Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

What is the main purpose of filing an interim claim?

1. To cover all hospital expenses

2. To request early payment for ongoing services

3. To adjust prior billing inaccuracies

4. To submit claims for purely administrative costs

The correct answer is: To request early payment for ongoing services

The main purpose of filing an interim claim is to request early payment for ongoing services. This process allows healthcare providers to receive reimbursement for services they have already provided, even while the total costs for treatment are still being incurred. Interim claims are particularly useful in situations where patients require extended care, such as in rehabilitation or long-term hospital stays, enabling providers to manage their cash flow more effectively while continuing to deliver necessary care. This approach ensures that healthcare providers are compensated in a timely manner for the services rendered up to that point, which is important for maintaining operational efficiency and financial stability in a healthcare setting. The interim claim system recognizes the reality of ongoing medical care and acknowledges the need for providers to receive payment incrementally rather than waiting for the completion of a lengthy treatment process.