Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage (ABN)

The Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage (ABN) is a document issued by healthcare providers to Medicare beneficiaries, informing them in advance of potential services or items that Medicare may not cover under specific circumstances. It serves as a notification of financial responsibility, indicating that the beneficiary may be liable for payment if Medicare denies coverage for the anticipated service. ABNs are typically provided when the provider believes Medicare is likely to deny payment due to medical necessity, coverage limitations, or other reasons. By obtaining an ABN, beneficiaries are given the opportunity to make an informed decision about whether to proceed with the service and assume financial responsibility or decline the service.