MyChart
Frequently Asked Questions
Click each question below for its answer:
What type of insurance arrangements should I make before my delivery?
Be sure you and your baby are insured. Review your current policy for coverage and any requirements regarding your prenatal care and delivery now. You may want to decide whether it's more beneficial to add your child to your current insurance, a spouse's insurance plan, or enroll the baby in a new plan. Be sure to make this decision and fill out the paperwork as soon as possible.
Do I need to notify my insurance company that I'm expecting?
Yes, as soon as possible. You will need to "pre-authorize" or "pre-certify" with your insurance company. The company will ask you a variety of questions (including the type of insurance plan you want for your baby). Some insurance companies have certain restrictions and requirements about notification. For example, there may be a grace period between the time you sign up and when your baby is actually covered by your insurance policy. Ask about this and any other concerns you may have. You also can make arrangements before delivery by calling St. Luke's Patient Financial Services at (208) 381-2333.
Are there any other requirements I should ask my insurance company about?
Yes. Some insurance companies REQUIRE you to call when you arrive at the hospital to deliver. Otherwise, they won't cover you and/or your baby if you forget to call before delivery. It’s very important that you ask about this requirement.
How many bills can I expect following delivery?
From St. Luke's, you’ll receive two statements: one for your care and one for your baby's care. These statements will be itemized based on the services you and your baby received. These will be mailed to your home—please note that these are only statements. Your actual hospital bills will be submitted directly to your insurance company. The number of bills you receive may vary depending on the services you use.
You may also receive a bill from your OB-GYN, family practitioner, or certified nurse midwife for services including delivering your baby and checking your health after delivery. You may receive another bill from your pediatrician or a doctor who’s responsible for checking on the health of your baby. Finally, you may receive a bill from an anesthesiologist if, for instance, you chose to have an epidural.
You may also receive a bill from your OB-GYN, family practitioner, or certified nurse midwife for services including delivering your baby and checking your health after delivery. You may receive another bill from your pediatrician or a doctor who’s responsible for checking on the health of your baby. Finally, you may receive a bill from an anesthesiologist if, for instance, you chose to have an epidural.
Why do I receive more than one bill?
You and your baby are separate patients at St. Luke's, thus the need for two different types of care and two bills. Other medical care provided by your obstetrician and pediatrician, for example, is separate from the care you received at the hospital, so you’ll receive separate bills from these doctors. While getting more than one bill may at times be confusing, the idea is to give patients the broadest range of choices in their medical care. If you have additional questions on the billing process, please feel free to call St. Luke's Patient Financial Services at (208) 381-2333.
Will I still be charged for nursery care, even if my baby stays in my room with me?
Yes. Your baby will still receive medical care from the nursery, and this will be included in your baby's medical bill, which is separate from your own.
How much will my delivery at St. Luke's cost?
Because every delivery is different, there is no one set cost. However, the St. Luke's Patient Financial Services office can provide general quotes. Please contact the location where you intend to deliver your baby. They also can give you itemized information on some hospital services, for example, if you choose to have an epidural. Don't forget that you will also receive separate bills from your obstetrician and/or pediatrician. Be sure to check with all of your doctors about their billing policies.