American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practice Exam

What should a provider do if a patient refuses to sign the Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN)?

1. Cancel the service request

2. Document the refusal and have a witness sign

3. Provide the service without documentation

4. Report the patient to authorities

The correct answer is: Document the refusal and have a witness sign

When a patient refuses to sign the Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN), it is essential for the provider to document that refusal and consider having a witness sign the documentation. This approach serves several purposes. First, proper documentation provides a record of the patient's decision and protects the provider in case of future disputes regarding coverage and billing. It also ensures that the provider has fulfilled the legal obligation to inform the patient about their potential financial responsibility for services that may not be covered by Medicare or other insurers. Involving a witness adds an additional layer of confirmation that the patient indeed declined to sign, further solidifying the provider's position. This practice is crucial for maintaining compliance with Medicare regulations, as it helps clarify the patient's understanding of the notice and preserves the provider's ability to bill appropriately while demonstrating adherence to proper protocols. Without this documentation, other choices fail to safeguard the provider's interests and could lead to complications in billing or compliance issues down the road.