What is an ABN in medical billing?

Advance beneficiary notice, or ABN in medical billing, is issued by the healthcare providers to Medicare beneficiaries – to inform them what services might not be covered. Medicare is a federal health insurance system for Americans 65 or older. The program also covers certain younger populations – who have disabilities. As per the data, over 65 million Americans, 25.5% of the adult US population, were enrolled in Medicare programs. Making Medicare guidelines and processes incredibly important for medical billing services and operations.

The Need for ABN in Medical Billing

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services gives guidelines for using and applying ABN in medical billing. One guideline states that Medicare may only reimburse healthcare providers and suppliers for medically necessary procedures and equipment. When a patient requests or a healthcare provider recommends a medically unnecessary procedure – the ABN will notify the patient (a Medicare beneficiary) of the possibility of Medicare denying the claim. The ABN notification also implies that the patient will be responsible for the total cost of care in such instances.

What is in an ABN?

Medicare strictly controls which services and entities might receive an ABN in medical billing. Furthermore, Medicare also directs the exact information in the ABN and its proper usage.
That is one of the reasons why medical billing professionals must stay vigilant while using ABN in medical billing. When Medicare’s guidelines and policies are not followed, even if a patient signs an ABN – they will not be liable for payments. Thus, the provider will not get payments for such services.

To that effect, Medicare necessitates the following information to be added to an ABN form:

The patient’s name
Medical provider’s name, phone number, and address
Name of the item or services that might not be covered under Medicare
Any specific reason why Medicare might not pay for the item or service
An estimated cost of the item or service

There are additional instances and rules governing how patients receive an ABN in medical billing. ABNs in medical billing may consist of a single page or even less. Plus, ABNs are not for people who are going through a medical situation or duress. A healthcare provider cannot present a patient with an ABN while on their way to the hospital or under treatment in an Emergency department.

Applications of ERA and EOR for Advance Beneficiary Notice

In the context of Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN in medical billing), ERA, EOR, and AMR refer to specific documents or processes. Here’s an explanation of each:

Role of ERA – Electronic Remittance Advice with an ABN

ERAs are an electronic version of a paper Explanation of Benefits (EOB). ERA provides details about the payment, denial, or adjustment of a claim submitted by a healthcare provider to a payer (such as Medicare). ERAs contain information about:

Claim processing
Payment amounts
Denial reasons
Adjustments made

Role of EOR – Explanation of Benefits or Remittance with an ABN

For ABNs in medical billing, the Statement of Claim Adjudication (SOCA) or EOR is essential. When a payer provides an EOR (Explanation of Review) to healthcare providers, it serves as a documentation process that can include details related to reimbursement decisions. This information becomes relevant if the payer payment differs from the amount billed by the provider or if there are alterations or adjustments to the original claim. When the ABN indicates that Medicare may deny payment for specific services, the EOR communicates the outcomes of the claim adjudication process, helping providers and beneficiaries understand the financial implications and responsibilities.
To sum up, the ERA provides electronic details of claim processing, and the EOR explains the payment or denial decisions made by the payer. These components play their roles in communicating and documenting financial aspects related to medical services provided to Medicare beneficiaries.

The Role of ABN in Medical Billing

Learning and familiarizing oneself with medical terminology is vital to maintaining patient records. Additionally, new healthcare professionals and practices must also understand the role of ABN in medical billing. The primary role of ABNs is to ensure that the providers get payments for their services. That, too, even when the services to Medicare patients might not be eligible for payments under Medicare coverage.
Medical providers get payments through a combination of reimbursements from insurance plans, either Medicare or private health insurance, direct patient payments, or all. To make sure that healthcare professionals get payments for the services, they must take steps to manage the medical billing processes accurately. Moreover, medical billing specialists must familiarize themselves with services that Medicare classifies as non-coverage services. A signed ABN in medical billing ensures that the patient accepts the payment responsibility if and when Medicare doesn’t pay.

ABN as a Disclosure Tool

ABNs in medical billing have another important role: to function as a disclosure tool. ABN informs patients of the conditions necessary for receiving healthcare services under the original Medicare plan. By using a correct and complete ABN that patients sign, healthcare professionals can educate patients regarding the conditions that ensure Medicare coverage.

Medicare Penalties

Medicare does set penalties for lacking compliance, presence of fraud, and abuse. Also, Medicare imposes stiff fines and excludes providers from its plans if they are routinely billed for unnecessary services. ABNs can perform essential functions for fraud and abuse compliance. How – ABNs can help create a record of a patient’s signed acknowledgment. This can indicate that the offered services may be medically unnecessary and patients’ interest/decision to get those services. Further, ABNs can also help rebut arguments that the claims were submitted with a fraudulent intention.

Conclusion

ABN in medical billing is for Medicare beneficiaries and their healthcare providers. It serves as a shield of protection for both. If your practice is experiencing issues with in-house billing, ABNs, or following up on claims – then outsourcing billing operations is essential. Furthermore, outsourcing billing services ensures that beneficiaries understand the terms and conditions under which the ABN is necessary. Plus, it is essential to ensure that ABNs contain enough information and are complete.