Print thisFAQ from Patients
What are Karis' hours?
We are open from 8:30 am through 5:30 pm Central time, Monday through Friday.
What days is Karis open?
We are closed for several days around major holidays and three other days a year including our all staff volunteer days.
Why did my call to Karis go to voice mail?
Karis staff members are on the phone for most of the day negotiating between patient and providers or processing new service requests with patients. If for some reason no one can take your call, leave a voice mail and one of our staff will return your phone call promptly.
I received an email from EchoSign. Is this legitimate?
Yes. We use EchoSign to send documents that require signatures. Electronic signatures allow us to serve you quickly and painlessly.
I received an email from Secure Message Center. Is this legitimate?
Yes. Our system encrypts emails containing sensitive health or financial information. Depending on your email system, those messages may either arrive looking like any other message, which is called TLS encryption, or with a message inviting you to pickup the message online. If you receive one of these invitations, just click on the link, enter your email address and setup a password. You will be able to retrieve the message and send one back to us. If you receive another secure message pickup invitation in the future, you will just enter your email address and the password you setup to retrieve it.
Why am I being asked to provide sensitive financial information to Karis?
We understand and appreciate your reservations about sharing sensitive financial information with us. Please know that we only ask for information that is necessary for Karis and providers to evaluate which options may be available to help resolve your medical bills in the most cost-effective manner possible.
Do I have to provide a copy of my medical bills with the Medical Information Release Form?
Yes, if possible. Having the bill in hand helps us to work on your case more efficiently. In most cases, itemized bills are not necessary unless specifically requested by your negotiator.
If you do not have copies of your bills available or you are only scheduled for admission, please go ahead and send in your Medical Information Release Form anyway.
Who should sign the Medical Information Release Form?
The patient, or if the patient is a minor (under 18), the parent or legal guardian of the patient.
What is the average length of time it takes Karis to resolve a case?
Most cases are resolved within 30-60 days after we receive necessary paperwork including a properly signed Medical Information Release Form. Delays are generally due to waiting for paperwork to be delivered, received or completed. In some cases, provider billing departments and government offices are overwhelmed, resulting in delays that are beyond our control. In such cases, we will frequently update you and your providers on the status of your case.
Do you have any definitions available for all the terms used on medical bills?
We sure do. Please click here to view a list of definitions we've compiled.
