We have a number of ways to pay your bills online quickly and securely. Click the appropriate button below to pay your bill. Payments can be made by check, debit or credit card.
Using the Customer Service functions you also can contact us about questions or problems with your account(s) and submit changes to your street address or insurance information.
St. Josephs/Candler is committed to extending financial assistance to qualifying patients. If payment could create a financial hardship for you, our staff will work with you to apply for assistance. Go here to read more or call Customer Service at 912-819-8455 or 800-374-7054.
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who dont have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 1-800-985-3059.
When you get emergency care or get treated by an out-of-network provider at an in-network hospital or ambulatory surgical center, you are protected from surprise billing or balance billing.
When you see a doctor or other health care provider, you may owe certain out-of-pocket costs, such as a copayment, coinsurance, and/or a deductible. You may have other costs or have to pay the entire bill if you see a provider or visit a health care facility that isn’t in your health plan’s network.
“Out-of-network” describes providers and facilities that haven’t signed a contract with your health plan. Out-of-network providers may be permitted to bill you for the difference between what your plan agreed to pay and the full amount charged for a service. This is called “balance billing.” This amount is likely more than in-network costs for the same service and might not count toward your annual out-of-pocket limit.
“Surprise billing” is an unexpected balance bill. This can happen when you can’t control who is involved in your care—like when you have an emergency or when you schedule a visit at an in- network facility but are unexpectedly treated by an out-of-network provider.
If you have an emergency medical condition and get emergency services from an out-of- network provider or facility, the most the provider or facility may bill you is your plan’s in- network cost-sharing amount (such as copayments and coinsurance). You can’t be balance billed for these emergency services. This includes services you may get after you’re in stable condition unless you give written consent and give up your protections not to be balanced billed for these post-stabilization services.
The state of Georgia and the federal government both have laws to protect you from balance billing although they are a little different. State rules only apply to fully insured commercial health insurance plans and some government plans. Federal rules may also apply to commercial health insurance in situations where you received health care services in another state, your health insurance is regulated by a state other than Georgia or the health care service you received is not regulated by the state law. Most of the differences between the state and federal laws are in the way the rules affect providers and health insurers, so you usually won’t need to worry about that. However, the grievance processes are different, as indicated on the government websites linked below.
When you get services from an in-network hospital or ambulatory surgical center, certain providers there may be out-of-network. In these cases, the most those providers may bill you is your plan’s in-network cost-sharing amount. This applies to emergency medicine, anesthesia, pathology, radiology, laboratory, neonatology, assistant surgeon, hospitalist, or intensivist services. These providers can’t balance bill you and may not ask you to give up your protections not to be balance billed. Under Georgia law this rule also applies to imaging centers, birthing centers, and similar facilities in addition to hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers. If you get other services at these in-network facilities, out-of-network providers can’t balance bill you, unless you give written consent and give up your protections.
You’re never required to give up your protections from balance billing. You also aren’t required to get care out-of-network. You can choose a provider or facility in your plan’s network.
The best way to find an in-network provider is to use the online provider directory on your health plan’s website.
If you believe you’ve been wrongly billed, first contact your provider and/or your health plan for an explanation. If they can’t resolve your concerns, you can contact the Georgia Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire online at https://oci.georgia.gov/ or by phone at (404) 656-2070.
We also offer extended payment plans to patients through our partner, MedFinancial. They offer no-interest payment plans that are tailored to your health and financial situation. They are not a traditional credit card nor are they a collection agency. Their program covers all patients regardless of balance or credit history – and they never report to credit bureaus. Their customized payment options offer many benefits including:
Our team will work with you to determine the right plan for your situation, helping you pay in regular low-monthly installments you can realistically manage. To learn more, speak to one of our representatives by call 912-819-8455.
If you’ve recently received a bill from Chatham Pathology Associates and wondering how to pay it, you’re in the right place. Getting a separate bill from a lab can be confusing, especially when you thought everything was covered in your doctor’s visit. Don’t worry – I’ll explain everything you need to know about paying your CPA bill in this comprehensive guide.
Who is Chatham Pathology Associates?
Chatham Pathology Associates (CPA) is a leading pathology provider in Savannah, Georgia. Originally founded in the 1960s, the organization as we know it today emerged from the St. Joseph’s/Candler merger in 1997. They provide expert pathology services to:
- St. Joseph’s/Candler Health System
- Various medical facilities throughout Savannah
- The surrounding region
When your doctor orders lab tests like blood work or tissue samples, CPA performs the actual analysis. They offer multidisciplinary pathology expertise with:
- Intraoperative consultation service
- On-site processing
- Rapid turnaround times
Their primary location is at 5353 Reynolds St.Savannah GA 31405
You can reach them at:
- Phone: 912-819-6370
- FAX: 912-819-6515
Why You Get a Separate Bill from Chatham Pathology
It’s common to get confused when you receive a lab bill separate from your hospital or doctor’s office charges. Here’s why this happens
Labs like Chatham Pathology Associates typically operate as independent companies, not owned directly by the hospital or doctor’s office where you received care. They provide specialized testing services and bill separately for their work.
So even though you might have had your blood drawn or tissue sample taken at your doctor’s office or hospital, the actual analysis was performed by CPA, which is why they send you a separate bill.
How to Pay Your Chatham Pathology Associates Bill
You have several convenient options to pay your bill from Chatham Pathology Associates:
1. Pay Online (Easiest Method)
The most convenient way to pay your CPA bill is through their online patient portal:
- Make sure you have your statement with account number handy
- Visit myaccount.apsmedbill.com
- Create an account or login if you already have one
- Select Chatham Pathology Associates from the list of providers
- Enter your account number and date of birth
- View your bill and make payment using credit or debit card
2. Pay by Phone
If you prefer speaking with someone or don’t want to use the online system:
- Call APS Medical Billing at (419) 866-1804
- Inform them you want to make a payment for your Chatham Pathology Associates account
- Have your account number ready (from your statement)
- Prepare your credit or debit card for the payment transaction
3. Pay by Mail
The traditional check method works too:
- Make your check payable to “Chatham Pathology Associates”
- Write your account number on the check if possible
- Mail to:
Chatham Pathology AssociatesPO Box 638957Cincinnati, OH 45263-8957 - Allow 7-10 days for processing before the due date
4. Use Your Bank’s Bill Pay Service
If your bank offers online bill pay:
- Set up the payment through your bank’s website
- Use the Chatham Pathology Associates mailing address
- Include your account number as the reference
- Schedule payment to arrive by the due date
- Allow approximately 5 business days for processing
What If You Can’t Pay the Full Amount?
If paying your lab bill would create financial hardship, don’t panic! Chatham Pathology Associates offers several options to help:
Financial Assistance Programs
St. Joseph’s/Candler (which CPA is affiliated with) is committed to providing financial assistance to qualifying patients. They offer:
- Reduced-cost care based on your income
- Extended payment plans
- Financial counseling services
To explore these options, call Customer Service at 912-819-8455 or 800-374-7054.
Payment Plans through MedFinancial
CPA also offers extended payment plans through their partner, MedFinancial. These plans offer numerous benefits:
- No interest charges
- Customized to your financial situation
- No credit reporting
- Everyone is accepted regardless of credit history
- No hidden fees
- Easy payment methods (online, phone, check, auto-pay)
- Combined statements that can include other medical bills and family members
To set up a payment plan, call 912-819-8455 and speak with a representative who will help determine the right plan for your situation.
Your Rights Regarding Medical Bills
Good Faith Estimates
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining the expected cost of your medical care. Under the law, healthcare providers must give patients who don’t have insurance (or aren’t using insurance) an estimate for medical services.
Make sure your provider gives you this estimate in writing at least one business day before your service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your estimate, you can dispute it.
For more information about Good Faith Estimates, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 1-800-985-3059.
Protection Against Surprise Billing
When you get emergency care or are treated by an out-of-network provider at an in-network facility, you’re protected from “surprise billing” or “balance billing.”
Balance billing happens when an out-of-network provider charges you the difference between what your insurance pays and the full amount charged. This is often higher than in-network costs and might not count toward your deductible or out-of-pocket maximum.
Both Georgia state law and federal law protect you from balance billing in certain situations, including:
- Emergency services
- Services at in-network facilities where some providers might be out-of-network
If you believe you’ve been wrongly billed, first contact the provider and your health plan. If they can’t resolve your concerns, you can contact the Georgia Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire at https://oci.georgia.gov/ or by phone at (404) 656-2070.
Common Billing Questions
Why did I get a bill from Chatham Pathology when I already paid my doctor?
The doctor’s bill covers their professional services (consultation, examination, etc.), while Chatham Pathology’s bill is for the laboratory testing and analysis they performed. They’re separate entities with separate billing systems.
My insurance should have covered this. Why am I getting a bill?
This could happen for several reasons:
- Your insurance information may not have been provided to CPA
- The service might not be covered by your insurance plan
- You might have a deductible that hasn’t been met
- There could be a coding or processing error
Contact CPA’s billing office at (912) 819-6370 to discuss your specific situation.
I think there’s an error on my bill. What should I do?
If you spot a potential error or have questions about your charges, you can:
- Call the CPA business office at (912) 819-6370
- Email questions to [email protected]
- Mail written inquiries to:
basic
Chatham Pathology AssociatesAttn: Business Office5353 Reynolds St.Savannah, GA 31405
Tips for Handling Your Chatham Pathology Bill
-
Don’t ignore the bill – Unpaid medical bills can eventually impact your credit. Even if you can’t pay the full amount, contact CPA to discuss your options.
-
Check for insurance processing – Make sure your insurance has processed the claim before you pay. Look for an “Explanation of Benefits” from your insurance company.
-
Keep records – Save all statements, payment confirmations, and correspondence related to your bill.
-
Ask questions – If something on your bill doesn’t make sense, don’t hesitate to call and ask for an explanation.
-
Request an itemized statement – If your bill seems high or you don’t understand the charges, ask for an itemized breakdown.
Bottom Line
Getting a separate bill from Chatham Pathology Associates after medical tests can be confusing at first, but paying it doesn’t have to be complicated. With multiple payment options including online, phone, mail, and payment plans, you can easily handle your lab invoice in whatever way is most convenient for you.
If you’re having financial difficulties, remember that assistance programs are available. The most important thing is to address the bill rather than ignoring it – contact CPA if you need help understanding your charges or setting up a payment arrangement.
By staying proactive and using the resources available, you can manage your Chatham Pathology Associates bill without unnecessary stress or complications.
St. Joseph’s Hospital Campus 11705 Mercy Blvd. Savannah, GA 31419
We have a number of ways to pay your bills online quickly and securely. Click the appropriate button below to pay your bill. Payments can be made by check, debit or credit card.
Using the Customer Service functions you also can contact us about questions or problems with your account(s) and submit changes to your street address or insurance information.
St. Josephs/Candler is committed to extending financial assistance to qualifying patients. If payment could create a financial hardship for you, our staff will work with you to apply for assistance. Go here to read more or call Customer Service at 912-819-8455 or 800-374-7054.
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who dont have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.
- You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment and hospital fees.
- Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least one business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
- If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
- Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 1-800-985-3059.
Your Rights and Protections Against Surprise Medical Bills
When you get emergency care or get treated by an out-of-network provider at an in-network hospital or ambulatory surgical center, you are protected from surprise billing or balance billing.
What is “balance billing” (sometimes called “surprise billing”)?
When you see a doctor or other health care provider, you may owe certain out-of-pocket costs, such as a copayment, coinsurance, and/or a deductible. You may have other costs or have to pay the entire bill if you see a provider or visit a health care facility that isn’t in your health plan’s network.
“Out-of-network” describes providers and facilities that haven’t signed a contract with your health plan. Out-of-network providers may be permitted to bill you for the difference between what your plan agreed to pay and the full amount charged for a service. This is called “balance billing.” This amount is likely more than in-network costs for the same service and might not count toward your annual out-of-pocket limit.
“Surprise billing” is an unexpected balance bill. This can happen when you can’t control who is involved in your care—like when you have an emergency or when you schedule a visit at an in- network facility but are unexpectedly treated by an out-of-network provider.
You are protected from balance billing for:
Emergency services
If you have an emergency medical condition and get emergency services from an out-of- network provider or facility, the most the provider or facility may bill you is your plan’s in- network cost-sharing amount (such as copayments and coinsurance). You can’t be balance billed for these emergency services. This includes services you may get after you’re in stable condition unless you give written consent and give up your protections not to be balanced billed for these post-stabilization services.
The state of Georgia and the federal government both have laws to protect you from balance billing although they are a little different. State rules only apply to fully insured commercial health insurance plans and some government plans. Federal rules may also apply to commercial health insurance in situations where you received health care services in another state, your health insurance is regulated by a state other than Georgia or the health care service you received is not regulated by the state law. Most of the differences between the state and federal laws are in the way the rules affect providers and health insurers, so you usually won’t need to worry about that. However, the grievance processes are different, as indicated on the government websites linked below.
Certain services at an in-network hospital, ambulatory surgical center or other facility
When you get services from an in-network hospital or ambulatory surgical center, certain providers there may be out-of-network. In these cases, the most those providers may bill you is your plan’s in-network cost-sharing amount. This applies to emergency medicine, anesthesia, pathology, radiology, laboratory, neonatology, assistant surgeon, hospitalist, or intensivist services. These providers can’t balance bill you and may not ask you to give up your protections not to be balance billed. Under Georgia law this rule also applies to imaging centers, birthing centers, and similar facilities in addition to hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers. If you get other services at these in-network facilities, out-of-network providers can’t balance bill you, unless you give written consent and give up your protections.
You’re never required to give up your protections from balance billing. You also aren’t required to get care out-of-network. You can choose a provider or facility in your plan’s network.
The best way to find an in-network provider is to use the online provider directory on your health plan’s website.
When balance billing isn’t allowed, you also have the following protections:
- You are only responsible for paying your share of the cost (like the copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles that you would pay if the provider or facility was in-network). Your health plan will pay out-of-network providers and facilities directly.
- Your health plan generally must:
- Cover emergency services without requiring you to get approval for services in advance (prior authorization). Under Georgia law, your health plan cannot later deny such services because they don’t consider them medically necessary.
- Cover emergency services by out-of-network providers.
- Base what you owe the provider or facility (cost-sharing) on what it would pay an in-network provider or facility and show that amount in your explanation of benefits.
- Count any amount you pay for emergency services or out-of-network services toward your deductible and out-of-pocket limit.
If you believe you’ve been wrongly billed, first contact your provider and/or your health plan for an explanation. If they can’t resolve your concerns, you can contact the Georgia Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire online at https://oci.georgia.gov/ or by phone at (404) 656-2070.
Visit https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises for more information about your rights under federal law.
Visit https://oci.georgia.gov/how-do-i-file-complaint for more information about your rights under Georgia law.
We also offer extended payment plans to patients through our partner, MedFinancial. They offer no-interest payment plans that are tailored to your health and financial situation. They are not a traditional credit card nor are they a collection agency. Their program covers all patients regardless of balance or credit history – and they never report to credit bureaus. Their customized payment options offer many benefits including:
- No credit reporting
- Everyone is accepted
- No hidden fees
- Easy payment methods: online, phone, check, auto pay
- Combined statements that include other medical bills and family members
Our team will work with you to determine the right plan for your situation, helping you pay in regular low-monthly installments you can realistically manage. To learn more, speak to one of our representatives by call 912-819-8455.
