What document indicates a patient's responsibility for payment if Medicare denies a claim?

The Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN) is a crucial document in the Medicare system and serves a specific purpose when it comes to patient liability. It is a notice given to Medicare beneficiaries to inform them that Medicare may not cover a specific service or item. By signing the ABN, the patient agrees to take financial responsibility for the service if Medicare denies the claim.

This document clearly indicates the patient's obligation, effectively preparing them for potential out-of-pocket expenses if Medicare decides not to pay for a service. It helps ensure that patients are informed about their financial responsibilities before receiving services that may not be covered.

In contrast, a Patient Payment Agreement is more generalized and often pertains to payment terms for services and does not specifically address Medicare coverage. A Medicare denial letter, while informing a patient of a denial, does not establish a prior agreement regarding responsibility for that payment. Lastly, a Medical Bill Statement shows the charges incurred but does not directly communicate about responsibility for payment in the context of a claim denial by Medicare. The ABN uniquely fulfills the role of clearly delineating patient responsibility in the event of a denial.