Frequently Asked Questions at ER Now
You can trust ER Now. As our Amarillo community grows, your have more choices for emergency care. Trust the leader in emergency care in our community. ER Now is locally owned and operated by board-certified emergency medicine physicians whose priority is the health and well-being of all its patients.
What is a free-standing emergency room, like ER Now?
A freestanding emergency room/center is a state-licensed emergency center that operates separately or “freestanding” from a hospital. At ER Now, we have the infrastructure of a traditional hospital emergency room but can promptly deliver high quality care without the wait of a traditional ER.
When should I visit ER Now?
You should visit ER Now any time you have a medical emergency. We offer the same quality and scope of services as in a traditional all in a spotless environment with little to no wait time.
What if I have to be admitted to the hospital?
ER Now has transfer agreements with hospitals in the Amarillo area. Should further monitoring or care be required, we coordinate hospital admittance for you, direct to a room. We never want you to have to wait in a busy hospital ER.
Do you accept my insurance?
ER Now accepts all private insurances (BCBS, Humana, Cigna, United, Aetna, and all others) and only collects at allowable in-network rates. This means ER Now only collects in-network copays and in-network payment benefits from your insurance company. Currently, Medicare and Medicaid do not provide reimbursement at independent free-standing emergency rooms.
What if you are not in my network?
ER Now honors your in-network benefits and accepts in-network rates as full payment.
The Texas Department of Insurance Code, Section 1301.155 on Emergency Care requires that insurance companies pay emergency facilities “at the insured’s in-network benefit level” for all services. Additionally, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act added numerous patient protections that require health plans covering emergency services to provide such coverage without need for prior authorization, regardless of the participating status of the provider, at the in-network level. Per the Affordable Care Act and Texas State Law, all insurance companies are required to reimburse at in-network rates to any emergency facility providing emergency care.
ER Now only provides emergency care. Although ER Now will not be listed as 'in network' with your insurance company, be rest assured we only collect at in-network rates.
The Texas Department of Insurance Code, Section 1301.155 on Emergency Care requires that insurance companies pay emergency facilities “at the insured’s in-network benefit level” for all services. Additionally, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act added numerous patient protections that require health plans covering emergency services to provide such coverage without need for prior authorization, regardless of the participating status of the provider, at the in-network level. Per the Affordable Care Act and Texas State Law, all insurance companies are required to reimburse at in-network rates to any emergency facility providing emergency care.
ER Now only provides emergency care. Although ER Now will not be listed as 'in network' with your insurance company, be rest assured we only collect at in-network rates.
What am I required to pay?
You will be required to pay your emergency room co-pay as designated by your insurance plan at the time of service. As with any visit to an emergency room, upon receipt of your explanation of benefits (EOB) from the insurance carrier, you may also be required to pay your deductible or any co-insurance that is determined to be patient responsibility by your insurance provider.
Remember, ER Now will only charge the in network rates as determined by your insurance company.
Remember, ER Now will only charge the in network rates as determined by your insurance company.
What if I don't have insurance?
We have the responsibility to treat any patient that has been determined to have a medical emergency regardless of their ability to pay at the time of the visit. We have a special program for patients who do not have insurance or for those who prefer to pay on a cash basis.
I don’t understand the charges on my bill.
As with any emergency room visit, two claims will be sent to your insurance company: one for the facility charges (Amarillo Emergency Center) and one for the physician charges (Panhandle Emergency Physicians). Remember that your insurance company is required to honor your in-network benefits for emergency services provided at ER Now. If you ever have any questions regarding your bill, please do not hesitate to call us directly at (806) 350-7744. We will do our best to make the billing process as clear and concise as possible.
If you prefer to contact our billing department directly, please call 360 Medical Billing at (844) 283-7705.
If you prefer to contact our billing department directly, please call 360 Medical Billing at (844) 283-7705.
