CU Medicine bills can be paid online through their patient portal, by phone, by mail, or in person at a CU Health location
CU Medicine is the health system operated by the University of Colorado and serves patients across Colorado through hospitals, clinics, and urgent care centers. When you receive a bill from CU Medicine, you have several ways to pay it. The fastest route is usually their online patient portal, which lets you see your balance and submit payment immediately. If you prefer not to use the portal, you can call their billing department, mail a check, or pay at a hospital location in person.
The method you choose affects how quickly your payment posts to your account and whether you can set up automatic payments. Understanding each option helps you pick the one that fits your situation and avoids late fees or collection notices.
Key Takeaways
- CU Medicine's online patient portal is the fastest way to pay and shows your balance and payment history in real time.
- Phone payments can be made by calling CU Medicine's billing department, and a representative can answer questions about your bill while you pay.
- Mailed checks should include your account number and be sent to the address printed on your bill, and typically take 7 to 10 business days to post.
- In-person payments at any CU Health location are processed immediately but require you to visit during business hours.
- Setting up automatic payments through the patient portal can prevent missed payments, though you can cancel or change the amount at any time.
Paying through the CU Medicine patient portal online
The CU Medicine patient portal is called MyChart. To use it, you need to create an account or log in if you already have one. You can access MyChart through the CU Medicine website or download the MyChart mobile app. Once logged in, look for a "Billing" or "Pay My Bill" section, which will show your current balance, past statements, and payment history.
When you select the option to pay, you will enter the amount you want to pay and choose a payment method: debit card, credit card, or bank account transfer. CU Medicine does not charge a fee for debit or bank account payments, but credit card payments may incur a processing fee (the amount varies by card type). After you submit payment, you will receive a confirmation number. The payment usually posts to your account within one business day.
MyChart also lets you set up automatic recurring payments if you have a payment plan or want to pay the same amount each month. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through the portal.
Paying by phone with a CU Medicine billing representative
You can call CU Medicine's billing department to pay over the phone. The phone number appears on your bill statement. When you call, a representative will pull up your account using your account number or date of birth and can tell you exactly what you owe, including any recent charges or credits.
Phone payments work best if you have questions about your bill or want to discuss a payment plan before you pay. The representative can explain charges, tell you about financial hardship programs, or help you set up a payment arrangement if you cannot pay the full amount right away. You will need to provide a debit card, credit card, or bank account information to complete the payment over the phone. Like online payments, credit card payments may include a processing fee.
Mailing a check to CU Medicine
If you prefer to pay by mail, write a check and include it with your bill statement or payment stub. The mailing address is printed on your bill. Write your account number on the check so the payment is matched to your account correctly. Mail your check early enough to allow 7 to 10 business days for it to arrive and be processed.
Mailing a check is slower than other methods, so if your bill is overdue or close to a due date, consider using the portal or calling instead. If you are unsure whether your check arrived, you can log into MyChart a few days after mailing it to see if the payment has posted. If it has not posted after 10 business days, call the billing department to confirm they received it.
Paying in person at a CU Health location
You can walk into any CU Health hospital or clinic during business hours and pay your bill at the patient financial services desk or cashier. Bring your bill statement and a form of payment: cash, check, debit card, or credit card. In-person payments are processed immediately, and you will receive a receipt on the spot.
This option works well if you are already at a CU Health location for an appointment or if you want to hand over payment and get a receipt without waiting for mail or online confirmation. However, it requires you to visit during the location's business hours, which may not be convenient if you work during the day or live far from a CU Health site.
What happens if you miss a payment or cannot pay in full
If your bill reaches the due date without payment, CU Medicine will send you a past-due notice. If you continue not to pay, the account may be referred to a collection agency, which will damage your credit score and result in collection calls. However, CU Medicine also offers financial hardship programs and payment plans for patients who cannot pay the full amount at once.
If you are struggling to pay, contact the billing department before your bill becomes overdue. Explain your situation, and ask about a payment plan or financial hardship program. Many health systems, including CU Medicine, can work out arrangements that let you pay over time without the account going to collections. The sooner you reach out, the more options you have.
Understanding your CU Medicine bill and what you owe
Your CU Medicine bill shows the services you received, the charges for each service, any insurance payments that have been applied, and the amount you owe out of pocket. If you have insurance, the bill reflects what your insurance company paid and what you are responsible for (your copay, coinsurance, or deductible). If you do not have insurance, you owe the full charge unless you have a discount or financial hardship program in place.
Before you pay, review the bill to make sure the services listed match what you received. If you see a charge you do not recognize or believe is wrong, call the billing department to ask about it. Do not assume the bill is correct just because it arrived. Billing errors happen, and the billing department can investigate and correct them if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to create a MyChart account to pay my CU Medicine bill?
No. You can pay by phone, mail, or in person without creating an account. However, MyChart is the fastest and most convenient option, and creating an account takes only a few minutes. You will need your date of birth and a valid email address to set up MyChart.
Will CU Medicine accept a credit card payment, and is there a fee?
Yes, CU Medicine accepts credit cards both online and by phone. A processing fee applies to credit card payments; the exact amount depends on your card type. Debit card and bank account payments do not have a fee, so those are cheaper options if you have them available.
What should I do if I cannot pay my bill right away?
Contact CU Medicine's billing department before your bill is overdue. Ask about a payment plan or financial hardship program. Many patients can arrange to pay over several months without the account going to collections. The sooner you call, the more options the billing department can offer you.
How long does it take for my payment to show up in MyChart?
Online and phone payments usually post within one business day. Mailed checks take 7 to 10 business days. In-person payments are processed immediately and you receive a receipt the same day.
Can I set up automatic payments so I do not have to remember to pay each month?
Yes, through MyChart you can set up automatic recurring payments. You can change the amount or cancel automatic payments at any time by logging into your account.