Patients and Visitors

Rectangle-8-4

Admissions

For patient convenience, outpatient and emergency registration can be found at the north side of the hospital near the emergency room, simply follow the signs. One-day surgery registration is located at the front entrance of the hospital.

Please arrive a few minutes early for your appointment and remember to bring:

  • Current health insurance information 
  • Photo ID
  • Physician orders and prescriptions
  • Referrals (if required)
  • Payment method
  • An advance directive, if applicable

For any inquiries or if you need clarification on our requirements, please contact our Admitting Desk at (870) 881-4750. At South Arkansas Regional Hospital, we admit all patients regardless of race, creed, color, sex, religion, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, economic status, educational background, or payment source for care.

Visitor Guidelines

At South Arkansas Regional Hospital, we recognize that visiting the hospital, whether as a patient or a support person for a loved one, can be challenging and overwhelming. We want to ensure that your visit is as stress-free as possible. To assist you in planning your visit, we offer valuable resources, including details on what to anticipate, parking guidance, transportation options, and additional helpful information.

Click here to access our visitor guidelines for a comprehensive overview of important information.

Daisy Award Nominations

Want to Say Thank You to Your Nurse? Share Your Story!

The DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Award is an international recognition program that honors and celebrates the skillful, compassionate care nurses provide every day.

The DAISY Foundation was established by the family of J. Patrick Barnes after he died from complications of the autoimmune disease ITP in 1999. During his hospitalization, they deeply appreciated the care and compassion shown to Patrick and his entire family. When he died, they felt compelled to say “thank you” to nurses in a very public way. Please say thank you by sharing your story of how a nurse made a difference you will never forget! You may submit your nomination by downloading this form. Please describe in detail a specific situation or story that demonstrates how this nurse made a meaningful difference in your experience.

Mail the completed nomination form to:

South Arkansas Regional Hospital

Attn: SARH CNO

700 West Grove Street

El Dorado, AR 71730

Request Medical Records

Patients who have received care at this facility may request copies of their medical records/health information to be released to themselves or others/third parties. Record requests from patients are handled as a priority and will be released in a timely manner. If you have created a Patient Portal account, you may already have access to the information you need. Click here to access or register for your patient portal.

Click Here to request your medical records now.

If you are not able to use the online request process, download one of these forms (English
Spanish
)
, complete and send to:

South Arkansas Regional Hospital

Phone – (870) 864-3567

Fax – (870) 863-3700

Mailing Address/Drop-off Address

Attn: Medical Records Department

700 W. Grove St. El Dorado, AR, 71730 English

_________________________________________________

Medical Records FAQ

  • Who can request a patient’s medical records?
    Authorizations must be signed by the patient or the patient’s legal representative. If the patient is a minor (under age 18), authorization must be signed by a custodial parent or a legally appointed guardian. Proof of guardianship is required.
  • What if the patient is unable to sign the authorization?
    If the patient is unable to sign by reason of physical or mental disability, authorization may be signed by the next-of-kin or legally appointed guardian. Proof of guardianship is required and must indicate the patient’s disability.
  • How can I receive records for someone who is deceased?
    Authorization must be signed by the personal representative of the estate or next of kin. If the patient did not expire at the facility, proof of death is required. Additionally, appointment as the personal representative of the estate or status as next-of-kin must be verified.
  • What types of documentation are needed if I am requesting records for someone else?
    If you hold Power of Attorney (POA), and are a Healthcare Surrogate or Healthcare Proxy, the related legal forms and court orders must be provided. This may result in additional review and processing times.
  • Do medical request authorizations expire?
    Yes. Authorizations will expire on the date/time or event specified on the release form. A new release form will be required if an older release form does not support the new request for records.
  • Do medical records include billing information?
    No. The Medical Records Department does not have access to billing records or information.
  • Will there be a charge for copies of my medical records?
    There may be a charge for copies of medical records for yourself or a request directed to a third party (excluding continuity of care request). These charges would be in accordance with HIPAA reasonable cost and/or your state law. Contact the HIM Department for questions concerning potential costs.

Financial Information

Billing Information

When you receive a bill from South Arkansas Regional Hospital, it includes the services you received at our healthcare facilities. Rest assured that as a service to our patients, we will submit the bill to your insurance company, Medicare, or Medicaid on your behalf, striving to facilitate prompt payment and processing of your claim. 

In some cases, you may receive separate bills from your personal physician, surgeon, pathologist, radiologist, or other healthcare professionals involved in your care. If you have any inquiries regarding these bills, please refer to the contact information provided on the statement you receive. 

If you have insurance coverage, we accept most major health insurance plans and managed care programs. Please note that the amount you owe may be influenced by several factors, such as special requirements for certain tests or procedures imposed by your health insurance plan. Additionally, some physicians may not participate in your specific healthcare plan, and their services may not be covered. It is important to review your benefits plan thoroughly to understand any financial responsibilities that may arise due to plan requirements. 

If you do not have insurance, please be aware that no one will be denied necessary medical care based on lack of insurance or the ability to pay. However, we may request a deposit upon admission or registration for an outpatient procedure. 

For individuals seeking financial aid in paying their bill, we offer assistance programs. To determine if you qualify for financial aid and for more information, please click here. Para determinar si califica para recibir ayuda financiera y para obtener más información, haga clic aquí.

Our payment policy requires payment in full at the time of service from patients who owe co-pays, coinsurance, have not met their deductible, or do not have insurance coverage. Any remaining balances after insurance payment are due upon receipt. While we will bill your health insurance, it is important to note that the ultimate responsibility for payment rests with the patient. You will be financially responsible for settling your hospital bill. To alleviate the burden of your financial responsibility, we provide discounts, payment plans, and charity care for eligible patients. For further details, please contact our Patient Access Department, and we will be glad to assist you.

Insurance

We are pleased to accept Blue Cross/Blue Shield and most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. To ensure a smooth process, please remember to bring your insurance card to your appointment, as we will need to make a copy for your medical records. If there are any changes to your insurance, address, or phone number, kindly inform our receptionist so that we can update our system accordingly.

For your convenience, we accept all major credit cards, including Visa and Mastercard, as forms of payment. We kindly request that all balances be settled at the time of service.

As a courtesy, we will handle the billing process with your insurance company, Medicare, or Medicaid on your behalf. Our dedicated billing team will work diligently to obtain payment and expedite your claim. We understand the importance of timely reimbursement and will make every effort to streamline this process for you.

Financial Assistance 

We are dedicated to providing compassionate care to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay. Medical expenses can be overwhelming, which is why we offer financial assistance to those who are uninsured, underinsured, or facing financial challenges.

Our Financial Assistance Program is designed to help individuals in need and is not based on race, religion, or national origin, as prohibited by law. If you receive non-elective care and are unable to pay a significant portion of your balance, financial relief may be available to you.

If you need assistance determining if you qualify for financial aid to help with your medical bills, we are here to help.

Plain Language Summary (English)

Resumen en lenguaje sencillo (Español)

Review our Financial Policy (English)

Revisa nuestra Política Financiera (Español)

Download our Aid Application here (English)

Descarga nuestra Solicitud de Ayuda aquí (Español)

Billing and Registration FAQ

At South Arkansas Regional Hospital, we strive to deliver quality health care and the best possible patient experience. Consistent with these goals, we take a positive and proactive approach to patient billing and collections. Our goal is to coordinate payment for services in the most efficient, timely and customer-oriented manner possible. We’ve compiled some frequently asked questions we hope will assist you in understanding these services and answer any questions you might have.

A: If your physician’s office scheduled your service at our hospital in advance, we will make every effort to ensure that you are pre-registered prior to your arrival. If your physician’s office was unable to schedule your service in advance, you can pre-register by contacting the registration department prior to your service. If you pre-register, your wait time may be reduced by 10 minutes or more. When you come to the hospital on the day of your service, please bring your insurance card, photo ID and the order from your physician. If at any point in our registration process, you have not experienced our commitment to excellence, please ask to speak with a member of management.

A: Our primary concern is for your health and safety. We request your identification to ensure that we access and update the correct medical record. It’s also to protect you from fraud. Statistics released by the Federal Trade Commission indicate that more than 3.25 million Americans have had their personal information used by someone else for illegal activities. By requesting proof of identity, we are able to safeguard your personal medical and financial information.

A: In order to file an insurance claim on your behalf, it is necessary to make certain that we have the most current and accurate information about your insurance coverage and specific plan benefits. It is our policy to verify your insurance information prior to or during each visit so we may provide you the most accurate information.

A: Many of the questions we ask are either required by your insurance company or requested to ensure we have your most accurate information on file. This information allows us to satisfy the requirements of your insurance company and to file your claim with little or no involvement on your behalf. If you have coverage with Medicare or Medicaid, the government mandates that certain questions and forms be completed at the time of each visit.

A: It is our goal to provide you with a comprehensive overview of your insurance benefits prior to receiving hospital services. Our process allows you the opportunity to understand how your health insurance benefits will be applied to the service and the opportunity to ask specific questions about your insurance benefits. We will also take this opportunity to discuss the financial options available for any amount not covered by your insurance. In keeping with the terms of your agreement with your insurance company, as well as the agreement between the insurance company and the hospital, it is our practice to request that co-payments and deductibles be paid prior to or on the day of service.

A: We accept payment by cash, check and most major credit cards.

A: If you have an HMO plan with which we are contracted, you may need a referral/authorization from your primary care physician based on your plan design. If we have not received a referral prior to your arrival for your scheduled service, we have a telephone available for you to call your primary care physician to obtain it. If you are unable to obtain the referral at that time, your appointment may be rescheduled.

A: If your physician recommends a minor procedure, a staff member will be available to answer specific questions about the procedure scheduling process, discuss the paperwork and tests involved, and complete all pre-certification/authorization requirements that may be needed for your insurance company to pay the maximum benefits on your behalf. You may be asked for a pre-surgical deposit, the amount of which depends on your insurance coverage and deductible amount. A cost estimate which shows your financial responsibility, based on the benefit levels and coverage of your insurance plan, will be explained by a staff member.

A: A parent or legal guardian must accompany patients who are minors on the patient’s first visit. The accompanying adult is responsible for payment of the account, according to the policy outlined above.

A: Registration and Billing are committed to providing excellent customer service and require team members to pledge their commitment to this goal. If at any time you have questions or comments regarding your insurance coverage or your bill, please contact our Patient Accounts department. For your privacy, we need verbal or written authorization from you, the patient, if someone other than you is requesting information on your account.

A: This is a Medicare status for hospitals and clinics that comply with specific Medicare regulations. Medicare has determined that this hospital has met these regulations and has been designated as such. This status requires that the hospital send two separate bills to Medicare, one for the facility and one for the physician. This means you may receive two billing statements and two separate Explanation of Benefits statements from your insurance company for one date of service.

Helpful definitions
  • Beneficiary: A person who receives benefits of any insurance plan or policy.
  • Claim: A request for payment for services submitted by the provider.
  • Coinsurance: A specified percentage of covered expenses which the insurance carrier requires the beneficiary to pay toward eligible medical bills.
  • Co-pay or Co-payment: A specific set dollar amount contracted between the insurance company and the beneficiary to be paid prior to any services rendered.
  • Covered Services: Services for which an insurance policy will pay.
  • Deductible: A specified dollar amount of medical expenses which the beneficiary must pay before an insurance policy will pay.
  • Explanation of Benefits (EOB): A statement from an insurance company showing the processing of a claim.
  • Medically Necessary: Treatments or services that insurance policies will pay for as defined in the contract.
  • Non-Covered Services: Services for which an insurance policy will not provide payment. These services are to be paid by the patient at the time of service.
  • Pre-Certification/Authorization: A service-specific requirement that your insurance company’s approval be obtained before a medical service is provided.
  • Provider: A person or organization that provides medical services.

Pricing Information and Protections

Personalized Estimates

Our patient access staff is available to help you understand your health insurance benefits along with your share of the financial responsibility and give you an estimate for the cost of services we provide. This is option will provide you the most accurate estimate. To speak with one of our patient access team members, you can visit the Patient Access Department, call a team member at (870) 875-6210, Monday through Friday.

Please have the following information available:

  • Detailed description of the test(s) or procedure(s) being ordered by the doctor
  • Doctor’s name and phone number
  • Insurance information (if any), including insurance company name and phone number, policyholder name, policy number and group number located on the insurance card.


Our staff will provide an estimate that includes the following:

  • The estimated financial responsibility for the procedure/services based on the standard charge for the procedure/services.
  • Patients with health insurance will be quoted an estimated amount that will be due to the hospital based on deductible, co-pay or co-insurance amounts established by their health insurance plan.
  • Patients who do not have health insurance will be quoted an estimated amount due to the hospital that will include an uninsured discount.
  • Patient Access staff is also available to discuss with patients their eligibility for certain assistance programs such as Medicaid.

Please note: Estimates – either from our patient access staff or obtained online through the payment estimator tool – do not include any services related to complications that may occur during the procedure/services since those cannot be anticipated. Also, charges for physician fees such as surgeon, pathologist, anesthesiologist or radiologist will not be included. These charges are billed separately by the specific provider. Due to these factors, estimates are not exact and cannot be interpreted as a bill or exact costs for services.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) requires hospitals to publish a machine-readable list of their charges. The hospital’s chargemaster, as this list is commonly known, is a comprehensive listing of the standard prices established by the hospital for individual services and supplies and may be accessed here: DOWNLOAD CSV OF CHARGEMASTER. The chargemaster should not be used to estimate a patient’s actual cost of care.

There are several things you should know when you are determining your financial responsibility for your hospital services.

For patients with health insurance through your employer, individual insurance marketplace or the healthcare exchanges:

  • Commercial insurers negotiate rates with hospitals on behalf of their members. The rates vary among insurers.
  • Several factors can affect the amount a patient owes to a hospital, including the type of plan you have, the amount your insurance benefits require you to pay for co-pays, deductibles and co-insurance.
  • Generally, the amount you pay will be less if your hospital and physicians are in-network with your health plan.
  • Be sure to review your benefits plan to understand all of the factors affecting your financial responsibility.

For patients with Medicare & Medicaid:

  • The government determines how much it will pay a hospital for services provided to Medicare and Medicaid patients. The government also determines a Medicare or Medicaid patient’s out-of-pocket payment amounts (deductibles and co-insurance), if any.
  • Medicare Part A generally pays for inpatient hospital services. Some other services received in the hospital, such as physician services, and emergency and outpatient care may be paid by Medicare Part B. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies that are approved by Medicare to provide both Part A and Part B benefits. Medicaid programs are required to cover all inpatient and outpatient services, among other things.

For individuals who do not have insurance, carry out-of-network insurance, or who receive services their insurance does not cover:

  • Our hospital offers a variety of financial assistance programs, including charity care and discounts for uninsured individuals. Click here to download a financial assistance application.
  • We also provide eligibility screening services that can help identify the availability of resources to cover medical services, such as Medicaid.

 

Your Rights and Protections Against Surprise Medical Bills 

When you get emergency care or get treated by an out-of-network provider at an in-network hospital or ambulatory surgical center, you are protected from surprise billing or balance billing.

What is “balance billing” (sometimes called “surprise billing”)? When you see a doctor or other health care provider, you may owe certain out-of-pocket costs, such as a copayment, coinsurance, and/or a deductible. 

You may have other costs or have to pay the entire bill if you see a provider or visit a healthcare facility that isn’t in your health plan’s network. “Out-of-network” describes providers and facilities that haven’t signed a contract with your health plan. 

Out-of-network providers may be permitted to bill you for the difference between what your plan agreed to pay and the full amount charged for a service. This is called “balance billing.” This amount is likely more than in-network costs for the same service and might not count toward your annual out-of-pocket limit. 

“Surprise billing” is an unexpected balance bill. This can happen when you can’t control who is involved in your care—like when you have an emergency or when you schedule a visit at an in-network facility but are unexpectedly treated by an out-of-network provider.

You are protected from balance billing for:

  • Emergency services If you have an emergency medical condition and get emergency services from an out-of-network provider or facility, the most the provider or facility may bill you is your plan’s in-network cost-sharing amount (such as copayments and coinsurance). You can’t be balance billed for these emergency services. This includes services you may get after you’re in stable condition, unless you give written consent and give up your protections not to be balanced billed for these post-stabilization services.

 

  • Certain services at an in-network hospital or ambulatory surgical center When you get services from an in-network hospital or ambulatory surgical center, certain providers there may be out-of-network. In these cases, the most those providers may bill you is your plan’s in-network cost-sharing amount. This applies to emergency medicine, anesthesia, pathology, radiology, laboratory, neonatology, assistant surgeon, hospitalist, or intensivist services. These providers can’t balance bill you and may not ask you to give up your protections not to be balance billed.
 
If you get other services at an in-network hospital or ambulatory surgical center, out-of-network providers can’t balance bill you, unless you give written consent and give up your protections.

You’re never required to give up your protections from balance billing. You also aren’t required to get care out-of-network. You can choose a provider or facility in your plan’s network.

When balance billing isn’t allowed, you also have the following protections:

  • You are only responsible for paying your share of the cost (like the copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles that you would pay if the provider or facility was in-network). Your health plan will pay out-of-network providers and facilities directly.

  • Your health plan generally must:

    • Cover emergency services without requiring you to get approval for services in advance (prior authorization).

    • Cover emergency services without requiring you to get approval for services in advance (prior authorization).

    • Cover emergency services by out-of-network providers.

    • Base what you owe the provider or facility (cost-sharing) on what it would pay an in-network provider or facility and show that amount in your explanation of benefits.

    • Count any amount you pay for emergency services or out-of-network services toward your deductible and out-of-pocket limit. 

Medicare Helpline

Choosing the right Medicare plan can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re turning 65 and becoming eligible for Medicare for the first time. South Arkansas Regional Hospital is here to help by offering a free helpline dedicated to assisting Medicare beneficiaries in finding a health plan that suits their needs and budget.

The free helpline connects you with licensed agents who can assist you in comparing traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Supplement, and Prescription plans. They can also help you enroll in the plan(s) that you select. Medicare’s annual enrollment period is from October 15th through December 7th, and our licensed insurance agents are available at no cost to help you find a Medicare plan that meets your healthcare needs.

Remember, Medicare patients are also free to contact Medicare plans directly, work with any licensed and certified Medicare agent, or obtain information directly from Medicare by calling 1-800-MEDICARE or visiting www.medicare.gov.

Medicare Helpline – 1-855-583-2003 (toll-free) open Monday through Friday, from 9am to 8pm EDT or visit www.medicarecompareusa.comMedicareCompareUSA is an independent insurance agency not affiliated with the federal Medicare program. All services provided at no cost; MedicareCompareUSA and affiliated agents are paid directly by the plan you choose. Healthcare providers receive no financial benefit when patients use the service. Patients are free to contact each Medicare plan directly, work with any licensed insurance agent, or access Medicare plan information by calling 1 (800) MEDICARE or online at www.medicare.gov.