---
title: "Billing and insurance at Sutter Health"
description: "Get financial support when you need it. Find billing and insurance information at Sutter, including payment options, financial assistance and guidance to help you navigate your medical bills."
url: "https://www.sutterhealth.org/billing-insurance"
---

1.  [Home](https://www.sutterhealth.org/) /
2.  Billing and insurance

# Billing and insurance

Find ways to pay medical bills, check accepted insurance plans and learn about healthcare costs.

Have a question? Contact us

**Monday – Friday, 7:00 am – 5:00 pm**

[**800-4SUTTER**](tel:+18004788837)

Jump to:

-   [Pay online](https://www.sutterhealth.org/billing-insurance#pay-online)
    
-   [Billing resources](https://www.sutterhealth.org/billing-insurance#billing)
    
-   [Accepted health plans](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health-plan)
    
-   [Insurance resources](https://www.sutterhealth.org/billing-insurance#insurance)
    
-   [FAQs](https://www.sutterhealth.org/billing-insurance#faqs)
    

Jump to:

-   [Pay online](https://www.sutterhealth.org/billing-insurance#pay-online)
    
-   [Billing resources](https://www.sutterhealth.org/billing-insurance#billing)
    
-   [Accepted health plans](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health-plan)
    
-   [Insurance resources](https://www.sutterhealth.org/billing-insurance#insurance)
    
-   [FAQs](https://www.sutterhealth.org/billing-insurance#faqs)
    

## Make a payment online

### Patient sign in

Sign in to My Health Online (MHO) to view and pay your hospital or doctor bill.

[Sign in to MHO](https://myhealthonline.sutterhealth.org/mho/inside.asp?mode=accountsummary)

Sansum patients, use [My Chart](https://mychart.sansumclinic.org/MyChart/Authentication/Login? "My Chart") to pay any outstanding balances.

### Guest pay

You and your family members can use Guest Pay to pay medical bills without a My Health Online account.

[Pay as a guest](https://myhealthonline.sutterhealth.org/mho/billing/guestpay/)

## Understanding your bill

Learn about our billing process and financial assistance options.

[How to read your bill (PDF)](https://www.sutterhealth.org/-/media/Project/SutterHealth/SutterHealth/Files/billing-insurance/billing-statement-walkthrough.pdf)

[Explanation of benefits guide (PDF)](https://www.sutterhealth.org/-/media/Project/SutterHealth/SutterHealth/Files/billing-insurance/billing-eob-walkthrough.pdf)

[Healthcare costs and charges](https://www.sutterhealth.org/billing-insurance/costs-and-charges)

[Help paying your bill](https://www.sutterhealth.org/billing-insurance/financial-assistance)   
[(financial assistance)](https://www.sutterhealth.org/billing-insurance/financial-assistance)

[No surprises act](https://www.sutterhealth.org/billing-insurance/costs-and-charges/no-surprises-act)

## Accepted health plans

Find a health plan that fits your needs. Most insurance carriers include access to Sutter.

[View health plans](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health-plan)

![male-doctor-with-child](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/SutterHealth/Images/medical-doctors/male-doctor-with-child.jpg?h=1414&iar=0&w=2121)

## Choose Sutter

Choosing Sutter means receiving comprehensive, personalized care from a team of skilled professionals. With convenient locations and telehealth options, we make healthcare easy and accessible. Our commitment to innovation and community ensures you get the best care possible.

[Learn more](https://www.sutterhealth.org/billing-insurance/open-enrollment)

## Health insurance resources

### [Health insurance guide](https://www.sutterhealth.org/billing-insurance/health-insurance-information-guide)

Review common terms and billing types to help you navigate insurance.

### [Medicare](https://www.sutterhealth.org/billing-insurance/medicare)

Learn about and compare plans to find the best one for you.

### [Sutter Health Plan](https://www.sutterhealthplus.org/)

Access high-quality care and coverage with our affordable HMO plan.

## Frequently asked questions

**Why are there different prices for the same service depending on where I get care?** 

Operating expenses vary by location because we offer care across Northern California and the Central Coast. As a result, visit and procedure costs may differ between care centers.

**What information do I need to provide from my new insurance card?** 

If you have new insurance or an updated insurance card, you can submit an update request through [My Health Online](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online?sc_site=SutterHealth&sc_lang=en) with these simple steps:

-   Visit the Insurance Summary page
-   Click the Add a Coverage button
-   Follow the prompts  
     

**How can I update my insurance policy?** 

You can submit an insurance update request through [My Health Online](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online?sc_site=SutterHealth&sc_lang=en) in a few short steps:

-   Visit the Insurance Summary page
-   Click the Remove button next to the expired insurance
-   Follow the prompts  
     

**What happens if I pay my copay and then my visit is canceled?** 

When you schedule an appointment, you can authorize a future copay if your clinician offers online payments. We won’t charge your credit card until you check in for your appointment. If you cancel your appointment, we won’t charge your credit card.

**Why can't I pay my copay online?** 

Not all clinician practices offer online copay payments, so please check with your care team to learn if your clinician accepts them.

**How are payment refunds processed?** 

If you have an outstanding account balance, we’ll typically apply your payment to the account. If your account doesn’t have an outstanding balance at the time of the refund, we’ll issue a refund to the original credit card or by check.

**Why isn’t my online payment reflected in the paper statement I received in the mail?** 

It may take over a week to generate, print and mail a paper statement. If you make an online payment during this time, it won’t show on the current statement but will be applied and appear on the next one.

**What payment methods can I use to make an online payment?** 

You can pay online using your Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express credit card.

**Can I set up a payment plan to cover my balance?** 

You’ll likely have the option to set up a payment plan through My Health Online. To get started, follow these steps:

-   Sign in to [My Health Online](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online?sc_site=SutterHealth&sc_lang=en)
-   To view your account balances, click Open the View / Pay / Print Bill from the menu
-   If you have a qualifying balance, click the Set Up Payment Plan button
-   The following screens will allow you to select a payment amount, method and date to cover your balance  
     

**How do I know if Sutter Health accepts my health insurance?** 

For the most accurate coverage information, please get in touch with your health insurance provider. Their contact details are available on your insurance card. You can also use our [Health Plan Search](https://www.sutterhealth.org/Health-Plan?sc_site=SutterHealth&sc_lang=en) to determine which Sutter hospitals and medical groups accept your health plan.

**What’s the difference between a deductible, allowable amount, copayment and coinsurance?** 

When you have health insurance, your deductible, allowable amount, copayment (copay) and coinsurance impact the amount you pay for medical services. Because these can vary based on your insurance, use the phone number on the back of your insurance card to contact your health insurance company and learn more. Generally, the main differences are:

-   Deductible: This is the amount you must pay for covered healthcare services during a coverage period (typically one year) before your health insurance starts covering its share.
-   Allowable amount: This is the maximum amount a health insurance plan will pay for a covered service.
-   Copayment (copay): Your copay is the fixed amount for a covered service. You pay this amount before or during your medical service, lab test or prescription.
-   Coinsurance: After paying your deductible, this is the percentage of costs you’re responsible for on covered services. Coinsurance represents a cost-sharing arrangement, not an additional insurance plan.  
     

**What information does my bill include?** 

See the [Statement Walkthrough](https://www.sutterhealth.org/-/media/Project/SutterHealth/SutterHealth/Files/billing-insurance/billing-statement-walkthrough.pdf) to answer the following questions:

-   What service did I have?
-   When did I receive this service?
-   Who was the doctor? 
-   Where did the service take place?
-   Did Sutter send a bill to my insurance company?
-   Did my insurance cover the procedure?
-   I have insurance, so why am I getting a bill?  
     

**Why do I get separate bills from facilities and doctors?** 

Facility billing includes charges for services or procedures received in hospitals, inpatient and outpatient centers, or from home health or hospice. These charges may include costs for:

-   Administration
-   A room
-   Equipment
-   Labs
-   Meals
-   Medications
-   Nursing
-   Technicians
-   Therapists  
     

**What's doctor billing?**

Doctor billing includes charges for healthcare services a doctor or other healthcare professional provides, including professional assessment, direction and oversight. These services may be provided at facilities such as a hospital, surgery center or medical office.

**Why do I get bills from doctors outside Sutter Health?** 

When you receive services at a Sutter Health location, a private (non-Sutter Health) doctor sometimes provides your care, including an anesthesiologist, emergency medicine doctor, radiologist, pathologist, or others. These private doctors work at a Sutter Health facility but aren’t employed by Sutter.

We work with insurance companies covering Sutter doctors and private physicians at Sutter Health facilities. However, private doctors are only required to accept some of the insurance plans that the facility does.  
 

**Why am I charged differently for preventive, diagnostic and chronic care?** 

Your insurance coverage may vary based on what type of services you receive:

-   Preventive care is the care you receive to prevent illness or disease, like immunizations, lab tests and screenings. Your annual health exam typically includes preventive care services. 
-   Diagnostic care is the care you receive to treat or diagnose a health problem. It includes monitoring current conditions, evaluating new symptoms and conducting diagnostic tests.
-   Chronic care addresses health issues or injuries that persist for over 2 weeks, including conditions like congestive heart failure, arthritis or a chronic cough.  
     

**Can I get a price estimate for medical services?** 

You can a receive a price estimate several ways:

-   For hospital fee estimates, call Sutter Health Patient Advocates at [855-398-1637](tel:855-398-1637).
-   For doctor fee estimates, call Sutter Health Patient Advocates at [866-961-8566](tel:855-961-8566).
-   Existing My Health Online (MHO) users can [log in to their account](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online?sc_site=SutterHealth&sc_lang=en) for an estimate.

**How do I pay for my healthcare services?** 

The quickest way to pay your bill is online using [My Health Online](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online?sc_site=SutterHealth&sc_lang=en). You can also pay your bill in the following ways: 

-   Mail — Send in a check upon receipt of your bill.
-   Phone — Visit Contact Us for the phone number of your local billing agent. 
-   In Person — Pay in person at the hospital or doctor’s office where you received services.

Payment options include:

-   Check
-   Bank bill pay
-   Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express credit card
-   Health Spending Account (HSA) card from Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express  
     

**How can I get a more detailed bill?** 

For details on a specific service, visit [My Health Online (MHO)](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online?sc_site=SutterHealth&sc_lang=en) > Billing > Account Details. You can also chat or call the number on your statement to request a detailed bill.

**Does Sutter offer discounts, payment plans or financial assistance options?** 

Yes, we’re here to help you cover and ease healthcare costs with [financial assistance programs](https://www.sutterhealth.org/billing-insurance/financial-assistance), automatic discounts applied to your account, and payment plans. To learn if you qualify for a payment plan, please contact us at [800-4SUTTER](tel:18004788837). Eligible people can set up a payment plan for doctor services using their [My Health Online (MHO)](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online?sc_site=SutterHealth&sc_lang=en) account or contact the billing office for doctor or hospital services.

**What should I do if my insurance denies a service due to a coding error?** 

Your doctor or healthcare provider assigns a specific code to every medical service. Sometimes, your insurance company may claim the code needs to be corrected and recommend changing it. If this happens, please contact your doctor to verify that the code is accurate.

**Why were my healthcare services billed at the rate shown on my statement?** 

We base pricing on the services you receive. First, your doctor documents your visit and any procedures. Then, a certified coder assigns the appropriate codes. If you have questions about the coding, please contact your billing office.

**How can I request my billing records?** 

To request billing records, use our online chat or call [800-4SUTTER](tel:855-398-1633) and select the Billing option.

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