Penn Medicine's bill payment methods and where to send payments
Penn Medicine operates its own patient billing system separate from most other hospitals. You can pay a Penn Medicine bill online through their patient portal, by phone, by mail, or in person at a Penn Medicine location. The online portal is the fastest route — you log in, find your bill, and pay immediately with a bank account or card. If you do not have online access or prefer not to use it, you can call their billing department or mail a check to the address printed on your statement.
Penn Medicine bills come from the University of Pennsylvania Health System, which includes Penn Medicine hospitals, outpatient clinics, and affiliated practices across Philadelphia and surrounding counties. The billing address and payment methods on your statement are specific to Penn Medicine; if you received care at a different hospital system, that bill will have its own payment instructions.
Key Takeaways
- The Penn Medicine patient portal at pennmedicine.org lets you view bills, set up automatic payments, and pay online 24 hours a day without calling.
- You can pay by phone by calling the number on your bill, which routes you to the correct department for your type of care (hospital, outpatient, emergency).
- Mailed payments should include your account number and go to the address printed on your statement, and take 7 to 10 business days to post.
- Penn Medicine accepts online payments from checking or savings accounts and most major credit and debit cards, though card payments may carry a processing fee.
- If you cannot pay the full amount, you can request a payment plan through the portal or by calling the billing department before your due date.
Setting up online payment through the Penn Medicine patient portal
The Penn Medicine patient portal is at pennmedicine.org. You will need your patient ID (found on your bill or insurance card) and a password to log in. If you do not have a portal account, you can create one on the same website by entering your date of birth, last name, and patient ID. Once logged in, go to the "Billing" or "My Bills" section to see all outstanding balances.
From your bill list, select the bill you want to pay and choose your payment method. Penn Medicine accepts payments from a checking or savings account (usually free) and from Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards. If you pay by card, Penn Medicine or their payment processor may charge a convenience fee — this fee is separate from your bill and will be shown before you confirm the payment. You can also set up automatic monthly payments through the portal if you have a recurring balance.
Online payments post immediately to your account, so you will see the payment reflected in the portal within hours. You will receive a confirmation email with a receipt number. Keep this receipt for your records.
Paying by phone or mail if you do not use the portal
The phone number for Penn Medicine billing is printed on your bill. When you call, you will be routed based on the type of care you received — hospital inpatient, emergency department, outpatient clinic, or other services. Have your bill and a payment method ready. You can pay over the phone with a checking account, savings account, or credit card. The representative will process the payment immediately and give you a confirmation number.
If you prefer to mail a payment, write your account number on the check or money order and mail it to the address on your bill. Do not send cash through the mail. Include a copy of your bill or a note with your name and account number so the payment reaches the correct account. Mailed payments typically take 7 to 10 business days to post after Penn Medicine receives them. If your due date is approaching, call ahead to let billing know a payment is on the way.
Understanding payment plans and hardship options
If you cannot pay your bill in full by the due date, Penn Medicine offers payment plans. You can request a plan through the patient portal or by calling the billing department. Payment plans typically allow you to split your bill into monthly installments over several months, depending on the amount owed. There is usually no interest charged on a payment plan, but you must make payments on time to keep the plan active.
If you are experiencing financial hardship, Penn Medicine also has a financial assistance program. This program may reduce or forgive part of your bill based on your household income and family size. You will need to provide proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements) and complete a financial assistance form. The process can take several weeks, so apply as soon as possible after receiving your bill.
What happens if you miss a payment or your bill goes to collections
If your payment is not received by the due date, Penn Medicine will typically send a past-due notice. Continue making payments even if the bill is past due — this shows good faith and may prevent the account from being sent to a collection agency. If you have set up a payment plan, missing a payment on the plan can result in the plan being cancelled and the full remaining balance becoming due immediately.
If your account remains unpaid for 60 to 90 days (the exact timeline varies), Penn Medicine may send your debt to a third-party collection agency. Once an account is in collections, you will receive notices from the collection agency instead of Penn Medicine. At this point, you can still negotiate a payment plan or settlement, but you will be working with the collection agency rather than Penn Medicine's billing department. Collection accounts also appear on your credit report and can affect your credit score.
Disputing charges or requesting an itemized bill
If you believe a charge on your Penn Medicine bill is incorrect, you can dispute it. First, request an itemized bill from Penn Medicine — this breaks down each service, test, or procedure and its cost. You can request an itemized bill through the patient portal, by phone, or by mail. Penn Medicine is required to provide this within a reasonable timeframe, usually 10 to 15 business days.
Once you have the itemized bill, review it against any paperwork you received during your visit. If you still believe a charge is wrong, contact Penn Medicine's billing department in writing and explain which charge you dispute and why. Include copies of any supporting documents. Penn Medicine will investigate and respond within 30 days. Do not withhold payment on a disputed charge — continue making payments on the undisputed portion of your bill while the dispute is being reviewed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay a Penn Medicine bill without creating a patient portal account?
Yes. You can pay by phone using the number on your bill or by mailing a check to the address on your statement. Both methods work without a portal account. However, the portal is the fastest option if you want to avoid phone calls and mail delays.
Does Penn Medicine charge a fee to pay online?
Paying from a bank account through the portal is usually free. Paying by credit or debit card may include a convenience fee, which Penn Medicine will show you before you confirm the payment. The fee is added to your total payment amount.
How long does it take for a mailed payment to show up on my account?
Mailed payments typically take 7 to 10 business days to post after Penn Medicine receives them. If your due date is within that window, call the billing department to let them know a payment is on the way so they do not report you as late.
What should I do if I cannot afford to pay my Penn Medicine bill?
Contact Penn Medicine's billing department before your due date to discuss a payment plan or financial assistance. Payment plans spread your bill into monthly installments, usually with no interest. Financial assistance may reduce or forgive part of your bill if you meet income requirements.
Can I set up automatic payments so I do not have to pay each month manually?
Yes, through the patient portal. Once logged in, you can set up recurring automatic payments from your bank account. This ensures your payment is made on time each month and reduces the risk of late fees or collection action.