What Patient First bills look like and where to pay them
Patient First is an urgent care chain with locations across the United States. When you receive a bill from Patient First, it comes from the health system itself, not from a separate billing company. The bill shows the services you received, what your insurance paid (if you had coverage), and what you owe out of pocket.
You can pay a Patient First bill in several ways: online through their patient portal, by phone, by mail, or in person at any Patient First location. The fastest method is usually the online portal, where you can pay immediately with a debit card, credit card, or bank account. If you do not have online access, calling the billing department lets you pay by phone with the same payment methods.
Patient First bills typically arrive within two to four weeks after your visit. The bill will show an account number and a due date. If you have insurance, the bill reflects what your plan paid and what your responsibility is — usually a copay, coinsurance, or deductible amount.
Key Takeaways
- Patient First bills can be paid online through the patient portal, by phone, by mail, or in person at any location.
- Your bill shows what insurance paid and what you owe, which may include a copay, coinsurance, or deductible.
- If you cannot pay the full amount, Patient First offers payment plans that let you spread the cost over several months.
- Unpaid bills may be reported to credit bureaus or sent to a collection agency if left unpaid for 120 to 180 days.
Paying online through the Patient First portal
The Patient First patient portal is the most direct way to pay your bill. You log in with your username and password, navigate to your billing section, and select the bill you want to pay. The portal accepts debit cards, credit cards, and bank account transfers. Payment usually posts within one business day.
If you do not have a portal account, you can create one on the Patient First website using your date of birth, phone number, and the account number from your bill. Once you are logged in, you can view all your bills, payment history, and medical records from your visits.
Paying through the portal is free — Patient First does not charge a convenience fee for online payments. This makes it the cheapest option if you have multiple bills or want to set up a payment plan.
Payment plans for bills you cannot pay in full
If you receive a bill you cannot pay immediately, Patient First offers payment plans. These plans let you split your bill into monthly installments, usually over three to twelve months depending on the total amount owed. You do not need a credit check to set up a payment plan, and there is no interest charge.
To set up a payment plan, contact Patient First billing by phone or through the patient portal. You will need to tell them the amount you can pay each month. Once approved, your first payment is usually due within 30 days, and subsequent payments are due on the same day each month.
Payment plans are interest-free, but if you miss a payment, the plan may be cancelled and the full balance could become due. Make sure you can afford the monthly amount before you commit to it.
Paying by phone or mail
If you prefer not to pay online, you can call Patient First billing directly. The phone number is on your bill. When you call, have your account number and payment method (debit card, credit card, or bank account information) ready. The representative will process your payment over the phone and give you a confirmation number.
Paying by phone is free and takes about five minutes. Your payment posts within one to two business days. This method is useful if you have questions about your bill or want to discuss a payment plan while you pay.
You can also mail a check or money order to the address on your bill. Include your account number on the check so the payment is applied to the correct account. Mailed payments take seven to ten business days to arrive and post, so plan ahead if your due date is approaching.
What happens if you do not pay your Patient First bill
If your bill remains unpaid past the due date, Patient First will send you reminder notices. After 30 days past due, you may receive a call from their billing department. At this stage, you can still set up a payment plan or negotiate a lower amount if you have financial hardship.
If your bill stays unpaid for 120 to 180 days, Patient First may report it to the credit bureaus, which will damage your credit score. They may also sell your debt to a collection agency. Once a debt goes to collections, the collection agency can contact you by phone and mail, and the debt will appear on your credit report for seven years.
Even if your bill goes to collections, you can still pay it. Paying a collection account does not remove it from your credit report immediately, but it does stop the collection calls and prevents further damage.
Financial hardship and bill reduction options
Patient First has a financial assistance program for patients who cannot pay their bills due to hardship. The program is sometimes called charity care or financial assistance. To be considered, you typically need to show proof of income, such as recent pay stubs or tax returns, and proof of expenses like rent or mortgage payments.
The amount of assistance you may receive depends on your household income and family size. Some patients receive a partial reduction of their bill; others may have their entire bill forgiven. You must request this assistance — Patient First does not automatically review your bill for hardship.
Contact Patient First billing to ask about financial assistance. They will send you an application and tell you what documents to submit. The review process usually takes two to four weeks.
Understanding charges on your Patient First bill
Your Patient First bill lists each service you received during your visit: the urgent care visit itself, any tests or X-rays, medications, or procedures. Each line item shows the full price Patient First charges, what your insurance paid, and what you owe.
If you had insurance at the time of your visit, your bill shows your copay (a fixed amount like $25 or $50), coinsurance (a percentage of the cost after your deductible is met), or deductible (the amount you pay before insurance starts paying). If you did not have insurance, you owe the full amount Patient First charges for each service.
If you see a charge you do not recognize or believe is wrong, call Patient First billing to ask for an explanation. You can also request an itemized bill that breaks down every charge in detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I dispute a charge on my Patient First bill?
Yes. Call Patient First billing and explain which charge you dispute. They will review it and send you a written explanation. If you still disagree, you can file a complaint with your state's insurance commissioner or the Patient Advocate Foundation.
What if I lost my bill or do not know my account number?
Log into the Patient First patient portal and view your bill there. If you do not have a portal account, call Patient First billing with your date of birth and phone number, and they will look up your account and email or mail a copy of your bill.
Does Patient First charge a fee to pay by credit card?
No. Patient First does not charge a convenience fee for credit card, debit card, or bank account payments made through the portal or by phone. Paying by mail with a check is also free.
Can I set up automatic monthly payments?
Yes, if you have a payment plan. When you set up the plan, you can authorize Patient First to automatically deduct the monthly payment from your bank account on the due date each month. This prevents missed payments.
What if my insurance should have paid more than it did?
Contact your insurance company first to ask why they denied or reduced payment. If you believe they made a mistake, you can file an appeal with your insurance company. Patient First billing can also help you understand the insurance explanation of benefits (EOB) that came with your bill.