CLEVELAND — Starting June 1, Cleveland Clinic will begin requiring patients to pay their copays before or at the time of check-in for nonemergency outpatient services. Those who arrive without the required payment will be asked to reschedule.
The new policy was announced in an email sent to patients on Tuesday morning. It applies to a range of nonemergency services, including scheduled office visits with primary care doctors or specialists, therapy sessions like physical or occupational therapy, outpatient diagnostic tests such as lab work and imaging, and in-office procedures.
The policy does not apply to emergency care, inpatient services, surgeries, cancer treatments, or urgent and express care visits. Patients covered by Medicaid are also not affected, according to Cleveland Clinic’s website.
“We know navigating healthcare and insurance can sometimes be challenging,” the email stated. “To avoid any confusion or surprises, we want to make sure you’re aware of a change coming soon.”
Copays — the fixed amount patients owe for a covered health service — must be paid by credit or debit card, health savings or flexible spending account cards, or through the MyChart online portal. Some Clinic locations also accept cash, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
Patients who arrive without making the copay will not be seen unless their visit qualifies as an emergency. In those cases, the policy will not apply.
For more details about the copay policy and accepted payment methods, patients can visit the Cleveland Clinic website.
Your copay is an amount you agreed to with your insurance company. It has nothing to do with your provider. If it’s too much you need to change your insurance.