Billing 

The Billing Unit is responsible for submitting claims to Medicaid, Medicare and other third party payors for applicable services and collection of patient fees according to the New Hanover County Fee Policy.  Medicaid and Medicare fee schedules are closely monitored for changes to ensure maximum reimbursement.  By keeping abreast of the changes and maximizing reimbursement, the Health Department continues to be able to offer services at an affordable price.  

How much will my visit cost?  Family Planning, Child Health Physicals, Neurology Clinic, Nutrition Counseling (non-WIC, non-Maternal Health), Psycho-social Counseling and Mobile Dental Unit (children ages 3-17) fees are assessed on a sliding fee scale based on the number living in the household and the household income.  Limited Physicals for employment, daycare, sports, foster care, camp, scouts, college and kindergarten are provided for a flat fee.  Testing for sexually transmitted diseases is provided free of charge.  Please go to Fees_for_PatientServices and/or the New Hanover County Fee Policy links for fee information. 

Will you bill my insurance?  New Hanover County Health Department will file your private insurance; however, we are not an in-network provider for any insurance company at this time.  If your insurance requires you to go to an in-network provider, your insurance will deny the claim.  If the claim is denied, you will be responsible for any patient fees assessed as outlined in the New Hanover County Fee Policy.  Flat fee services will not be billed to insurance with the exception of private stock vaccines which may be billed to Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS).  Payment for private stock vaccines is still required at time of service. 

What services cannot be billed to Medicaid?    Medicaid will not cover our flat fee services.  Flat fee services are private stock vaccines (with the exception of Menactra), completion of the Tuberculosis Screening Form, non-immunization injections (allergy shots, B-12 injections, etc.), tuberculin skin testing for documentation purposes (school, work, etc.), and limited physicals (employment, daycare, sports, foster care, camp, scouts, college, and kindergarten).  Full comprehensive physicals for children are available and are Medicaid billable. 

Does my income matter?  Fees for Family Planning, Child Health Physicals, Neurology Clinic, Nutrition Counseling (non-WIC, non-Maternal Health), Psycho-social Counseling, and Mobile Dental Unit (children age 3-17) are assessed on a sliding fee scale based on the number living in the household and household income.  Income information will need to be provided prior to or at the time of registration for services.  Fees may be assessed from 0% to 100% of our standard fee based on the income information provided.  Patients who fail to provide proof of income as outlined in the New Hanover County Fee Policy may be charged 100% of our standard fee.