Final answer:
An ABN is a Medicare form used to inform patients that the services or items they are about to receive may not be covered by Medicare. It ensures that the patient understands their financial responsibility.
Step-by-step explanation:
An Advance Beneficiary Notice of Non-coverage (ABN) is a Medicare form used by healthcare providers to inform patients that the services or items they are about to receive may not be covered by Medicare. The main purpose of the ABN is to protect both the patient and the healthcare provider by ensuring that the patient is aware of their financial responsibility in case Medicare denies coverage for a particular service or item.
The ABN is required to be provided to the patient before the services or items are rendered or delivered. It explains the reason why Medicare may not pay for the specific service or item and offers an estimate of the expected cost that the patient may have to bear. By signing the ABN, the patient acknowledges that they have been informed of the potential non-coverage and accepts the financial responsibility.
For example, if a patient requires a certain medical procedure that Medicare does not cover, the healthcare provider must present them with an ABN. This allows the patient to make an informed decision about whether to proceed with the procedure at their own expense.