Explain the 'Explanation of Benefits'

Every time a doctor sends a medical claim to a medical insurance company or care management organization, the patient will receive an Explanation of Benefits – usually referred to as an EOB form. The exception may be some prescriptions.

Despite having “explanation” in its name, an EOB quite often confuses patients rather than explains anything; however, it is important that patients’ review each EOB they receive because neither insurance companies nor health care providers are perfect and any errors can be costly down the line.

Here is some of the information that should appear on the EOB and...