CPB (Certified Professional Biller) Certification Practice Exam

What does "Accept Assignment" mean in medical billing?

1. Voluntary process that a healthcare facility undergoes

2. Provider accepts payment in full from the patient

3. Provider accepts as payment in full whatever is paid on the claim by the payer

4. Document that acknowledges patient responsibility for payment

The correct answer is: Provider accepts as payment in full whatever is paid on the claim by the payer

The concept of "Accept Assignment" in medical billing refers to the agreement between a provider and a payer regarding the payment for services rendered. Specifically, when a provider accepts assignment, they agree to accept the payment amount determined by the payer as full payment for the services provided. This means that the provider will not bill the patient for any additional amount beyond what the payer has paid, effectively limiting the patient's financial responsibility to only any applicable copayments or deductibles. In this context, the option indicating that the provider accepts whatever is paid on the claim by the payer as full payment correctly captures the essence of this agreement. It emphasizes that the provider acknowledges the payer's determined payment amount, and the patient is not liable for more than what the insurance agrees to pay. The other options focus on different aspects of billing processes that do not align with the specific definition of “Accept Assignment.” Therefore, the chosen answer accurately reflects the provider's responsibility and the financial agreement established with the payer in the context of medical billing.