Final answer:
Providers should have a patient sign an ABN B-333C when the service being provided is an excluded service according to Medicare guidelines. The ABN allows the patient to make an informed decision about whether to proceed with the service knowing that they will be responsible for the cost.
Step-by-step explanation:
Providers should have a patient sign an ABN B-333C when the service being provided is an excluded service according to Medicare guidelines. An ABN, or Advanced Beneficiary Notice, is a form that is used to inform patients that Medicare may not cover a particular service or procedure, and the patient will be responsible for payment. The ABN allows the patient to make an informed decision about whether to proceed with the service knowing that they will be responsible for the cost.
For example, if a provider wants to perform a service that Medicare considers experimental or investigational and will not cover, they would have the patient sign an ABN B-333C to indicate that they understand they will be responsible for payment if Medicare denies coverage. Other instances where an ABN may be required include when the service is not considered medically necessary, when the provider believes Medicare is likely to deny coverage, or when a specific diagnosis code is required for coverage and the diagnosis is uncertain.