When a practice is participating with a patient's insurance plan, what should be done if the patient owes a copay at the time of service?

When a practice is participating with a patient's insurance plan, it is important to adhere to the terms outlined by that plan, which typically indicates that a copayment is due at the time of service. Collecting only the copay is the correct approach because it aligns with the insurance agreement. The copayment is a predetermined amount that the patient is required to pay for a service, serving as their portion of the cost that the insurance does not cover.

This process ensures that the practice is compliant with the insurance contract and provides clarity to the patient about their financial responsibility at the time of the visit. It simplifies the billing process for both the practice and the patient by handling the copayment upfront, making subsequent billing for additional amounts due unnecessary at that moment.

Other options involve collecting amounts either before or after the service that could violate the agreement with the insurance provider or complicate financial interactions with the patient. This is why collecting only the copay at the time of service is the most appropriate procedure in this scenario.