Deposit Now Required for Patients Who Are out of Network or Self-Pay

August 6, 2026 | 1 min. read

Beginning August 13, Northwestern Medicine will implement a deposit requirement for patients with out-of-network insurance and for patients who are self-pay. This change improves financial transparency so patients better understand their financial responsibility before receiving care.
 
What you should know
Patients who meet these criteria will receive notifications with payment information after scheduling an appointment. If patients do not update their information with an in-network insurance plan or make a deposit, their appointment will be canceled.
 
Deposits must be received within 10 calendar days of scheduling or three business days ahead of the scheduled service, whichever is soonest. If a deposit is not made within the required timeframe, the appointment will be canceled. 
 
Exclusions
Several appointment types are excluded from this requirement, regardless of a patient’s out-of-network or self-pay status, including:

• Continuing care for:
  • Obstetrics delivery and postpartum care
  • Oncology services
  • Transplant services
• Hospital discharge and ED follow-up
• Cash-based services such as concierge medicine and cosmetic procedures

​Action to take
Physicians should be aware of the new requirements and the potential impact on patients as questions arise regarding appointment scheduling, coverage status and financial responsibility. Read the Physician Overview and FAQ for more information.