The portion of the charge that a patient pays at the time of service is called what?

The portion of the charge that a patient pays at the time of service is called what?

• A. Copayment
• B. Deductible
• C. Coinsurance
• D. Premium

Answer: (A)

The fixed amount paid at the time of service is called a copayment. Copayments are preset by the insurance plan and are paid up front, regardless of the actual charges for the visit. This differs from a deductible, which is the amount you must pay before the insurer begins to cover services; coinsurance, which is the percentage of costs you pay after meeting the deductible; and a premium, which is the ongoing payment to maintain coverage. Since the question focuses on the amount due at the visit itself, copayment is the correct term.

The fixed amount paid at the time of service is called a copayment. Copayments are preset by the insurance plan and are paid up front, regardless of the actual charges for the visit. This differs from a deductible, which is the amount you must pay before the insurer begins to cover services; coinsurance, which is the percentage of costs you pay after meeting the deductible; and a premium, which is the ongoing payment to maintain coverage. Since the question focuses on the amount due at the visit itself, copayment is the correct term.