Privacy Policy
KINGS AND QUEENS UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL PRIVACY POLICY INFORMATIONS
Privacy Practices
This notice describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information. Please review it carefully
Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital
Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital is one of the health care components of the Kings and Queens Medical University College. KQMUC health care components consist of the Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital, clinics and physician offices, the Kings and Queens Medical school and other health professional schools, departments engaged in clinical care, the student health service areas on some campuses, employee health units on some campuses, and the administrative and operational units that are part of the health care components of the Kings and Queens Medical University College.
Our Pledge Regarding Your Health Information
Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital is committed to protecting medical, mental health and personal information about you (“Health Information”). We are required by law to maintain the privacy of your Health Information, provide you information about our legal duties and privacy practices, inform you of your rights and the ways in which we may use Health Information and disclose it to other entities and persons.
How We May Use and Disclose Health Information About You
The following sections describe different ways that we may use and disclose your Health Information. Some information, such as certain drug and alcohol information, HIV information, genetic information and mental health information is entitled to special restrictions related to its use and disclosure. Not every use or disclosure will be listed. All of the ways we are permitted to use and disclose information, however, will fall within one of the following categories. Other uses and disclosures not described in this Notice will be made only if we have your written authorization.
For Treatment
We may use Health Information about you to provide you with medical and mental health treatment or services. We may disclose Health Information about you to doctors, nurses, technicians, students or other health system personnel who are involved in taking care of you in the health system. For example, a doctor treating you for a broken leg may need to know if you have diabetes because diabetes may slow the healing process. A doctor treating you for a mental condition may need to know what medications you are currently taking, because the medications may affect what other medications may be prescribed to you. We may also share Health Information about you with other non- Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital Health providers. The disclosure of your Health Information to non- Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital Health providers may be done electronically through a health information exchange that allows providers involved in your care to access some of your Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital Health records to coordinate services for you.
For Payment
We may use and disclose Health Information about you so that the treatment and services you receive at Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital Health or from other entities, such as an ambulance company, may be billed to and payment may be collected from you, an insurance company or a third party. For example, we may need to give information to your health plan about surgery or therapy you received at Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital Health so your health plan will pay us or reimburse you for the surgery or therapy. We may also tell your health plan about a proposed treatment to determine whether your plan will pay for the treatment.
For Health Care Operations
We may use and disclose Health Information about you for our business operations. For example, your Health Information may be used to review the quality and safety of our services, or for business planning, management and administrative services. We may contact you about alternative treatment options for you or about other benefits or services we provide. We may also use and disclose your health information to an outside company that performs services for us such as accreditation, legal, computer or auditing services. These outside companies are called “business associates” and are required by law to keep your Health Information confidential. We may also disclose information to doctors, nurses, technicians, medical and other students, and other health system personnel for performance improvement and educational purposes.
Appointment Reminders
We may contact you to remind you that you have an appointment at Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital.
Fundraising Activities
We may contact you to provide information about Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital Health-sponsored activities, including fundraising programs and events. We may use contact information, such as your name, address and phone number, date of birth, physician name, the outcome of your care, department where you received services and the dates you received treatment or services at Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital. You may opt-out of receiving fundraising information for the Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital by contacting us at the toll-free number +233-247176522 or by email donations@kqth.kqmuc.edu.gh
Hospital Directory
If you are hospitalized, we may include certain limited information about you in the hospital directory. This is so your family, friends and clergy can visit you in the hospital and generally know how you are doing. This information may include your name, location in the hospital, your general condition (e.g., fair, stable, etc.) and your religious affiliation. The directory information, except for your religious affiliation, may also be released to people who ask for you by name. Your religious affiliation may be given to members of the clergy, such as ministers or rabbis, even if they don’t ask for you by name. You have the opportunity to limit the release of directory information by telling Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital at the time of your hospitalization.
Our disclosure of this information about you if you are hospitalized in a psychiatric hospital will be more limited.
Individuals Involved in Your Care or Payment for Your Care
We may release medical information to anyone involved in your medical care, e.g., a friend, family member, personal representative or any individual you identify. We may also give information to someone who helps pay for your care. We may also tell your family or friends about your general condition and that you are in the hospital.
Disaster Relief Efforts
We may disclose Health Information about you to an entity assisting in a disaster relief effort so that others can be notified about your condition, status and location.
Research
The Kings and Queens Medical University College is a research institution. We may disclose Health Information about you for research purposes, subject to the confidentiality provisions of state and federal law of Ghana. All research projects involving patients or the information about living patients conducted by the Kings and Queens Medical University College must be approved through a special review process to protect patient safety, welfare and confidentiality.
In addition to disclosing Health Information for research, researchers may contact patients regarding their interest in participating in certain research studies. Researchers may only contact you if they have been given approval to do so by the special review process. You will only become a part of one of these research projects if you agree to do so and sign a specific permission form called an Authorization. When approved through a special review process, other studies may be performed using your Health Information without requiring your authorization. These studies will not affect your treatment or welfare, and your Health Information will continue to be protected.
As Required By Law
We will disclose Health Information about you when required to do so by the laws of Ghana.
To Prevent a Serious Threat to Health or Safety
We may use and disclose Health Information about you when necessary to prevent or lessen a serious and imminent threat to your health and safety or the health and safety of the public or another person. Any disclosure would be to someone able to help stop or reduce the threat.
Organ and Tissue Donation
If you are an organ donor, we may release your Health Information to organizations that obtain, bank or transplant organs, eyes or tissue, as necessary to facilitate organ or tissue donation and transplantation.
Military and Veterans
If you are or were a member of the armed forces, we may release Health Information about you to military command authorities as authorized or required by law.
Workers’ Compensation
We may use or disclose Health Information about you for Workers’ Compensation or similar programs as authorized or required by law. These programs provide benefits for work-related injuries or illness.
Public Health Disclosures
We may disclose Health Information about you for public health activities such as:
- preventing or controlling disease (such as cancer and tuberculosis), injury or disability;
- reporting vital events such as births and deaths;
- reporting child abuse or neglect;
- reporting adverse events or surveillance related to food, medications or defects or problems with products;
- notifying persons of recalls, repairs or replacements of products they may be using;
- notifying a person who may have been exposed to a disease or may be at risk of contracting or spreading a disease or condition.
Abuse and Neglect Reporting
We may disclose your Health Information to a government authority that is permitted by law to receive reports of abuse, neglect or domestic violence.
Health Oversight Activities
We may disclose Health Information to governmental, licensing, auditing and accrediting agencies as authorized or required by law.
Lawsuits and Other Legal Proceedings
We may disclose Health Information to courts, attorneys and court employees in the course of conservatorship, writs and certain other judicial or administrative proceedings. We may also disclose Health Information about you in response to a court or administrative order, or in response to a subpoena, discovery request, warrant or other lawful process.
Law Enforcement
If asked to do so by law enforcement, and as authorized or required by law, we may release Health Information:
- To identify or locate a suspect, fugitive, material witness, certain escapees, or missing person;
- About a suspected victim of a crime if, under certain limited circumstances, we are unable to obtain the person’s agreement;
- About a death suspected to be the result of criminal conduct;
- About criminal conduct at Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital; and
- In case of a medical emergency, to report a crime; the location of the crime or victims; or the identity, description or location of the person who committed the crime.
Coroners, Medical Examiners and Funeral Directors
We may disclose medical information to a coroner or medical examiner. This may be necessary, for example, to identify a deceased person or determine cause of death. We may also disclose medical information about patients of Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital to funeral directors as necessary to carry out their duties.
National Security and Intelligence Activities
As required by law, we may disclose Health Information about you to authorized government officials for intelligence, counterintelligence and other national security activities.
Protective Services for the President and Others
As required by law, we may disclose Health Information about you to authorized federal officials so they may conduct special investigations or provide protection to the President, other authorized persons or foreign heads of state.
Inmates
If you are an inmate of a correctional institution or under the custody of law enforcement officials, we may release Health Information about you to the correctional institution as authorized or required by law.
Psychotherapy Notes
Psychotherapy notes means notes recorded (in any medium) by a health care provider who is a mental health professional documenting or analyzing the contents of conversation during a private counseling session or a group, joint, or family counseling session and that are separated from the rest of the individual’s medical record.
Psychotherapy notes have additional protections under Ghana law and most uses or disclosures of psychotherapy require your written authorization.
Psychotherapy notes have additional protections under federal law and most uses or disclosures of psychotherapy require your written authorization.
Marketing or Sale of Health Information
Most uses and disclosures of your Health Information for marketing purposes or any sale of your Health Information would require your written authorization.
Other Uses and Disclosures of Health Information
Other uses and disclosures of Health Information not covered by this Notice will be made only with your written authorization. If you authorize us to use or disclose your Health Information, you may revoke that authorization, in writing, at any time. However, the revocation will not be effective for information that we have already used and disclosed in reliance on the authorization.
Your Rights Regarding Your Health Information
Your Health Information is the property of Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital. You have the following rights regarding the Health Information we maintain about you:
Right to Inspect and Copy`
With certain exceptions, you have the right to inspect and/or receive a copy of your Health Information. If we have the information in electronic format then you have the right to get your Health Information in electronic format if it is possible for us to do so. If not, we will work with you to agree on a way for you to get the information electronically or as a paper copy.
To inspect and/or to receive a copy of your Health Information, you must submit your request in writing to Health Information Services, Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital, Global Church Road, P. O BOX 18, New Akrade, Akosombo. E/R.
Attn: Release of Information Unit. If you request a copy of the information, there is a fee for these services.
We may deny your request to inspect and/or to receive a copy in certain limited circumstances. If you are denied access to Health Information, in most cases, you may have the denial reviewed. Another licensed health care professional chosen by Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital will review your request and the denial. The person conducting the review will not be the person who denied your request. We will comply with the outcome of the review.
Right to Request an Amendment or Addendum
If you feel that Health Information we have about you is incorrect or incomplete, you may ask us to amend the information or add an addendum (addition to the record). You have the right to request an amendment or addendum for as long as the information is kept by or for Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital.
Amendment
To request an amendment, your request must be made in writing and submitted to the Health Information Services, Attn: Release of Information Unit; Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital, Global Church Road, P.O Box 18, New Akrade, Akosombo, E/R, Ghana, or call +233-247176522.
You must be specific about the information that you believe to be incorrect or incomplete and you must provide a reason that support the request.
We may deny your request for an amendment if it is not in writing, we cannot determine from the request the information you are asking to be changed or corrected or your request does not include a reason to support the change or addition. In addition, we may deny your request if you ask us to amend information that:
- Was not created by Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital;
- Is not part of the Health Information kept by or for Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital,
- Is not part of the information which you would be permitted to inspect and copy; or
- Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital believes to be accurate and complete.
Addendum
To submit an addendum, the addendum must be made in writing and submitted to the Health Information Services, Attn: Release of Information Unit; Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital, Global Church Road, P.O Box 18, New Akrade, Akosombo, E/R, Ghana, or call +233-247176522. An addendum must not be longer than 250 words per alleged incomplete or incorrect item in your record.
Right to an Accounting of Disclosures
You have the right to receive a list of certain disclosures we have made of your Health Information.
To request this accounting of disclosures, you must submit your request in writing to the Health Information Services, Attn: Release of Information Unit; Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital, Global Church Road, P.O Box 18, New Akrade, Akosombo, E/R, Ghana, or call +233-247176522. Your request must state a time period that may not be longer than the six previous years. You are entitled to one accounting within any 12-month period at no cost. If you request a second accounting within that 12-month period, there will be a charge for the cost of compiling the accounting. We will notify you of the cost involved and you may choose to withdraw or modify your request at that time before any costs are incurred.
Right to Request Restrictions
You have the right to request a restriction or limitation on the Health Information we use or disclose about you for treatment, payment or health care operations. You also have the right to request a limit on the Health Information we disclose about you to someone who is involved in your care or the payment for your care, such as a family member or friend.
To request a restriction, you must make your request in writing to the Health Information Services, Attn: Release of Information Unit; Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital, Global Church Road, P.O Box 18, New Akrade, Akosombo, E/R, Ghana, or call +233-247176522 In your request, you must tell us (1) what information you want to limit; (2) whether you want to limit our use, disclosure or both; and (3) to whom you want the limits to apply, for example, only to you and your spouse. We are not required to agree to your request except in the limited circumstance described below. If we do agree, our agreement must be in writing, and we will comply with your request unless the information is needed to provide you emergency care.
We are required to agree to a request not to share your information with your health plan, if the following conditions are met:
- We are not otherwise required by law to share the information;
- The information would be shared with your insurance company for payment purposes;
- You pay the entire amount due for the health care item or service out of your own pocket or someone else pays the entire amount for you.
Right to Request Confidential Communications
You have the right to request that we communicate with you about your Health Information in a certain way or at a certain location. For example, you may ask that we contact you only at home or only by mail.
To request confidential medical communications, you must make your request in writing to the Health Information Services, Attn: Release of Information Unit; Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital, Global Church Road, P.O Box 18, New Akrade, Akosombo, E/R, Ghana, or call +233-247176522. We will accommodate all reasonable requests. Your request must specify how or where you wish to be contacted.
Right to a Paper Copy of this Notice
You have the right to a paper copy of this Notice. You may ask us to give you a copy of this Notice at any time. Even if you have agreed to receive this Notice electronically, you are still entitled to a paper copy of this Notice.
Copies of this Notice are available throughout Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital, or you may obtain a copy at our website: https//kqth.kqmuc.edu.gh
Right to be Notified of a Breach
You have the right to be notified if we or one of our Business Associates discovers a breach of unsecured Health information about you.
Changes to Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital’s Privacy Practices and this Notice
We reserve the right to change Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital privacy practices and this Notice. We reserve the right to make the revised or changed Notice effective for Health Information we already have about you as well as any information we receive in the future. We will post a copy of the current Notice throughout Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital. In addition, at any time you may request a copy of the current Notice in effect.
Questions or Complaints
If you have any questions about this Notice, please contact:
Patient Experience
Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital,
Global Church Road, P.O Box 18, New Akrade, Akosombo, E/R, Ghana, or call +233-247176522
E-mail: info@kqth.kqmuc.edu.gh
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital or with the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights. To file a written complaint with Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital contact:
Patient Experience
Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital,
Global Church Road, P.O Box 18, New Akrade, Akosombo, E/R, Ghana,
or call +233-247176522
You will not be penalized for filing a complaint.
Billing and Insurance Information of Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital
For billing questions, call +233-247176522, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., weekdays
You can also see Frequently Asked Questions for information about facility fees, insurance, financial assistance and general billing issues.
Thank you for choosing Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital for your medical care.
Please note you may receive more than one billing statement for the same visit.
Physician Billing
- Statements from Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital are for services provided by physicians.
Hospital / Facilities Billing
- Statements from Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital are for hospital and facility services, including admissions, emergency room services, clinic visits, lab tests, and radiology services. For more information about facility fees, see our FAQ page
Understand Your Insurance
We encourage you to become familiar with your insurance benefits before you arrive for an appointment, and to understand what services require out-of-pocket payment. Most insurance companies require a co-payment and/or a yearly deductible. For questions about coverage, contact your insurance company. The contact information is usually printed on your health insurance card. Learn more about insurance accepted at Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital
Payment Options
You can pay by mail, by phone, or online through https//kqth.kqmuc.edu.gh by using Credit Card, Visa Card, Master Card, Debit Card
Pay By Phone
Physician Billing:
+233-247176522
Hospital/Facilities Billing:
+233-208343631
Questions?
Call +233-247176522
Billing FAQ
Pay By Mail
Physician Bill:
Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital, Global Church Road,
P.O Box 18, New Akrade, Akosombo, E/R, Ghana,
or call +233-247176522.
Hospital/Facilities Bill:
Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital, Global Church Road,
P.O Box 18, New Akrade, Akosombo, E/R, Ghana,
or call +233-247176522.
Your Health Information Online - All in One Place
Welcome to Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital MyKQTHChart! Your health is important to you around the clock - not just during office hours. With this secure, private connection, you can:
Message your Clinic
Send a non-urgent** health-related message to your clinic. Messages to and from your doctor's office are secure and private. You will be alerted when you have a reply from your clinic.
Access Your Medical History
View your medications, immunizations, documented allergies and other current health issues, including preventive care recommendations based on your age, gender and medical history.
View Select Lab Test Results
Routine results are available for view four days after their result date. You may also view your doctor's comments.
Request an Appointment
Request a non-urgent** Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital doctor's appointment for a time that's convenient for you. View upcoming appointments and access post-visit summaries for past appointments.
Prescription Renewals
If you are out of refills and require a non-urgent**prescription renewal, including a mail-in, secure or written prescription to take to an outside pharmacy, you may make a request through MyKQTHChart.
Messages from Your Clinic
Receive health reminders and read and print letters from your clinic.
**Do not use MyKQTHChart for urgent medical matters. If you are experiencing a health related emergency, call +233-2476522 immediately. If you need immediate attention from your physician or clinic, call your clinic directly.
Insurance Accepted at Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital
Questions about insurance? Call +233-224717522
Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital physicians ,hospitals and clinics have contracts in place with the health insurance companies listed on these pages.
Each of these companies may have numerous insurance plans or products. Because insurance companies are frequently changing and introducing new plans or products, the information the insurance companies provide to us may not be up to date.
We strongly encourage you to call your insurance company directly and provide them with tax ID numbers for Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital to verify their participation as in-network providers for your specific insurance plan.
Accepted Insurance Plans
- 1. National Health Insurance Scheme ( NHIS)
- 2. Mutual Health Insurance Schemes
- 3. Private Insurance Schemes
Transplant
We accept special transplant-related insurance networks in addition to other insurance for transplantation care. Learn More on International .We accept these international health insurance plans.
Questions? Call +233-247176522. We will do our best to answer any questions, but encourage you to contact your health insurance company directly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
From questions about facility fees to insurance coverage, we’ve outlined some of the questions you might have about paying your bill.
If you don’t see your billing questions answered here or prefer to schedule an appointment to discuss your bill in person, don’t hesitate to contact us at +233-247176522, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
If you call after hours, please leave a message with your name, date of service and account number. Your call will be returned the next business day.
Note about your privacy: In 2016, Health Service called the Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act went into effect that protects patient information. The hospital cannot release ANY information concerning your medical record, including financial information, to anyone but you, a legal guardian for patients under 18 years of age, and/or a conservator without written permission unless specifically permitted by law.
Facility Fees for Outpatient Medical Bills
What are facility fees?
The facility fee is an indirect cost for a suite of services delivered at a hospital-based clinic or physician office. Facility fee costs include, but are not limited to, using a room or space, having access to state-of-the-art medical equipment and advanced technical resources, and the use of supplies. A hospital-based clinic offers the best healthcare possible.
What is a "hospital-based outpatient clinic”?
A hospital-based outpatient clinic is a hospital-owned clinic that is licensed by the Department of Public Health and is subject to inspections. The clinic can be located on or off the main grounds of the hospital, and must be owned and operated by the hospital. When you are seen in a hospital-based clinic, the facility fees for the services you receive will be represented in the hospital bill.
Are facility fee charges unique to Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital Health?
Facility fees are very common in the health care community and have been part of the billing process for decades. The Ghana Health Service provides the following justification in support of facility fees to ensure patients have continuous access to medical care:
- Hospitals provide access to critical hospital-based services that are not otherwise available in the community and treat higher-severity patients.
- Hospitals have higher cost structures than physician offices due to the need for access to emergency services.
- Hospitals have more comprehensive licensing, accreditation and regulatory requirements than physician offices.
What is a typical facility fee charge?
Facility fees are based on the range of services provided and the complexity of care. In some cases, the facility fees may be equal to or greater than the cost of your other charges. For an estimate of these types of fees prior to receiving services, contact a specialist:
- Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital price quote line (toll-free): +233-24717522
- Email: bills@kqth.kqmuc.edu.gh
How do facility fees affect my bill?
When services are rendered at a hospital-based clinic, the patient receives two separate bills. One bill reflects the hospital charges and/or facility fees, and the other bill reflects charges from the physician. If, however, services are rendered at a physician office (or clinic) that is not owned and operated by that hospital, then all charges are combined onto a single statement.
Please note that some specialty services may also yield separate bills. Examples include infant hearing tests or a specialty physician’s interpretation of lab results. Those care providers or facilities will bill directly for their services.
Does this affect patient copays or deductibles?
Receiving treatment at this type of hospital-based location may indeed affect the copayment and deductible amounts calculated by your health plan. Contact your health plan directly for an estimate of the costs prior to receiving services.
Can I avoid these fees?
When you schedule an appointment, simply ask if the type of service(s) could be performed in a physician office instead of a hospital-based clinic, or in an area where a facility fee would not be charged. Understand that this may affect available dates, times, and locations of the services.
I saw my regular doctor and was charged a facility fee. Why am I receiving this now?
If your primary care provider is located in our hospital-based location, a facility fee may be applied, even for the same type of service(s) you received previously. For a list of Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital-based locations, please ask a scheduler or a front desk representative.
General Billing Questions
Why did I get more than one bill?
In general, multiple bills will be for different parts of your doctor visit. If you look at the top of each bill, you may see that one is from Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital for services provided by your doctor. You may also receive a separate bill from Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital for hospital services, such as lab tests, radiology or nuclear medicine.
For example, if you had lab work done at the time of your visit, you may receive the following three bills: one from your doctor’s office for your clinic visit, one for the lab work, and one from the pathologist reading the lab tests.
If you believe you've received a duplicate bill or if you have any other questions about your bills, contact one of our billing representatives. The provider of the service is located in the top left corner of the bill:
- Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital (physician services): +233-247176522
- Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital (facility services): +233-247176522
Why did you ask for payment up front? I’ve never had to pay in advance at Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital before?
Our financial policy is to collect any patient payment responsibility prior to the service being rendered.
I paid at the time of my appointment. Why am I getting a bill?
There are two common reasons that this may occur.
First, it may take a few days to process the payment and apply it to the charges for your visit. If you believe this is the case, it is best to contact the provider listed at the top of your statement.
Alternatively, your payment may have been applied as a deposit at the time of check-in, and a statement was sent for the remaining balance (after your health insurance plan processed the claim). Again, it is best to contact the provider listed at the top of your statement for a full explanation.
I paid my copay at the clinic. Why am I getting a bill for my copay?
After your health insurance plan processes the claims, there may be additional copayments. Make sure you retain the receipt(s) for all payments, and contact the provider listed at the top of your statement for additional questions.
I have two insurance health plans. Why do I have a balance?
For most insurance health plans, the deductible for the primary health plan must be met before the secondary health plan will pay for services. It is best to contact the provider(s) at the top of your statement(s), or your health plan directly, to inquire if both health plans have been billed and the deductible calculation is accurate.
I received a bill from a doctor I did not see. Why?
The hospital refers some ancillary services to outside medical professionals. For example, we may send laboratory tests to outside physicians for additional medical opinions. In addition, x-rays are read by specialty radiologists. These (and other physicians) may bill you directly.
I was billed for services I did not receive. What should I do?
Please call our customer service department, +233-247176522, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you call after hours, please leave a message with your name, date of service and account number. Your call will be returned the next business day.
Which physicians could I receive a bill from?
Physician services are not included in the billing that Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital submits to your insurance, nor are they included on the patient billing statement you receive. You may receive separate billing for services from:
- Primary care physician
- Surgeons
- Pathologists
- Emergency Department physicians
- Specialty physicians (i.e. cardiologists, pulmonologists, ENT physicians, etc.)
- Anesthesiologists
- Radiologists
How can I pay my bill online?
You can pay online through MyKQTHChart. Log in or set up an account at https://kqth.kqmuc.edu.gh
and look for Billing in the left sidebar.
How much will I owe?
Patient financial responsibility is determined by your specific insurance policy. Prior authorization for services may or may not be required. A Patient Access representative or financial counselor is available to assist you with an estimate of what you will owe. Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital financial policy is to collect co-pays, deductibles prior to or at the time of service.
How do I get a copy of my bill?
Please call our customer service department at +233-247176522, and we will send you a copy of your itemized bill.
I had prior authorization for my medical service(s) at Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital. Why am I being asked to pay money?
Even if you have authorization for a service, you may still have a financial responsibility. The amount you owe is determined by your health insurance coverage. Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital verifies your insurance eligibility and benefits, then determines your financial responsibility, if any. Your policy may require a co-payment, deductible, share of cost, and/or out-of-pocket maximum to be met before coverage is effective.
What if I overpay my bill?
Patient Financial Services will work with you to resolve any billing discrepancies that may occur. If there is an overpayment to your account, it will be transferred to other open self-pay outstanding balances (Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital). The refund of any remaining overpayment will be sent to the patient/guarantor. If the overpayment is due to a payment from a credit card, the first priority will be to send the overpayment back to the credit card issuer; otherwise, a check will be issued to the patient/guarantor. Please allow 6-8 weeks for the overpayment to be processed.
If you believe you have made a payment in error or have any other issues or questions related to your payment history with Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital, please do not hesitate to contact us on +233-247176522 or email refunds@kqth.kqmuc.edugh
Insurance Coverage
How will I know when my health insurance carrier has paid?
You will receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your health insurance carrier describing the services they have been charged, the amount they were charged, and the amount that was paid by the insurance carrier. The EOB is not a bill.
Will my insurance cover this service?
Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital will make every attempt to ensure that the service(s) we provide has been authorized by your insurance prior to the service(s) being rendered. Not all insurance companies will provide a pre-authorization; therefore, it is Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital expectation that you are familiar with your insurance benefits.
If you are unsure of your medical benefits, call your insurance company to find out if the service(s) you need are a covered benefit. If authorization for service(s) is denied by your insurance carrier, we will inform you. At that point we can provide a quote and make payment arrangements, if necessary.
Is it my responsibility to ensure that the services I receive are covered by my health insurance plan before receiving them?
It is in your best interest to know and understand your plan benefits, as well as any deductible and co-payment amounts that you are responsible for paying. If you do not understand your coverage, we recommend you contact your insurance carrier. They should be able to explain if the service is covered or not. You can also contact a Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital financial counselor to review your benefits with you.
If my insurance does not cover the medical service(s) I need and/or receive, am I responsible for the bill?
Yes, you are financially responsible and will be billed for services not covered by your insurance. If you cannot pay the full balance due, you may call customer service, +233-247176522, to discuss a payment arrangement.
How are insurance claims processed?
All charges for doctor visits and any other services you receive are sent to your insurance carrier as a claim. Unfortunately, although we attempt to get pre-authorization, we do not always know in advance whether those services will be covered by your insurance. Claims that we submit to your insurance carrier are paid based upon your individual benefits.
Most health insurance claims are processed without problems. However, insurance carriers are becoming more watchful of costs. This sometimes results in services that were previously covered no longer being covered. Any non-covered services must be paid for by you. We recommend you call your insurance company, read your health care benefits coverage information carefully, and do your research so you understand what is covered under your plan.
Please note that our lab is a hospital-based facility so your claims will be processed as outpatient hospital benefits. This can make a difference in how some insurance plans process your claims, especially if you have a PPO plan with a high deductible. If you would like to have lab services performed somewhere else, please let your doctor know.
I am changing insurance coverage. I would like to stay with Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital. Will my new insurance cover my cost?
Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital accepts many insurance carriers. Each insurance plan is different. Please contact your new insurance to ask if they will cover your current doctor. Some patients have found it helpful to have our Account numbers available during the discussion with their insurance providers. For convenience, call Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital on +233-247176522.
Are any common services often not covered by insurance?
Some health care insurance plans have recently shifted financial responsibility to the patient for some common services. The following services are often not covered or only partially paid for by insurance:
- Preventive visits and annual exams, including well woman checkups
- Lab tests associated with preventive visits, annual exams and well woman checkups
- Physical exams for travel, school or work
- Flu or pneumonia vaccines
- Immunizations and travel vaccinations
- Infertility counseling
- Osteopathic manipulations
- Behavioral health and weight management services
- Dermatology services, including wart, mole and skin tag removal
- Birth control
- Acupuncture
- Tuberculosis (TB) screenings
- Screenings for HIV and sexual transmitted diseases (STDs)
- X-rays and electrocardiograms (EKGs)
- Radiofrequency ablations (RFAs)
- MRI and CT scans.
Patient Financial Responsibilities
It's important for you to know the terms of your health insurance policy. Please inform us if your insurance and/or policy changes.
What should you bring when you come to the hospital?
Please provide insurance information, personal identification, medication information, and demographic information. If you have been here before, we will review the information in your medical record to ensure your information is current and correct.
Contact Information
For questions and assistance regarding your bill, call +233-247176522
Check List
We recommend you have the following items with you at the time of registration or while in our Emergency Room:
✔ A valid form of identification, i.e., driver’s license, birth certificate, passport, State ID, visa.
✔ Current address and telephone numbers.
✔ Name, addresses and phone numbers of family members or friends to contact in an emergency.
✔ Insurance Cards. If you have more than one policy, bring ALL of your insurance cards. These cards contain information that allows doctors and our hospital to bill the correct address for your insurance company. Your insurance card identifies your group and policy number, which is also necessary for billing.
✔ Medicare, National Health Insurance, Mutual Health Insurance , Private Insurance Schemes
✔ Employer information that is necessary for work-related accidents (workers compensation claims).
✔ Responsible party, guarantor and/or insured subscriber information.
✔ Automobile insurance card (in case of an auto vehicle accident).
✔ Primary Care/Referring Physician’s name and phone number.
✔ Pre-authorization forms or referrals.
✔ Consent for minors.
✔ Co-pay/deductible amounts/out-of-pocket maximum. If you are having a scheduled procedure, the Patient Access Team will make every effort to contact you ahead of time regarding your co-pay, deductible and out-of-pocket responsibility.
✔ List of current medications.
✔ Copies of any advance directives and/or Medical Power of Attorney.
Financial Assistance
I am unable to pay my balance in full. Is it possible to make payment arrangements?
A financial counselor can assist you with making payment arrangements prior to receiving medical services. They will work with you to determine whether or not you are eligible for a Letter of Agreement. If you cannot make payment arrangements or do not contact a financial counselor regarding making arrangements, your medical service may be deferred until acceptable arrangements have been made.
Is financial assistance available if I do not have health insurance?
If you do not have health insurance, please contact our Patient Financial Services team at +233-247176522. They can assist you with the application process for public assistance programs, including Private Medical Insurance (PMI) or state programs such as National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
Is there a discount available if I do not qualify for financial assistance?
Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital will provide discounted pricing to uninsured patients who do not qualify for charity assistance. The discount is equal to 45 percent of the estimated gross charges for anticipated hospital services. The discount will be automatically applied at the time of billing to all accounts designated as “Self Pay” when charity assistance criteria are not met.
Speak with a financial counselor before medical services are provided, whenever possible, or before being discharged from the hospital.
What is Patient Financial Services?
The Patient Financial Services team is dedicated to helping patients and physicians determine sources of reimbursement for hospital services.
As a private institution, Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital relies on patient care revenues, commercial insurance, government programs or direct patient payments.
International Services at Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital
Each year, patients come to Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital from around the world for specialized medical care not readily available close to home. If you live outside Ghana, our International Services Program is your link to the excellent medical care offered by Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital physicians and surgeons. Through our International Services Program, patients and their family members are assisted throughout every step of planning a visit to our facility, including scheduling appointments and procedures, arranging for accommodations and facilitating communication with your healthcare providers back home.
Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital is known as a center for leading-edge medicine and outstanding clinical programs. Our physicians are recognized leaders in their professional societies, heading national organizations and committees dedicated to improving care and advancing knowledge about disease. They are prominently listed in publications such as Ghana's Top Doctors and in Good Housekeeping and Ghana News & World Report rankings of outstanding physicians and clinical programs.
• Learn more about Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital
• Search for a Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital physician by name or specialty
• View a complete list of Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital medical services
We are dedicated to meeting the needs of our international patients and their families. We welcome you to Ghana and to Kings and Queens University Teaching Hospital.
International Patient Services
Global Church Road, P.O Box 18, New Akrade , Akosombo, Ghana
+233-247176522 , Email : patientsintl@kqth.kqmuc.edu.gh
