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Financial Matters

Billing & Insurance Questions: 734-647-8902

Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Receiving a diagnosis of cancer and the accompanying financial impact of that diagnosis and treatment can be a major source of stress for the patient and their families. The costs should never be a reason a patient does not follow or complete a treatment plan.

The U-M Rogel Cancer Center offers a variety of assistance and services to our patients when facing the complex financial issues that may arise during cancer care.

For help in asking the right questions and obtaining the appropriate resources before, during and after treatment, you can contact a cancer center financial counselor. This will help you manage both the costs and your concerns as effectively as possible so you can have peace of mind while receiving the best possible care.

    Phone: 734-647-8902
    Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

In addition, you can also contact the Patient Assistance Center for help with expenses, transportation and other concerns that interfere with your treatment.

Insurance

University of Michigan accepts most insurance plans including various managed care plans. We recommend that you check with your health plan to determine health care coverage at Michigan Medicine before scheduling your hospital or clinic visit. Insurance contracts change periodically, and you need to make sure that the services you will need are included in your plan and that the UM Rogel Cancer Center is included in your network of covered providers.

Referrals and Authorizations

Many insurance plans require referrals and /or authorizations for services to be covered. A referral is permission from your primary care physician and your health plan to see a particular provider or to have specific procedures done. If your plan requires a referral, your primary care physician must provide the referral prior to services being rendered.

Authorizations are often required for procedures such as surgery or an MRI. If an authorization is required, cancer center clinic staff will obtain the authorization from your health plan prior to the service. If you have any questions about whether a service will be authorized, please call your health plan.

You may be responsible for payment if the necessary approvals are not in place.

Multiple Insurance Plans

If you have multiple insurance plans, those plans must agree on coordination of benefits (COB) order. Coordination of benefits determines who will be the primary or secondary biller for your services. Some insurance companies require patients to verify this order every year. If your insurance company has sent you a coordination of benefits request, they may refuse to pay your bills until you have responded. Delays in your response could result in you receiving a bill.

In summary, ask your insurance provider the following questions:

  • Is the U-M Rogel Cancer Center a covered provider? If not, are there any exceptions. If no exceptions exist, the patient may still obtain care from our center, but it will be at his or her own expense
  • What inpatient and outpatient services, medications, prescriptions and diagnostic procedures are covered?
  • Are there any limitations or restrictions on cancer care?
  • Are there any out-of-pocket expenses?
  • And remember:
  • Ask for clarification when you don’t you don’t understand something.
  • Follow all guidelines and fill out all paperwork requested by the insurance company.
  • Bring all necessary forms and referrals to the appointment.
  • Always keep a written record of the organization contacted, including phone number, name of representatives and brief notes about what was discussed.