Understanding the Billing Process

Learn how Scripps consolidates and calculates your medical bills

Learn how Scripps consolidates and calculates your medical bills

After you receive care at a Scripps hospital or outpatient facility, you’ll usually receive a single bill that lists all charges associated with your stay or visit. This means you’ll know the total amount you owe at-a-glance, instead of waiting for multiple bills to arrive.


In certain circumstances, you may still receive separate bills for medical services provided by third parties. That’s because Scripps contracts with some outside providers who manage their own billing. This may include charges for:


  • Ambulance services
  • Anesthesia
  • Durable medical equipment (such as crutches, walkers or oxygen supplies) 
  • Emergency physician services
  • Pathology (laboratory) services


A billing estimate offers a great way to prepare for paying your medical bills. Take a look at a few options to help you estimate your costs prior to receiving care.


Learn more about your rights and protections (PDF, 58 KB) against surprise medical bills.


Sus derechos y protecciones (PDF, 59 KB) contra las facturas médicas sorpresa.

How Scripps works with your insurance company to determine what you owe

By the time you receive your Scripps medical bill, it has gone through a three-step process to finalize what you owe. We’ve outlined this billing process below, along with tips that may help improve the accuracy of your bills.

Step 1 — Scripps submits a claim to your insurance company

This claim is based on the insurance and other personal information you gave us when you registered. That’s why it’s important to:


  • Provide your current health insurance card and picture ID when you check in.
  • Let us know right away if your insurance, home address or other personal information has changed since your last visit. 
  • Understand what services your insurance plan covers. Before an upcoming medical appointment or hospital stay, contact your insurance company to ask questions and confirm your services will be covered.
  • Be prepared to pay your co-pay at the time of your visit.

Step 2 — Scripps waits for payment from your insurance company

We usually receive payment from insurance companies within 30 days. If this payment is delayed, there may be an issue that requires your attention. 


For example:  


  • Your insurance company may ask you to provide more information before approving your claim. If this happens, please respond to them as quickly as possible. Chances are, Scripps may need this same information — give us a call at 877-727-4777 and let us know what information your insurance company needed. We’ll make sure your records are up-to-date on our end as well.
  • Your insurance company should send you an explanation of benefits (EOB) related to your claim within 30 days. If you don’t receive it, it’s a good idea to contact them and ask about the status of your claim. 

Step 3 — After your insurance company pays Scripps, you’ll receive a bill for your remaining responsibility

As with any type of bill, it’s important to pay your medical bill promptly. Scripps makes it easier for you to understand your bill, and pay it on time, with the following resources:


Please note, if you don’t pay your bill on time, it will become “past due.” You may receive up to three past due notices and phone calls before your debt is turned over to a third-party collection agency. 


Scripps doesn’t want unpaid medical bills to affect your credit score. If you can’t afford to pay your bill in full, please call our billing office at 877-727-4777. We can help you set up a payment plan or explore other types of financial assistance.