To ensure appropriate insurance coverage for an outpatient procedure, which process should be used first?

• A. Precertification
• B. Claims submission
• C. Post-approval
• D. Patient billing

Answer: (A)

Obtaining prior authorization, or precertification, is the step used to secure insurance coverage before the service is provided. This process submits the planned outpatient procedure to the payer with details on medical necessity and policy requirements, and the insurer either approves or denies coverage before the visit. Doing this first helps ensure the procedure will be covered under the patient’s plan and reduces the risk of unexpected charges or a denied claim later.

Claims submission happens after the service is performed, to request payment for what was rendered. Post-approval isn’t the standard term for the initial step of confirming coverage, and patient billing occurs after coverage decisions are made, not to secure coverage in advance.