New Services: Improved Scheduling and Billing Statements

Managing your health care now is even easier at Group Health.

On Nov. 1, we implemented several new computer software systems to better serve our patients. Our new features include faster online appointment scheduling and easier-to-read billing statements.

However, until all of the new systems are fully implemented, we are temporarily billing patients for office visit and pharmacy copays, instead of collecting payments at the time of care as we usually do. When the software is fully implemented, we will go back to collecting payments at the time of service.

When you schedule an appointment online with your primary care doctor at a Group Health medical center, you now can see the available times and choose the exact opening you want.

You'll then see a screen confirming your appointment, with the details listed. It's that quick!

Sure, you already can make appointments with most Group Health doctors online. This new feature goes further — you can schedule in "real time" without waiting for your appointment time to be confirmed by staff. You can use this real-time scheduling feature for appointments with your family doctor or other primary care providers you've seen in the past — the doctors you probably see the most often.

When you schedule online with specialists and providers you haven't see before, our staff will need to confirm your appointment. You'll get a response by secure e-mail in your MyGroupHealth message inbox, usually by the end of the next business day.

In the future, you'll be able to schedule appointments in real time with more types of doctors and providers at Group Health medical centers. This is one of the many changes at Group Health medical centers to make your appointments work better for you.

Scheduling for children. If you have parental access to your child's online account, you can use this new real-time feature to make appointments with your child's pediatrician. Go into your child's account, open Appointments, and pick the exact time you want.

How to access. To schedule online with Group Health doctors, register and log in to MyGroupHealth for Members. Follow the instructions to upgrade your online account. You'll also be able to use our other online services, including refilling prescriptions, viewing your online medical records, and exchanging secure e-mails with your Group Health doctors.

(Some online services, such as scheduling online, are available only to members who get primary care at at Group Health medical centers.)

Your billing statements will include more useful information, in a format that is easier to read.

See an example of the new statement (PDF).

Clearer listings. Charges, payments or adjustments, and remaining patient balances will be listed separately. Also, accounts previously billed will be marked with an asterisk (*) and will appear on statements until paid.

Statements go directly to patients 18 and older. In the past, we sent billing statements for all patients to the subscriber who had the coverage. Under our new system, we will send billing statements directly to patients aged 18 or older. This will help us better protect patient privacy.

Old and new statements may overlap. As we change to our new billing system, you may receive some statements in the old format and some in the new format. Over the next few months, carefully read all your billing statements to make sure that you understand the billing instructions for each. Call Customer Service if you have questions.