Secondary Payer - Greenstem Clinic

Feb 11, 2019

Understanding Secondary Payer in Healthcare Billing

In the healthcare industry, understanding the concept of secondary payer is crucial for both patients and healthcare providers. Greenstem Clinic, a leader in patient care, aims to provide comprehensive information about secondary payer billing to assist patients in navigating their healthcare expenses.

What is Secondary Payer?

Secondary payer, also known as secondary insurance, refers to an insurance policy that covers a patient's medical expenses after the primary insurance has paid its share. In most cases, secondary payer comes into play when a patient has multiple insurance policies, such as through a spouse or employer.

Coordination of Benefits

Coordination of benefits is a process that determines how multiple insurance policies work together to cover healthcare expenses. Greenstem Clinic understands the complexities of coordination of benefits and provides valuable information to patients on how secondary payer fits into this process.

Benefits of Secondary Payer

Having secondary payer coverage offers several benefits for patients. It helps reduce out-of-pocket costs by covering a portion of medical expenses not covered by the primary insurance. This additional coverage can make healthcare more accessible and affordable, providing peace of mind for patients.

Secondary Payer Definitions

To fully comprehend secondary payer, it is essential to understand key definitions associated with the concept:

Primary Payer

The primary payer is the first insurance policy responsible for covering a patient's medical expenses. Common examples include employer-sponsored insurance plans or individual health insurance policies.

Explanation of Benefits (EOB)

An Explanation of Benefits is a document provided by the primary payer, explaining how they covered a patient's medical services. It outlines the payments made, any deductibles or co-pays, and the patient's responsibility for payment.

Claims

Claims refer to the requests submitted by healthcare providers to insurance companies for reimbursement of medical services provided to patients. Understanding the claims process is crucial for both providers and patients involved in secondary payer billing.

Coinsurance

Coinsurance is the percentage of medical expenses that a patient must pay out-of-pocket, even after the primary insurance has paid its share. Secondary payer can help cover a portion of the coinsurance amount, relieving the financial burden on patients.

Secondary Payer Coverage and Limitations

While secondary payer can provide additional coverage, it is important to be aware of potential limitations. These limitations can vary depending on the patient's specific insurance policies and contractual agreements. Understanding the terms and conditions of secondary payer coverage is crucial to avoid unexpected expenses.

Greenstem Clinic: Your Trusted Resource for Secondary Payer Information

At Greenstem Clinic, we strive to empower patients with the knowledge they need to navigate the complexities of secondary payer. Our expert team provides comprehensive information, answering frequently asked questions and addressing common concerns.

Contact Us for Secondary Payer Assistance

If you have any questions or concerns related to secondary payer billing or need assistance with understanding your coverage, feel free to contact Greenstem Clinic. Our dedicated staff is here to help you navigate the world of healthcare billing and ensure you have a clear understanding of your financial responsibilities.