What is a "superbill" in medical billing?

A superbill serves as a detailed invoice that lists the services rendered during a patient visit. It is a crucial document in the medical billing process as it helps to facilitate the billing and coding of healthcare services provided to a patient. The superbill typically includes not only the services performed but also relevant diagnosis codes, procedure codes (CPT codes), and sometimes the pricing for each service.

This document is essential for several reasons: it aids healthcare providers in accurately reporting the services they have provided to patients, helps in the proper coding for insurance claims, and streamlines the billing process between the healthcare facility and insurance companies. It is a comprehensive tool that ensures that all services delivered in a clinical setting during a visit are noted and can be efficiently billed.

In contrast to the other options presented, a superbill is distinctly focused on billing aspects, whereas records of patient prescriptions, summaries of medical histories, and documents for referrals serve different purposes in the patient care continuum. The superbill’s role in coding and billing makes it an indispensable asset for billing and coding specialists.