Mercy Health guide – hospital and doctor visits – Sidecar Health Access Plan

Healthcare can be complicated, but Sidecar Health is here to help simplify your experience. In this article, we will explain how to access Mercy Health with your Sidecar Health coverage, frequently asked questions about Mercy Health, and alternatives to Mercy Health.

Note – This information pertains to non-emergency services only. If you are experiencing an emergency, we have you covered. Learn more here.

Benchmarking Mercy Health services and costs:

Mercy Health is a health system located across Ohio with 20 hospitals and a physician group with more than 1,600 physicians across numerous specialties and locations. Sidecar Health does not have a partnership with Mercy Health; with your Sidecar Health coverage, you can still see any doctor and facility for your treatment.

As a Sidecar Health member, you are in the driver’s seat of your own healthcare decisions. With your Sidecar Health coverage, you can see any doctor including those at Mercy Health, but it is up to you to shop smartly for the provider that best fits your needs. Some procedures, imaging, lab work, etc. may be higher than the Benefit Amount in your area*. Always remember to submit a good faith estimate as a “prebill” through the Sidecar Health member portal so our team can help you fully understand your Benefit Amounts and costs.

Accessing a Mercy Health provider at a non-hospital location (e.g., imaging centers, primary care office, ambulatory surgery center):

Call your Mercy Health office directly to schedule care and ask what your service would cost as a self-pay or cash-pay patient.
Schedule your care. Use our Sidecar Health VISA benefit card if you are required to pre-pay or pay a deposit to confirm your appointment.
Get care at your scheduled non-hospital location.
Upload the invoice you receive from your MyChart or through paper mail to the Sidecar Health member portal. If your invoice is rejected for missing details, contact the Mercy Health Customer Service Department at 855-732-0138 to get a detailed itemized medical invoice.

Scheduling a visit or procedure at a Mercy Health hospital:

Click here for the list of Mercy Health hospitals.

Call the Mercy Health Pre-access Center at 513-981-6445 and ask for a good faith estimate for your service as a self-pay or cash-pay patient. If you have an existing MyChart with Mercy Health, you may be able to do this directly on your MyChart. Learn how
Submit your good faith estimate as a “pre-bill” through the Sidecar Health member portal, and Sidecar Health will help you understand your Benefit Amounts and any costs you may be responsible for. We will also authorize your Sidecar Health VISA benefit card to swipe for the charges if the payment is greater than $2,500.
If scheduling was not taken care of by the Pre-access Center, follow this link for scheduling instructions by region. If you have an existing MyChart with Mercy Health, you may be able to do this directly on your MyChart.
Use our Sidecar Health VISA benefit card if you are required to pre-pay or pay a deposit to confirm your appointment.
Get care at your scheduled hospital.
Upload the invoice you receive from your MyChart to the Sidecar Health member portal. If your invoice is rejected for missing details, contact the Mercy Health Customer Service Department at 855-732-0138 to get a detailed itemized medical invoice.

FAQs:

What discounts does Mercy Health offer?

Mercy Health may offer discounts for self-pay or cash-pay patients who pay promptly. Contact your provider at Mercy Health or your MyChart price estimator tool to confirm pricing for your care.

To better understand how this compares to your Sidecar Health benefits, you can submit a good faith estimate as a “prebill” through the Sidecar Health member portal.

What should I say when they ask about insurance?

Previous members have had success with Mercy Health by saying, “Yes, I do have insurance through Sidecar Health, but I will be paying as a self-pay patient. Please charge your self-pay or cash-pay patient price. I will pay in full using a VISA card and will handle insurance claims afterward, directly with my insurance provider.” You can also share the information found on your Digital Member ID Card.

I understand that this may make me eligible for a self-pay and/or prompt pay discount.”

What should I do if I am struggling to access Mercy Health, get a good faith estimate, or get an itemized medical invoice?

We encourage you to always submit whatever documentation you may have to the Sidecar Health member portal. If we are unable to process your pre-bill or claim with that information, we will reach out to let you know what else we need. You can also call your Member Care team at 877-653-6440 and we will support you in getting the care or information you need.

Still need help shopping for care?

Our Member Care team would be happy to assist you. Give us a call at 877-653-6440.

Other providers in Ohio:

*Based on Sidecar Health member experience and claims through December 2022. Sidecar Health does not utilize a network of providers. External websites and information on healthcare providers, including cost and quality information, is provided for convenience and informational purposes and is not an endorsement or guarantee of pricing, quality, or availability of the provider. Contact the provider for pricing and availability. Sidecar Health bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of any external websites or for subsequent links from an external site.