A patient has requested a copy of the remittance advice for a claim. What action should the specialist take?

The appropriate action for the billing and coding specialist when a patient requests a copy of the remittance advice is to remove all information other than what pertains to the patient before sending it. This is essential for maintaining patient privacy and confidentiality, as remittance advices often contain sensitive information about other patients and detailed financial arrangements that are not relevant to the individual making the request.

By sending only the patient-specific information, the specialist ensures compliance with regulations like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which governs the sharing of patient information. This approach protects the patient's rights while still providing the necessary information related to their claim.

Thus, maintaining confidentiality while fulfilling the patient's request is fundamental to the role of a billing and coding specialist.