What document must be provided to patients to inform them that Medicare may not cover certain services?

The correct document to inform patients that Medicare may not cover certain services is the Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN). The ABN is a crucial tool used by providers to communicate with patients about their potential financial responsibility when a service may not be covered by Medicare. It ensures that patients are aware before receiving care that Medicare might not pay for certain services and gives them the option to either proceed with the service, accept financial responsibility, or choose not to have the service performed.

The purpose of the ABN is to protect both patients and providers by clearly outlining the patient’s rights and the possible financial implications of their care, ultimately allowing patients to make informed decisions about their health care. This ensures transparency in the billing process and helps prevent unexpected charges after treatment.

Other documents, such as informational pamphlets, cost estimates, and claim denial letters, serve different purposes. Informational pamphlets might provide general information about services but do not specifically pertain to Medicare coverage. Cost estimates provide expected charges but do not address coverage issues. Claim denial letters are sent post-service to inform patients that a claim has been denied after the service has already been rendered, rather than proactively notifying them before the service.