What is the amount a physician or supplier bills for a particular service or supply referred to as?

The amount that a physician or supplier bills for a particular service or supply is referred to as the actual charge. This term specifically denotes the set amount that a healthcare provider determines and communicates for their services.

Understanding this concept is essential because it differentiates the actual charge from other terms that may indicate different aspects of healthcare billing. For instance, "standard charge" may imply a baseline rate that is generally expected or established, but it may not reflect the specific amount billed in a given situation. Similarly, "billing amount" is a more generic term that could be interpreted in multiple ways depending on the context of the billing process, and "aggregate charge" is typically used to describe a total amount for a group of services rather than for individual services. Thus, "actual charge" is the clear and precise term that directly addresses the amount billed for a particular service or supply.