Final answer:
If a patient refuses to sign an ABN, the provider can choose not to provide the service, or if they do, they may not be able to charge the patient if Medicare denies the claim. It's crucial to document the refusal in the medical record.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a patient refuses to sign an Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage (ABN), the healthcare provider may take one of several actions. The provider could choose not to provide the service or item if they believe it is medically unnecessary and thus not covered by Medicare.
If the provider still dispenses the service or item, they may not be able to charge the patient if Medicare denies the claim, since there's no signed ABN indicating the patient's acknowledgment of potential responsibility for payment. It is also important for the provider to document the refusal of the ABN in the patient's medical record, detailing the date, the service in question, and the fact the patient refused to sign the ABN.