For Patients FAQs
Who is a pathologist and what does a pathologist do?
Pathologists are physicians who have completed at least four years of additional training in laboratory medicine after completing medical school and specialize
in the diagnosis and study of disease. Pathologists are able to assist other physicians in the diagnosis, treatment, and care of the patients. Our pathologists
are members of Dahl-Chase Pathology Associates and all have completed subspecialty training and are certified by the American Board of Pathology.
How do pathologists contribute to my healthcare?
During an office visit, your clinician may obtain blood, fluid, and tissue samples and request pathology studies as part of your care. The request constitutes your
physician's endorsement that services be provided by another physician, in this case a pathologist. This same holds true if you are hospitalized or have surgery
and other diagnostic tests. Your surgical specimen and some other laboratory tests require examination by a pathologist who will render a diagnostic interpretation
to be used by your doctor for which a fee is charged.
Who can I speak with about my results?
It is best to contact your clinician about your results. The clinician knows your history and can explain the results to you after he/she receives them from us.
Why was my specimen rejected?
There are many reasons why a specimen may be rejected. If there is any issue with an unlabeled or mislabeled specimen and if it is considered "retrievable"
(meaning it is possible to collect it again), we will reject it due to the requirements of our regulating agencies. If the specimen was collected incorrectly,
for example putting the specimen in the incorrect fixative or preservative, it may be rejected. If the specimen is not received in a timely manner, it may be rejected.
What if I want a second opinion on a case?
If you would like to have a second opinion on your pathology case, it is best to work through your provider who originally submitted the specimen. We will
need information as to where the slides should be sent and the case number. Please call (207) 941-8200 for more information.
Below is a list of frequently asked billing questions:
Who can I speak with about my bill and how can I pay my bill?
You may call (207) 561-2403 or 1-800-339-7351 between the hours of 8 A.M.- 4 P.M. Monday through Friday, excluding major holidays. An answering machine is
available for you to leave a message to be returned. You may pay your bill on-line or send it to the address on your bill. You may also call and pay by
credit or debit card over the phone.
Why wasn't my insurance billed?
Dahl-Chase depends on the doctor's office and/or hospital to provide the correct insurance billing information. In many cases, this information, although
updated at the time of your visit does not get passed on to Dahl-Chase and therefore Dahl Chase would not have the correct information to bill, so a previous
insurance company may get billed and / or the bill will go as a self-pay to the patient. Please call Dahl-Chase with your correct insurance information including
insurance carrier name, address, ID number or member number and group number.
What is my responsibility?
You are responsible for understanding which services your insurance will cover. It is important to remember that health insurance coverage varies and not all
charges are covered or paid in full. When your insurance carrier denies a service or makes partial payment, you may be responsible for the balance on the account,
which could include deductible, coinsurance or copay amounts. Payment in full is expected within 15 days of your first statement.
What does deductible mean?
A specified amount of money that the insured patient must pay before an insurance company will pay a claim.
What does coinsurance mean?
A type of insurance in which the insured patient pays a share of the payment made against a claim. When you reach your deductible, you must pay a percentage of
the remaining balance of the claim.
What does copay mean?
A copayment or copay is a fixed patient payment for a covered service. This amount will vary by the type of covered health care service.
What if I can't pay my bill in full?
Dahl-Chase does offer a budget plan. A call must be made to Dahl-Chase to set up a budget plan. Dahl-Chase requests a monthly payment within a reasonable time
frame for balance to be paid in full (agreed to by both Dahl-Chase and the patient).
If I miss a budget payment, what happens?
If a budget payment is not going to be paid on the scheduled monthly agreement date, a call must be made to Dahl-Chase explaining the reason the payment cannot
be made so the patient account can be updated. Without a call to Dahl-Chase the account maybe turned over to a collection agency without notice.
Can I get financial assistance?
Financial assistance and discounts are available if a patient qualifies. A call must be made to Dahl-Chase billing to request a financial assistance package.
We will mail the package to you and you must return the completed package within 30 days from the date on the assistance letter. Information needed along with
the application is
- A copy of your income tax return from the previous year (if taxes were not filed we will need a signed note stated that you did not file taxes for the
previous year
- A copy of any letters from providers or hospitals awarding you patient assistance.
If the financial package is not returned with all of the requested information within the 30 day window, the account may be turned over to a collection agency
for the entire patient account.
Why would my account go to a collection agency?
Dahl-Chase offers many payment options, budget plans and financial assistance. If the patient does not contact Dahl-Chase by phone or mail to notify us of the
correct insurance information or to set up payment agreements, the patient account will be turned over to a collection agency. Dunning messages will show on the
patient bill notifying the patient of the upcoming turnover of the account to a collection agency. If we receive no response from the patient, the account
will be turned over without further notice.
What do I do if my account goes to a collection agency?
Dahl-Chase uses Marcam Associates as our collection agency. Once your account has been turned over to Marcam you will receive a statement from them with your balance due.
You must contact Marcam (1-800-6381005) at that time to make a payment or set up a payment plan. If payment is made, Marcam will notify Dahl-Chase of the payments.
If a payment or payment plan is not made or set up, Marcam will send notice of non-payment to the credit bureau. For more information on this, please contact Marcam.
What are the hours of operation for the billing department?
Our phone is staffed from 8 AM to 4 PM Monday through Friday. A secure messaging system is available after hours or during lunch from 12 PM to 12:30 PM for your convenience.
Please leave a brief message including your patient account number and phone number to return your call.
What if my question is not listed?
Please contact Dahl-Chase at (207) 561-2403 or 1-800-339-7351 for any billing related questions.