What St. Luke's Bill Pay is and how to use it
St. Luke's Health System operates a bill payment portal where you can pay hospital and medical bills online using a bank account or debit card. The system is called MyChart when you access it through their patient portal, or you can pay directly through their main website without creating an account. Payments typically post within one to three business days, though the exact timing depends on your payment method and your bank.
To pay online, you will need your bill number (found on your statement) and either a checking account, savings account, or debit card. St. Luke's does not charge a fee for paying by electronic bank transfer, but paying by debit card may carry a processing fee — check the payment screen before you confirm. If you do not have internet access or prefer not to pay online, you can mail a check or money order to the address on your bill, or call the billing department to pay by phone.
Key Takeaways
- St. Luke's accepts online payments through MyChart or their website without requiring you to create an account, and electronic bank transfers carry no fee.
- Debit card payments may include a processing fee, so compare the cost before choosing that method.
- Payments by electronic transfer usually post within one to three business days, but mailed checks take longer and should be sent at least two weeks before your due date.
- If you cannot pay the full amount, contact St. Luke's billing to ask about payment plans, which may be available without interest.
- Missing a payment deadline does not immediately damage your credit, but unpaid bills can be sent to a collection agency after 60 to 90 days.
Setting up an account in MyChart versus paying as a guest
St. Luke's MyChart is a patient portal where you can view your medical records, schedule appointments, and manage bills. Creating an account lets you save your payment method and see your full billing history in one place. You will need your date of birth, Social Security number, and a recent statement to register.
If you do not want to create an account, you can still pay a single bill online by visiting St. Luke's main website and selecting "Pay My Bill" or a similar option. You will enter your bill number and the amount due, then provide payment information. This guest payment method is faster if you are paying once, but you will not have a record of past payments saved in the system.
Payment methods and fees
St. Luke's accepts electronic bank transfers (ACH), debit cards, and credit cards. Paying directly from your checking or savings account carries no fee and is the cheapest option. Debit card payments typically include a processing fee of 2 to 3 percent of the amount paid, though the exact percentage varies and you will see it before you confirm the payment.
Credit card payments also carry a processing fee, usually in the same range as debit cards. If you are paying a large bill, the fee can add up quickly — for example, a 2.5 percent fee on a $5,000 bill is $125. Mailing a check or money order costs only the price of postage and is free if you use a stamp you already have.
How long payments take to post and what to do if you need a receipt
Electronic payments (ACH transfers from your bank account) usually post to St. Luke's within one to three business days. Debit and credit card payments may post the same day or within 24 hours. Mailed checks take longer — typically five to ten business days after St. Luke's receives them, plus the time for mail delivery. If your due date is approaching, mail your payment at least two weeks early to avoid a late fee.
When you pay online, you will receive a confirmation number immediately. Save this number or take a screenshot — it serves as your receipt. If you need a written receipt for your records, you can log into MyChart or call St. Luke's billing to request one. Mailed payments should include your bill number and account number on the check itself so St. Luke's can match the payment to your account.
What happens if you miss a payment or cannot pay the full amount
If you miss your due date, St. Luke's will typically send you a past-due notice within 10 to 15 days. This notice will state the new amount owed, including any late fees, and give you a new deadline to pay. Missing one payment does not immediately appear on your credit report, but if the bill remains unpaid for 60 to 90 days, St. Luke's may report it to the credit bureaus or send it to a collection agency.
If you cannot pay the full amount by the due date, contact St. Luke's billing department before the deadline and ask about a payment plan. Many health systems offer payment plans with no interest if you commit to paying a set amount each month. The sooner you call, the more options you may have — waiting until after you are past due limits your choices.
Disputing a charge or getting help if you think you were overcharged
If you believe a charge on your bill is wrong, do not ignore it or refuse to pay. Instead, contact St. Luke's patient billing and explain which item you dispute. Ask them to send you an itemized bill that breaks down each service, test, or procedure and its cost. This document will help you understand what you were charged for and whether the amount is correct.
If you still believe the charge is wrong after reviewing the itemized bill, ask St. Luke's to provide the medical record showing the service was performed. You can also request a bill review, which is a formal process where someone in the billing department re-examines the charge. This process is free and does not require you to pay the disputed amount while the review is underway, though you may be asked to pay undisputed charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set up automatic payments so my bill pays itself each month?
Some St. Luke's locations offer automatic payment enrollment through MyChart, but not all do. Log into your account or call billing to ask whether this option is available for your account. If it is, you can usually choose to pay the full bill or a set amount each month on a date you select.
What if I paid online but my payment does not show up on my bill?
Check your confirmation number and the date you submitted the payment. If you paid within the last three business days, the payment may still be processing. If more than three days have passed, log into MyChart or call billing with your confirmation number and ask them to trace the payment. They can tell you whether it was received and when it will post.
Do I have to create a MyChart account to pay my bill?
No. You can pay without an account by going to St. Luke's website and selecting the guest payment option. You will need your bill number and the amount due. Creating an account is optional and useful only if you want to save your payment history and payment method for future bills.
What if I cannot afford to pay and do not have a payment plan option?
Ask St. Luke's billing about financial hardship programs or charity care. Many hospitals have funds to reduce or forgive bills for patients with low income. You may need to provide proof of income. You can also look into whether you are may be able to access for Medicaid or other programs that could cover the cost.
Can I pay someone else's St. Luke's bill if I have their permission?
Yes, but you will need their bill number and account information. Call St. Luke's billing to confirm the amount owed and ask whether they accept payments from someone other than the patient. Some systems require the patient to authorize the payment in advance.