What is the purpose of a "superbill" in healthcare?

The purpose of a superbill in healthcare is to serve as a detailed invoice that outlines the services rendered to a patient during a visit. This document includes important information such as Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes, which describe the medical procedures performed, as well as International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes that represent the diagnoses. The superbill is crucial for billing purposes as it provides the necessary details that insurance companies require to process claims accurately and efficiently.

While summarizing medical history, sending appointment reminders, and collecting co-pays are important functions in healthcare practices, they do not define the primary role of a superbill. The superbill specifically focuses on the financial transaction of services provided and the associated coding for reimbursement, making it an essential tool for healthcare providers in managing claims with third-party payers.