What Avera Medical Group Bill Pay is and how to use it
Avera Medical Group operates a bill payment system that lets you pay invoices from Avera clinics and hospitals through their online portal, by phone, or by mail. You do not have to use their online system — you can send a check to their billing address — but the portal is faster if you have your account number and know your balance.
Avera Medical Group is a network of clinics and hospitals across South Dakota, Nebraska, and Iowa. When you receive a bill from an Avera location, the payment instructions on that bill will direct you to their payment methods. The bill itself is the document you need; you do not have to register in advance or create a separate account to pay a single bill.
The online portal is called the Avera Patient Portal, and it requires you to set up login credentials if you want to track multiple bills or set up recurring payments. If you are paying a one-time bill and do not want to create an account, you can pay by phone or mail instead.
Key Takeaways
- Avera bills can be paid online through the Avera Patient Portal, by phone at the number on your bill, or by mailing a check to the address listed on your statement.
- You will need your account number and the amount due, both of which appear on your bill, to pay online or by phone.
- The Avera Patient Portal requires you to create a login if you want to track multiple bills or set up automatic payments, but you can pay a single bill without registering.
- Payments made online or by phone are usually processed within one to two business days, while mailed checks may take five to seven business days to reach the billing office.
- If you cannot pay the full amount, contact Avera's billing department directly — they may offer payment plans for balances over a certain threshold.
Paying online through the Avera Patient Portal
To pay online, go to the Avera website and look for a link to the Patient Portal or Bill Pay section. You will be asked to enter your date of birth, account number, and the amount due. If this is your first time using the portal, you will create a username and password at this step.
Once you are logged in, you can view your current balance, see a history of past bills, and choose your payment method. Avera accepts credit cards, debit cards, and bank account transfers (ACH). Be aware that credit and debit card payments may carry a processing fee — check the portal for the exact amount before you confirm the payment.
After you submit your payment, you will receive a confirmation number on screen and usually by email. Keep this number for your records. The payment will post to your account within one to two business days, though the funds may take longer to leave your bank account depending on your bank's processing time.
Paying by phone
The phone number for Avera billing is listed on your bill. When you call, have your account number, the amount you want to pay, and your payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account) ready. The automated system or a representative will walk you through the payment process.
Phone payments are processed the same way as online payments — usually within one to two business days. You will receive a confirmation number during the call; write it down or ask for it to be emailed to you. Phone payments may also carry a processing fee if you use a credit or debit card.
Paying by mail
To pay by mail, write a check or money order payable to Avera Medical Group and send it to the address on your bill. Include your account number on the check itself (write it in the memo line) so the payment is matched to the correct account. Do not send cash.
Mail payments take five to seven business days to arrive and be processed, depending on postal delivery time and the billing office's processing schedule. If you are close to a due date, mail is the slowest option. For faster payment, use the online portal or phone method.
What happens if you miss a payment or cannot pay in full
If your payment is late, Avera may charge a late fee. The amount and timing of late fees are listed in your bill's terms and conditions. If you receive a past-due notice, contact Avera's billing department right away — do not ignore it, as unpaid medical bills can be sent to a collection agency.
If you cannot pay the full amount at once, call the billing department and ask about a payment plan. Many health systems, including Avera, will set up a monthly payment schedule for balances over a certain amount. The department can tell you whether you may have access to and what the monthly payment would be. A payment plan does not remove the debt, but it stops the account from going to collections as long as you make the agreed payments on time.
Understanding fees and payment processing
Avera's online portal and phone system may charge a processing fee for credit card or debit card payments. This fee is typically a percentage of the amount paid or a flat dollar amount — the portal will show you the exact fee before you confirm. Bank account transfers (ACH) usually do not carry a fee.
If you pay by mail, there is no processing fee, but you lose the speed of electronic payment. If you are paying a large bill and the processing fee is significant, paying by check or bank transfer may save you money.
What to do if you have questions about your bill
If you do not understand a charge on your bill or think there is an error, contact Avera's billing department before you pay. The contact information is on your bill. You can ask for an itemized statement that breaks down each charge, which helps you see exactly what you are being billed for.
If you believe a charge is incorrect, you have the right to dispute it. Ask the billing department for their dispute process — they will tell you what documentation you need and how long the review takes. While a dispute is being reviewed, you may still be expected to pay the undisputed portion of the bill to avoid late fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set up automatic payments so my Avera bill is paid every month?
Yes, if you create an account in the Avera Patient Portal, you can set up recurring payments from your bank account or card. Log into the portal, go to the payment settings, and choose the frequency and amount. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through the portal.
What if I do not have my account number?
Your account number is on your bill. If you cannot find the bill, call Avera's billing department with your name and date of birth, and they will look up your account and give you the number. You will need this to pay online or by phone.
Is there a fee for paying by bank transfer instead of a credit card?
No. Bank transfers (ACH payments) through the Avera portal typically do not carry a processing fee. Credit and debit card payments usually do. The portal will show you the fee amount before you confirm, so you can choose the payment method that costs less.
How long does it take for a mailed check to be processed?
Mailed checks usually take five to seven business days to arrive and be processed. If your due date is coming up soon, use the online portal or phone payment instead to avoid a late fee.
What happens if I overpay my bill?
If you pay more than you owe, Avera will credit the extra amount to your account. You can use the credit toward future bills, or you can request a refund by calling the billing department. Refunds are usually mailed within two to four weeks.