Billing & Financial Information
Single Statement Billing
Keeping track of your bills in the midst of an illness or injury can be a challenge. For your convenience, Astera provides all of its patients with single statement billing. This puts all costs associated with your visits to both the hospital and our clinics on one monthly statement.
E-Statements
If you would like to eliminate paper statements all together, Astera also offers an e-statement option for patients. E-statements allow patients to receive statement notifications via email or their MyChart account where they can view, pay, and print statements online.
Patients without a MyChart account can create one online at asterahealth.org, or sign-up with a provider or nurse at your clinic, hospital, or the Emergency Department.
CONTACT US
Toll-Free: 800-631-1811
Statement Inquiries, Bill Pay & Refunds: 218-631-7498
Insurance Inquiries, Clinic: 218-632-8736
Insurance Inquiries, Hospital (Lab & Radiology): 218-631-7495
Work Comp: 218-632-7120 A-Z
Backup number: 218-632-7125
Insurance referrals: 218-631-5238
Business office hours:
Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
At Astera Health, we understand that navigating the financial side of healthcare can feel overwhelming. That’s why our Patient Financial Advocates (PFAs) are here to guide and support you every step of the way.
Our PFAs serve as a dedicated resource for patients, answering questions, explaining costs, and helping you find the right financial solutions for your care. Whether you need help understanding your bill, setting up a payment plan, or applying for assistance, our team is here to help make healthcare more accessible and less stressful.
How Our PFAs Can Help:
- Understand Your Costs
Learn about your insurance benefits, billing statements, and receive upfront cost estimates. - Explore Financial Options
Get support with setting up interest-free payment plans, applying for financial assistance, and accessing medication support programs. - Navigate Insurance
Assistance with insurance verification, coverage resources, and hospital-based eligibility programs. - Connect to Resources
We collaborate with billing, case management, and social work teams to get you the help you need. - Advocate for You
We listen with compassion, ensure your concerns are heard, and work toward clear and fair billing practices.
Whether you call or visit in person, all billing and financial assistance questions will be routed through our PFA team, making sure you receive expert help without the runaround.
The Impact
Working with a Patient Financial Advocate can:
- Reduce financial stress and confusion
- Improve your experience with our billing process
- Help you avoid delayed or missed care due to cost concerns
Have questions or need assistance?
Reach out to our Patient Financial Advocate team today! We’re here to help make your healthcare journey smoother and more manageable. Call our PFA Department at 218-631-3510 ext. 7437 or stop into one of our offices on our Wadena campus.
Convenient Patient Financing
Need a way to pay your out-of-pocket medical costs? We understand. The ClearBalance® program is a revolving credit account available to make payments over an extended period of time* for your medical expenses at Astera Health.
Quick and Easy
- No application, credit checks, annual fees, or prepayment penalties
- Manage your account online, by phone, or through our Patient Experience Center team
- Easily add balances from your spouse and dependents
- One manageable payment by check, debit/credit card, or HSA/FSA
- We combine your bills into a single, easily understood monthly statement.
- Keep the family’s medical bills simple – it’s easy to add balances owed by your spouse and dependents.
- Have a question about your statement? The ClearBalance multilingual, patient-friendly customer service team is here to serve you.
Call us for additional information at 218-631-3510 ext. 7437.
*A minimum monthly payment will be due each month. However, you may pay the balance in full at any time. Revolving credit accounts are offered by Pathward™ N.A., Member FDIC. ClearBalance is a registered service mark of CSI Financial Services, LLC, which provides certain account servicing functions for the bank.
We know that often medical expenses are unexpected and unplanned and may cause financial hardship for your family. If you are having difficulty paying your bill, Astera’s Financial Assistance Program may be an option for you. This program provides services without charge, or at a reduced rate, for patients who have a financial need. Click the link below for the Financial Assistance application form. If you need help completing this form, our Patient Financial Advocates would be happy to assist you. You may stop in for individualized assistance or give us a call at the number below. No patient is refused emergency care or is discouraged from using Emergency Medical Services, regardless of ability to pay.
Did you know that Astera can provide you with up-front cost estimates for procedures before they occur? Not only is this information valuable in helping you make informed decisions, we think it is your absolute right.
Astera’s price estimating tool gives us the ability to provide more accurate and comprehensive procedure price estimates. This tool allows us to educate patients and help them make informed decisions about their care, and limit surprises when they get their bill.
We do our very best to ensure our estimates are as comprehensive as possible, meaning they are inclusive of all related costs. Our estimates include all services billed by Astera, such as professional fees, technical charges, supplies, anesthesia, etc. We can provide price estimates for surgical procedures, clinic visits, lab, and radiology.
For an estimate, click here to view the estimate page or call our Patient Financial Advocate Department at 218-631-3510 ext. 7437 or stop into one of our offices on our Wadena campus.
The federal No Surprises Act became effective January 1, 2022. The law is designed to help patients understand health care costs in advance of care and minimize unforeseen, or surprise, medical bills. Learn more at the links below.
Astera Health’s Billing and Collections Policy ensures fair and transparent practices for managing patient accounts. We work with patients to verify insurance, provide payment options, and offer financial assistance to those who qualify. Learn more at the link below.
