Glossary of Terms

Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN) - A written notice given to a patient by a physician, provider or supplier in advance of any service that Medicare may not consider covered.

Explanation of Benefits (EOB) - A statement provided to the insured by an insurance company explaining how they processed and paid the claim.

Guarantor Number - An identifier given to the party financially responsible for receiving and paying the monthly billing statement.

Itemized Statement of Charges - This is a detail of services and charges for a specific visit.

Mayo Contracted Services - When Mayo has a contract with a specific insurance company, meaning an agreement that the insurance company will pay for certain medical services.

Medicare Advantage Plan - A plan offered by a private company that contracts with Medicare to provide a patient with all their Medicare Part A and Part B benefits. In most cases, Medicare Advantage Plans also offer Medicare prescription drug coverage. A Medicare Advantage Plan can be an HMO, PPO or a Private Fee-for-Service Plan.

Medicare Assignment - An agreement with Medicare to accept the Medicare-approved amount of payment.

Medicare Summary Notice - A statement provided to Medicare patients by Medicare explaining how a claim was processed and paid.

Monthly Billing Statement - This is the Mayo Clinic bill.

Primary Insurance Company - The insurance company with first responsibility for the payment of the claim.

Secondary Insurance Company - The insurance company responsible for processing the claim after the primary insurance determination of benefits.

Supplemental Insurance - An additional insurance policy that processes claims after Medicare has determined reimbursement.