Billing & Pricing Transparency Policies
Your privacy is important to us. We are committed to protecting your personal and health information with transparency, integrity and confidentiality while delivering quality healthcare services.
Billing & Pricing Transparency Policy
Sri Lakshmi Multi Speciality Hospital is committed to maintaining transparency, fairness and accountability in all financial transactions relating to patient care. Patients and their families have the right to receive clear, understandable and accurate information regarding hospital charges, professional fees, investigations, medicines, procedures and other applicable healthcare costs before, during and after treatment, wherever reasonably practicable.
This Billing & Pricing Transparency Policy has been developed with reference to applicable Indian laws, recognised healthcare standards and professional ethical principles, including the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010 (where applicable), the National Medical Commission (Registered Medical Practitioner – Professional Conduct) Regulations, 2023, applicable provisions relating to lawful billing, taxation and financial record keeping under Indian law, together with the transparency and patient information principles promoted by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH).
Purpose of this Policy
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that patients, attendants and authorised representatives receive clear, timely and transparent information regarding hospital charges and billing procedures, enabling them to make informed financial decisions regarding their healthcare.
The Hospital is committed to promoting honest billing practices, preventing misunderstandings, reducing billing disputes and providing appropriate financial guidance whenever reasonably possible.
Transparency
Clear explanation of hospital charges and services.
Estimates
Treatment cost estimates provided wherever reasonably practicable.
Fair Billing
Honest billing practices with no hidden charges.
Billing Support
Assistance for billing queries, insurance and payment guidance.
Scope of this Policy
This policy applies to all patients receiving healthcare services at Sri Lakshmi Multi Speciality Hospital, including outpatient, inpatient, day-care and emergency services. It covers all hospital charges relating to consultations, investigations, procedures, surgery, medicines, room accommodation, nursing care, pharmacy, laboratory, diagnostic imaging and other healthcare services provided by the Hospital.
The policy also applies to Hospital staff involved in patient registration, admissions, billing, finance, insurance coordination, discharge processing and customer support services.
"Transparent billing promotes patient trust, informed decision-making and responsible healthcare governance."
Our Commitment to Billing Transparency
Sri Lakshmi Multi Speciality Hospital is committed to maintaining fair, transparent and patient-friendly billing practices. We strive to ensure that patients and their families understand the financial aspects of their treatment and receive timely support for billing-related questions throughout their healthcare journey.
Our Billing Transparency Promise
We are committed to providing accurate, ethical and transparent billing information while supporting patients with clear explanations of charges, treatment estimates, insurance procedures and financial guidance. Our billing practices are guided by recognised Indian legal requirements, professional ethics and the patient-centred principles promoted under NABH standards as part of our ongoing commitment towards future NABH accreditation.
Transparent Billing Principles
Sri Lakshmi Multi Speciality Hospital follows transparent, ethical and patient-friendly billing practices. All charges included in the patient's bill relate to healthcare services, investigations, procedures, medicines, consumables or other services actually provided during the course of treatment.
The Hospital is committed to ensuring that patients receive accurate and understandable billing information while minimising misunderstandings and financial disputes.
Our Billing Principles
- Clear and itemised billing.
- Accurate recording of services provided.
- No hidden or undisclosed charges.
- Transparent pricing wherever reasonably practicable.
- Compliance with applicable billing regulations.
Ethical Billing
Every patient has the right to receive a clear explanation of Hospital charges before discharge and to request clarification regarding any item appearing on the bill.
Treatment Cost Estimates
Wherever reasonably practicable, Sri Lakshmi Multi Speciality Hospital provides patients or their authorised representatives with an estimated cost of treatment before planned admissions, procedures or surgeries.
Estimated costs are intended to assist patients in financial planning. Actual charges may vary depending upon the patient's medical condition, additional investigations, emergency interventions, complications, duration of stay or changes in the treatment plan.
"Treatment estimates are provided in good faith based upon the clinical information available at the time of estimation and do not constitute a fixed quotation."
Understanding Your Hospital Bill
The Hospital provides itemised bills that clearly identify the services rendered during treatment. Patients are encouraged to review their bill carefully and seek clarification regarding any charge they do not understand.
Your Bill May Include
- Registration and consultation charges.
- Room and accommodation charges.
- Nursing care charges.
- Surgery or procedure charges.
- Anaesthesia charges (where applicable).
- Laboratory investigations.
- Radiology and imaging services.
- Medicines and pharmacy charges.
- Medical consumables and implants (where applicable).
- Professional fees.
- Applicable taxes as prescribed by law.
Billing Transparency
Our billing team is available to explain every component of your Hospital bill and assist you in understanding the services provided during your treatment.
Insurance & Cashless Hospitalisation
Sri Lakshmi Multi Speciality Hospital supports eligible patients through insurance and cashless hospitalisation facilities, subject to the terms and conditions of the respective insurance provider, Third Party Administrator (TPA) or government healthcare scheme.
Approval of cashless treatment is determined by the insurance provider or TPA. Any charges not covered under the applicable insurance policy remain the responsibility of the patient or authorised representative.
Itemised Bills & Payment Methods
Sri Lakshmi Multi Speciality Hospital provides itemised bills that clearly describe the healthcare services, medicines, investigations, procedures and other charges incurred during treatment. Patients are encouraged to review their bills carefully before making payment.
The Hospital accepts various payment methods to facilitate convenient and secure financial transactions, subject to applicable operational policies.
Itemised Bill Includes
- Consultation and professional charges.
- Room and nursing charges.
- Pharmacy and medicines.
- Laboratory and diagnostic services.
- Procedure or surgery charges.
- Consumables and implants (where applicable).
- Applicable taxes in accordance with law.
Payment Options
- Cash payments.
- Debit and credit cards.
- UPI and digital payment platforms.
- Bank transfers where applicable.
- Insurance and approved cashless facilities.
Billing Queries & Support
Sri Lakshmi Multi Speciality Hospital is committed to assisting patients and their families in understanding Hospital bills. Dedicated billing personnel are available to explain charges, insurance documentation, payment procedures and financial processes.
Patients are encouraged to raise billing queries before discharge whenever possible so that clarification can be provided promptly.
Billing Assistance
Our billing team will make every reasonable effort to explain Hospital charges, insurance processing, payment options, package inclusions and financial documentation in a clear and patient-friendly manner.
Billing Corrections, Refunds & Adjustments
If a patient believes that a billing error has occurred, the Hospital encourages the matter to be reported as soon as reasonably practicable. All billing concerns will be reviewed objectively by the appropriate department.
Where an error is identified, appropriate corrections, adjustments or refunds will be processed in accordance with Hospital policies, applicable contractual obligations and relevant legal requirements.
"Transparent review of billing concerns strengthens patient trust and supports fair financial practices."
Financial Counselling & Patient Assistance
Where appropriate, Sri Lakshmi Multi Speciality Hospital provides financial counselling to help patients and their families understand anticipated treatment costs, insurance procedures, payment responsibilities and available financial processes.
Financial counselling is intended to promote informed decision-making, minimise financial uncertainty and support transparency throughout the patient's healthcare journey.
Financial Guidance
- Explanation of estimated treatment costs.
- Insurance and cashless guidance.
- Billing procedure explanation.
- Payment options.
- Government healthcare schemes where applicable.
- General billing support before discharge.
Our Commitment
We are committed to providing clear, compassionate and transparent financial guidance so that patients can better understand the financial aspects of their treatment and make informed decisions.
Patient Responsibilities
Patients and their authorised representatives are encouraged to cooperate with the Hospital's billing process by providing accurate personal, insurance and payment information. Timely communication regarding billing queries helps ensure prompt clarification and efficient financial management.
Hospital Responsibilities
Sri Lakshmi Multi Speciality Hospital is committed to maintaining ethical, transparent and accountable billing practices. The Hospital strives to ensure that patients receive accurate billing information, timely financial assistance and respectful support throughout their care.
Our Commitments
- Provide transparent and accurate billing.
- Issue itemised invoices.
- Maintain secure financial records.
- Explain billing components upon request.
- Address billing concerns promptly and fairly.
- Comply with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
Financial Integrity
We believe that transparent billing is an essential part of patient-centred healthcare. Every financial transaction is managed with honesty, accountability and professional responsibility.
Continuous Quality Improvement
Sri Lakshmi Multi Speciality Hospital regularly reviews its billing processes through patient feedback, internal audits, quality indicators and grievance analysis to improve transparency, efficiency and patient satisfaction.
Our Improvement Strategy
Lessons learned from billing enquiries and patient feedback are used to strengthen billing systems, improve communication and enhance financial transparency as part of the Hospital's Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) programme.
Policy Review
This Billing & Pricing Transparency Policy shall be reviewed periodically by Hospital Management to ensure continued alignment with applicable Indian laws, healthcare regulations, professional standards and recognised quality improvement practices.
"Transparent financial practices strengthen patient trust, support informed decision-making and contribute to high standards of healthcare governance."
Contact Information
Patients and their authorised representatives may contact the Hospital for billing enquiries, payment assistance, insurance support or clarification regarding Hospital charges.
Sri Lakshmi Multi Speciality Hospital
Address:
No. 5/91, Near Apollo Hospital OMR,
Church Road, Perungudi,
Chennai – 600096, Tamil Nadu, India.
Phone: +91 98407 92932
Email: contactus@slmsh.com
Regulatory & Standards Reference
This Billing & Pricing Transparency Policy has been developed with reference to applicable Indian laws, recognised healthcare standards and professional ethical principles. These frameworks guide the Hospital's approach to transparent financial practices, patient communication and responsible healthcare governance.
Applicable Indian Laws
- Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
- Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010 (where applicable).
- National Medical Commission (Registered Medical Practitioner – Professional Conduct) Regulations, 2023.
- Income Tax Act, 1961 (maintenance of financial records where applicable).
- Goods and Services Tax (GST) laws, where applicable.
- Applicable Central and State Government healthcare regulations.
Quality & Professional Standards
- NABH Standards for Hospitals – Patient Rights & Education.
- NABH Standards – Access, Assessment & Continuity of Care.
- NABH Standards – Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI).
- NABH Standards – Hospital Information Management System (IMS).
- Ethical Billing and Financial Transparency Principles.
"Sri Lakshmi Multi Speciality Hospital is committed to maintaining transparent, ethical and patient-friendly billing practices while continuously strengthening financial governance, accountability and service quality in alignment with recognised Indian healthcare laws and our ongoing journey towards future NABH accreditation."