A medical provider that accepts Medicare Assignment must do what?

A medical provider that accepts Medicare Assignment is required to accept the payment determined by Medicare as full compensation for the services rendered. This means that the provider agrees to the Medicare fee schedule, which outlines the amounts payed for each type of service. By accepting Medicare Assignment, the provider is also agreeing not to charge the patient any additional fees beyond what Medicare pays, except for certain items like copayments or deductibles.

This practice ensures that beneficiaries of Medicare can receive necessary medical services without facing unexpected out-of-pocket costs beyond the agreed-upon fee schedule. It also encourages providers to participate in the Medicare program, which is essential for ensuring that a wide range of services is available to patients covered by Medicare.

Understanding this process is crucial for both providers and beneficiaries in navigating the healthcare system, especially regarding costs and expected payments.