An Advanced Beneficiary Notice (ABN) is a written notice that a provider gives to a Medicare patient before items or services are rendered when the provider believes Medicare probably/certainly will not pay for some or all of these items or services. ABNs should only be provided to Medicare beneficiaries. The ABN allows the beneficiary to make an informed decision about whether to receive services that he may be financially responsible for paying. The ABN serves as proof the patient had knowledge prior to receiving the service that Medicare might not pay. Examples of Medicare program exclusions are:

• Routine immunizations
• Physicals
• Laboratory tests and x-rays
• Supportive devices for the feet
• Cosmetic surgery