Patient Authorizations and Consent
Several authorizations must be obtained from patients before billing can proceed. These legal documents protect both the patient and the provider by establishing clear agreements about information sharing and financial responsibility.
Assignment of Benefits
Assignment of Benefits authorizes the insurance company to pay the provider directly rather than sending payment to the patient. Without this authorization, the patient would receive the insurance payment and be responsible for forwarding it to the provider—a situation that can create collection difficulties.
Authorization for Release of Information
Authorization for Release of Information permits the provider to share protected health information with the insurance company for payment purposes. This is required for claims submission and is typically incorporated into the patient registration paperwork.
Financial Responsibility Agreements
Financial Responsibility agreements establish that the patient agrees to pay for services not covered by insurance, including copays, deductibles, coinsurance, and non-covered services. These agreements should clearly explain the patient’s obligations and the practice’s payment policies.
HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices
HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices must be provided to patients, explaining how their health information may be used and disclosed. Patients should acknowledge receipt of this notice, and practices should document this acknowledgment in the patient record.