Covered with Confidence: Insurance Insights
October 17, 2025
Navigating insurance coverage and health care costs can feel overwhelming, but Mississippi Valley Surgery Center (MVSC) makes the process simple. Serving patients from eastern Iowa and western Illinois, MVSC accepts all major insurance plans – including UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, Medicare and more – and is dedicated to providing clear, accurate information so patients know exactly what to expect.
With personalized guidance, helpful resources and expert support, the MVSC team helps patients understand their coverage, plan for costs and approach their procedures with confidence. We spoke with Kristine Stark, director of business operations at MVSC, to answer some common patient questions and share how the center ensures clarity around insurance coverage every step of the way.
EVERYTHING PATIENTS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT COVERAGE
Q: Which insurance plans are accepted at MVSC?
A: MVSC works with all major insurance carriers in Iowa. Our goal is to make it easy for patients to have access to the care they need without worrying about whether their insurance will be accepted.
Q: How does MVSC help patients better understand their insurance benefits?
A: We have specialists on staff who are trained to walk patients through their benefits, explain estimates and answer questions about out-of-pocket costs. We want patients to feel confident that there will be no surprises when it comes to payment.
Q: How does the insurance verification process work at MVSC?
A: When a procedure is scheduled, the doctor’s office provides us with the patient’s insurance information and anticipated surgical procedures. We then verify coverage to ensure all necessary pre-authorizations are in place. If any issues arise, we contact the doctor’s office or the insurance company to resolve them. In some cases, we may reach out to the patient directly to confirm details.
During the verification process, we confirm the patients benefit coverage and provide an estimate of any upfront cost share that may be the patient’s responsibility. Receiving estimates quickly allows patient’s to plan ahead, budget for out-of-pocket expenses and avoid surprises on the day of their procedure.
Q: How are costs determined for patients?
A: Costs vary depending on the patient’s specific insurance coverage and the procedure being performed. Some may have out-of-pocket costs such as a copay, while others may have a deductible or coinsurance on top of that. The MVSC team helps break down each component so patients understand exactly what to expect. Benefits can differ from one plan to another, so there’s no one-size-fits-all cost. That’s why our team takes the time to walk patients through their personal estimate — so they feel prepared financially before their procedure.
Q: How do surgery center costs compare to hospitals?
A: Surgery centers like MVSC are reimbursed approximately 50 cents on the dollar compared to hospitals, which often results in smaller patient cost shares. In other words, patients usually pay less for procedures at MVSC than they would at a hospital, while still receiving the same expert care in a comfortable outpatient setting.
Q: What payment options are available for patients?
A: MVSC offers Care Credit, a line of credit that patients can qualify for online in minutes. Care Credit allows patients to spread payments over six, 12 or 18 months with deferred interest options. This gives patients flexibility to manage their care costs without paying the full amount upfront.
Q: What should patients do if they feel overwhelmed by insurance information?
A: We encourage patients to reach out to their insurance companies or to MVSC. Every insurance card has a member number to connect you with a benefits specialist. At MVSC, our staff is also available to help you understand how your benefits apply and what costs to expect. Our goal is to make the process clear and stress free so patients can focus on their health and recovery.
Q: How can patients get more information about insurance coverage?
A: For questions about insurance, cost estimates or payment options, contact MVSC at 563-344-8343. Specialists are available to walk you through benefits, answer questions and provide the support you need to feel confident and prepared.
Mississippi Valley Surgery Center strives to make outpatient procedures accessible and affordable. By accepting all major insurance plans in Iowa, providing timely and accurate cost estimates and offering Care Credit to patients who qualify, MVSC ensures patients can focus on their recovery, not their bills. Whether you’re considering a minimally invasive procedure or have questions about coverage, MVSC is here to help every step of the way.