American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practice Exam

What should a healthcare provider do when a patient is in emergency care and unable to sign an ABN?

1. Document the refusal for the ABN

2. Provide care without further documentation

3. Reschedule the necessary procedures

4. Inform the patient about the ABN after stabilization

The correct answer is: Provide care without further documentation

In emergency situations where a patient is unable to sign an Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN) because they might be incapacitated or in a critical state, the primary concern is to provide immediate medical care. This choice reflects the ethical and legal obligation of healthcare providers to prioritize the patient's health and safety above administrative procedures. Providing care without further documentation allows the healthcare provider to act swiftly in life-threatening situations where any delay could worsen the patient's condition. Emergency care is designed to stabilize the patient first; once they are stable, there is time to address necessary documentation and notifications regarding insurance and payment responsibilities. In such cases, while documentation is important in routine scenarios to protect both the patient and the provider's interests, it must also be balanced with the urgent need for treatment. After stabilization, it can then be appropriate to address the ABN and inform the patient as required.