell Memorial. If you have questions concerning your SMH bill, please contact us at (985) 646-5506, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. If you have questions about these bills, please call the number printed on the statement you received. Pathologists, radiologists, cardiologists, anesthesiologists and other specialists are required to submit separate bills. As a patient at Slidell Memorial Hospital, you or your insurance company will receive a bill for services provided by the hospital, as well as a separate bill from any physicians from whom you received care.