Wiki Primary vs Secondary Allowables

[DeniseA]

If someone can please answer this for me:

If a primary insurance has a higher allowable than the secondary insurance, can we bill the patient the difference?

The primary allowable is almost twice as much as the secondary allowable. Both insurances are commercial payers.

Thanks!

 

[scarrel]

You can only charge patient up to the lowest allowable.

 

[bonn715]

I believe you can if you are not contracted with the second payor. not contracted, so you did not agree to adust to their allowable.
if you are contracted with both you have to go with the secondary's lower amt