Final answer:
A nonparticipating provider is expected to charge the patient directly for services rendered because they do not have an agreement with the insurance company to accept their payments as full payment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question relates to expectations of a nonparticipating provider in a healthcare setting when it comes to billing for services rendered. Nonparticipating providers are those who do not have a contract with a health insurance company to provide services at a discounted rate. When these providers render services, they typically do not bill the insurance company directly. This is because they do not have an agreement with the insurance company that obligates them to accept the insurance company's payments as the full payment for services.
Instead of billing the insurance company directly, a nonparticipating provider is expected to charge the patient directly for services and it is then up to the patient to apply for reimbursement from their insurance company, if available. This process can result in the patient having to pay more out of pocket initially, since they must pay the provider's fees themselves and then wait for possible insurance reimbursement according to their policy terms.
This is contrasted with participating providers who have an agreement with insurance companies and typically bill them directly, accepting the insurance payment as full payment for services, with the patient being responsible for any applicable copayment, coinsurance, or deductible as dictated by their insurance policy.