When a physician agrees to accept Medicare assignment, what does this imply?

When a physician agrees to accept Medicare assignment, it means that they are accepting the Medicare-approved amount as full payment for their services, including any allowable fees for covered services. This commitment ensures that the physician will not charge the patient above the Medicare-approved amount, which includes not billing them for any excess charges beyond what Medicare pays.

This arrangement allows for predictable costs for patients, as they are only responsible for their portion (such as deductibles and co-insurance). It promotes accessibility to healthcare services for Medicare beneficiaries by preventing additional charges that could otherwise create a financial burden.

The other options do not accurately reflect the implications of accepting Medicare assignment. While some may suggest that there are no co-payments or increased fees, the key aspect is that the physician agrees to the set Medicare rates, ensuring that patients are not charged extra fees beyond their standard out-of-pocket costs.