Question

If a patient authorizes a provider to accept assignment, what can the provider now do on their behalf?

Answer 1

By authorizing a provider to accept assignment, the patient allows the provider to bill Medicare directly, accept the Medicare-approved amount as full payment, and only bill the patient for certain costs not covered by Medicare.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a patient authorizes a provider to accept assignment, the provider can submit claims to Medicare on behalf of the patient. This means that the provider agrees to accept the Medicare-approved amount for health care services as full payment. After the claim is processed, Medicare will pay the provider directly for the percentage of the cost that Medicare covers, and the provider can only bill the patient for the deductible, coinsurance, and any non-covered services. This consent simplifies the billing process for both the patient and the provider, allowing for a more streamlined financial interaction regarding medical services.

Answer 2

When a patient authorizes a provider to accept assignment, the provider is allowed to bill the insurance directly and accept the insurance's approved payment rates, potentially lowering the patient's out-of-pocket expenses.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a patient authorizes a provider to accept assignment, this means that the provider can directly bill the health insurance company and accept the insurance's approved amount for their service as full payment. The provider also submits the claim on behalf of the patient. This arrangement often results in lower out-of-pocket costs for the patient since the provider agrees to the terms and payment rates of the insurer.