In all the chapters the Case Studies represent situations similar to those that the medical assistant may encounter in daily practice. Students are encouraged to consider the case study as they read each chapter.

A patient has a $100 deductible that he has not met this year. He has 80% insurance coverage once the deductible is met. The charges for the initial visit today are $150.

As you read this chapter, consider the following questions:

1. How much should this patient pay?

2. How much will he owe for his next visit this year, which is expected to have a charge of $200?

3. Assuming that the patient in the case study has a managed care policy, what type of policy does he probably have?

4. What term would you use to describe the part of the payment that is based on 20% of the charges?

5. If you did not know whether the deductible had been met, what procedure would you follow?