Facility Fee Notification
New York State Public Health Law 2830 requires that all hospitals, including Samaritan, notify patients about potential facility fees that may not be covered by your insurance. Your upcoming service may include a facility fee whether you are hospitalized or receive outpatient care, including the emergency department and our hospital-based outpatient clinics.
Your upcoming service may include facility fee charges for:
- Use of exam or surgery rooms
- Medications given in the hospital or clinic or any other outpatient location
- X-rays and other diagnostic tests
- Services provided by technicians, nurses, or other members of your healthcare team
- Room and care charges for an inpatient stay
- Any other charges that are not professional fees for the services of licensed healthcare practitioners, such as physicians or advanced practice providers (PA, NP)
Facility Fees are billed by the hospital and would be included on your statement of services for any balance you may be responsible for. You may receive two separate bills – one for a facility fee and another for professional fees. Healthcare services and clinics associated with Samaritan Medical Center for which this billing process applies, are listed below for your convenience, and it is many of the services associated with Samaritan. This list is an example, but not limited to these services:
- Outpatient clinics and centers (this includes primary care and many specialty care services)
- All hospital-based services (any care provided at the hospital)
- Lab and imaging services
- Emergency care
- Surgical services and outpatient procedures
- Cancer treatment care
- Mental health and addiction services
For more information about your Samaritan billing statements please
call 315-785-5731.
Our financial assistance application can be accessed and downloaded here.
If you have questions regarding the application or need help filling it out, please call our Financial Assistance Counselor at 315-785-4308.
Common FAQs
What is a “facility fee”?
A facility fee is a charge intended to compensate the hospital for operational expenses and resources such as supplies, use of exam rooms, equipment, services provided by nurses and technicians, diagnostic tests, and medications.
The facility fee is separate from, and in addition to, the fee associated with the professional services by your provider.
Facility fees are not allowed to be charged to patients for services related to preventive care services.
The professional and facility fees may be subject to separate copays, co-insurance, and deductibles. The amount of the facility fee that you may be responsible for depends on your insurance plan. We encourage you to contact your insurance company to determine how much of an out-of-pocket expense you may have related to a facility fee.
Is the facility fee a new charge?
No, and this is not specific to Samaritan Medical Center.
The billing model for hospitals and hospital-based clinics consists of two charges, the professional fee and the facility fee.
How do I apply for financial assistance?
Our financial assistance application can be accessed and downloaded here.
If you have questions regarding the application or need help filling it out, please call our Financial Assistance Counselor at 315-785-4308.
Who can I call if I have questions about facility fees?
You may contact our billing office at 315-785-5731.