Final answer:
An ABN is a specific document informing Medicare beneficiaries about non-covered services and potential financial liability, while a patient financial responsibility agreement is a broader contract regarding payment obligations for services not covered by insurance.
Step-by-step explanation:
An Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage (ABN) is a written notice that a provider or supplier gives to a Medicare beneficiary before furnishing services or supplies that are expected to be not covered by Medicare. It indicates that the patient may be financially responsible for the cost of the items or services. The ABN allows the patient to make an informed decision about whether to receive the items or services and take responsibility for payment. On the other hand, a patient financial responsibility agreement is a more general contract that a patient may sign with a healthcare provider, agreeing to pay for services that are not covered by insurance. This can include copayments, deductibles, and costs for non-covered services.