Hospital Based Clinics

Foundation Health Partners is beginning the multi-year process of transitioning some Tanana Valley Clinic service lines to hospital-based outpatient clinics, meaning they will become departments of Fairbanks Memorial Hospital. 

To determine if a clinic is hospital-based, you can refer to the clinic's website or inquire with the registration representative during the appointment scheduling process. Additionally, a hospital-based clinic will prominently display signs indicating that it is an "outpatient department of Fairbanks Memorial Hospital."

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is a hospital-based clinic?

A hospital-based clinic is a clinic that is part of a hospital, operating under the hospital's ownership and license. It is situated either on the hospital premises or within 250 yards of the hospital. This model of care is widely adopted by renowned health systems such as Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins, and the Cleveland Clinic. At FMH, we have successfully implemented this approach with existing hospital-based clinics like Porter Heart and Vascular Center, Radiation Oncology, Wound Care, and Pain Center.

Why is FHP transitioning TVC clinics to hospital-based clinics?

This is a national model of practice that has proven to be a more sustainable way for health systems like FHP to operate. This change offers efficiencies that allow us to maintain our current services, preserve patient access regardless of insurance type, and expand and modernize our services in the future. This further benefits patients as all departments of the hospital are subject to strict quality standards, which offer the opportunity for special accreditation from national regulatory agencies. Our confidence in this approach is rooted in firsthand benefits observed through our existing hospital-based clinics.

Are all the TVC departments moving to the hospital?

Yes, over the next few years, all clinical departments at TVC will relocate to the FMH campus. This shift to a single healthcare location is designed for enhanced convenience, making it easier for patients to access a variety of services in one visit. This is particularly beneficial for those relying on public transportation or assistance from family and friends for transportation. Moreover, consolidating resources allows us to eliminate unnecessary duplications in equipment, supplies, and staffing.

What will happen to TVC

The gradual relocation of all departments to the hospital is expected to take several years. During this time, patients can anticipate ongoing care at TVC for services including 1st Care, Family Medicine, and Allergy & Asthma. As departments relocate, the staff and providers will move with them. Plans for the Noble Street buildings are undecided.

The clinic I visited isn’t located in the hospital. Why is it considered "hospital-based"?

Some hospital-based clinics may not be in the main hospital building. However, they are situated in a clinic or building owned by the hospital on the FMH campus and operate under the hospital's licensure. The term "hospital-based" reflects the ownership and licensing structure rather than the specific location within the main building.

Will it take longer to get an appointment?

This transition should not affect the wait time for an appointment. Initially, as departments adjust to new workflows, there might be minor things like extended hold times, but we don’t anticipate any real disruptions or delays to care.  

Will I see the same provider?

Your relationship with your provider is important. We don’t anticipate that patients will need to change providers.  

How will I know where my appointment is?

If an outpatient clinic is already on the hospital's main campus, there will be no changes to the appointment location. If the clinic is moving from 1001 Noble St. to the hospital, you will receive notifications about any relocations before, during, and after a department moves. For the latest information, visit the clinic’s webpage at foundationhealth.org/services.

 

Why did I receive two bills for the same visit?

“Hospital-based clinic” is a designation made by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Under this designation, patients with federally-funded insurance will be split-billed for each visit. One bill is for the professional medical care they receive, and the second is a technical fee, which includes the cost of nursing or support staff and supplies and equipment related to providing care. 

Currently, commercial payers do not require this separation. Commercial payers and self-payers can expect to be billed as usual with minor exceptions, including medication a medical professional administers (e.g., cortisone shots, vaccines, etc.).

Will I pay more for services provided at a hospital-based clinic?

Out-of-pocket expenses for health care services are solely determined by a patient’s unique insurance coverage. Your insurance provider will be the best resource to explain your level of coverage and what you can expect to pay. 

If you're part of a federally funded insurance program, your visit will still be covered, and you shouldn't expect a significant increase in out-of-pocket expenses.

For those with commercial insurance or self-payers, your billing process will remain largely unchanged, and therefore, you should experience little to no changes in your out-of-pocket expenses.

What are the federally funded insurance programs?

In the US, the six major government programs are Medicare, Medicaid, the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), the Department of Defense TRICARE, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) program, and the Indian Health Service (IHS) program. More than half of our patients are covered by one of these programs. By adopting the split billing method, we are ensuring that we are appropriately reimbursed for services which allows us to continue to offer healthcare services to everyone.

If I want to ask my insurance provider about coverage for services in a hospital-based clinic, what questions should I ask?

Making informed healthcare decisions and knowing what your unique insurance policy covers is essential. Consider asking the following questions: 

  1. Does my insurance cover facility charges in a hospital-based outpatient clinic?
  1. How much of the charge is covered? 
  2. How much will be applied to the deductible? 
  3. How much will I owe out-of-pocket? 

What can I do if I’m having difficulty paying for health care services?

We offer financial assistance to eligible patients. If you have questions about your bill or if you are having difficulty paying for healthcare services, please visit foundationhealth.org/patients_and_visitors/bill_pay/financial_assistance.

I still have some questions. Is there someone I can contact for more information?

Please contact your health insurance provider if you have specific questions regarding your unique insurance coverage. If you have additional questions or if you would like to provide feedback, please reach out to FMHcommunityfeedback@foundationhealth.org

FHP's hospital-based clinic are:

If you have any questions regarding your billing statement, please contact:

FMH Business Office
(907) 458-5510
Monday - Friday:
8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

TVC Business Office
(907) 459-3580

PHVC Office
(907) 458-6450
Monday - Friday:
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Denali Center
(907) 458-5100
Monday-Friday:
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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Glossary of Billing Terms: https://www.foundationhealth.org/bill_pay/glossarybilling

Financial Assistance: /bill_pay/financial_aid

Rights & Price Transparency: /patients_and_visitors/bill_pay/rights_and_protections

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