What does an adjustment in a patient's account refer to?

An adjustment in a patient's account refers specifically to a change in balance. This can occur for various reasons, such as applying discounts, correcting billing errors, or updating charges due to changes in the patient’s coverage or payment. Adjustments are entries that alter the account balance, making them distinct from initial charges, payment confirmations, or denials of claims.

When an adjustment is made, it directly impacts the overall amount that the patient owes or the amount that has been covered by insurance. This concept is crucial in account management to ensure accurate patient billing and resolve any discrepancies that may arise over time.

In contrast, charging fees involves the initial setting of costs, a confirmed payment is a recorded transaction reflecting payment received, and a claim denial indicates that a submitted claim for insurance payment has not been accepted, which doesn't directly imply any changes to the account balance itself but rather reflects the outcome of a billing process.