What is an ABN and when is it used?

An Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage (ABN) is a critical document used in healthcare to inform Medicare patients that certain services they are about to receive may not be covered by Medicare. This notice serves two primary purposes: it provides patients with the opportunity to understand their financial responsibilities before receiving a service and allows them to make informed decisions regarding their care. By being aware of potential out-of-pocket costs, patients can either proceed with the service, knowing they may have to pay for it, or opt for alternatives if they choose not to bear the expense.

This notice is specifically relevant for Medicare patients and is not utilized in the context of informing Medicaid patients or indicating changes in provider status, making it crucial to recognize its distinct purpose in the Medicare framework.