CHI - St. Francis

Figuring Out Finances Taking the Ow! Out of Osteoarthritis The payer system at CHI St. Francis Health is here to help you ndoptions. When you have a scheduled medical procedure, simply knowing the cost ahead of time can lower your stress levels. "Once someone is scheduled, we do an estimate of how much a procedure will cost the patient," says Meghan Dohman, manager of Patient Access and Revenue Cycle Services with Conifer Health Solutions at CHI St. Francis Health. "We contact their insurance company, nd out their deductible and out of pocket limits, and we calculate how much the charges to the patient are going to be." In addition to being able to plan ahead, knowing your costs ahead of time gives you an opportunity to discuss assistance available through CHI St. Francis Health. Helping for Healing If you cannot pay for the full cost of care, you can apply for nancial assistance. Family income and medical necessity are considered with your application. "We can set up a payment plan so you do not have to pay your bill all at once," Meghan says. "With many patients on high-deductible health plans and out-of-pocket limits becoming greater, it's important to oer that exibility." If you have any questions about applying for benefits, paying your bill, or financial assistance, call 218-643-0312 or visit www.sfcare.org and click "Price Estimator" on right-hand side. Learn to manage your symptoms by moving. You may think of arthritis when your knee or knuckles hurt. It actually includes more than 100 diseases that aect your joints. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. Called "wear and tear arthritis," your joints can wear out as you age. Strengthen your body against osteoarthritis by: • Getting physical activity—while you may not want to move when your joints hurt, moving is important. • Managing your weight—lose excessive weight because it puts more pressure on your hips and knees. • Medication—check with your doctor to see what, if any, pain medicine youshouldtake. • Physical and Occupational Therapy—increase your range of motion through exercise and heat and cold therapies. If these conservative treatments don't work for you, ask your doctor if you should consider joint surgery to replace or repair your damaged joints. At CHI St. Francis Health, we have developed a pre-operative program called "Walk a Mile in Your Shoes." You will meet with a physical therapist for a pre-operative evaluation of your gait, joint range of motion, muscle strength, aswellas discussing your goals for post-surgery. If you would like more information call 218-643-0345. Highway 75 North and 210 West 2

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