A patient's ledger shows a list of dates, services provided, charges, and payments made. After posting a recent payment, the medical assistant notices that the total amount of payments exceeds the total charges for services rendered. In accounting terms, what does this situation indicate about the patient's account?
When the total payments exceed the total amount of charges in a patient's account, it means there is a credit balance. This surplus indicates that the patient has overpaid or that adjustments in the billing have led to a balance that is in favor of the patient. The patient may be eligible for a refund or can use the credit toward future services. A debit balance would suggest the patient owes money to the practice. Accounts receivable and accounts payable are not specific balances on an individual patient's account; they represent the business's overall balance of incoming and outgoing payments respectively.
Ask Bash
Bash is our AI bot, trained to help you pass your exam. AI Generated Content may display inaccurate information, always double-check anything important.
What is a credit balance in accounting terms?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
How is a debit balance different from a credit balance in a patient account?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
What is the difference between accounts receivable and a patient's account balance?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
AAMA CMA
Administrative
Your Score:
Report Issue
Bash, the Crucial Exams Chat Bot
AI Bot
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Pass with Confidence.
Nursing and Medical Assistants Package
You have hit the limits of our free tier, become a Premium Member today for unlimited access.
Military, Healthcare worker, Gov. employee or Teacher? See if you qualify for a Community Discount.
Monthly
$9.99
$9.99/mo
Billed monthly, Cancel any time.
3 Month Pass
$14.99
$4.99/mo
One time purchase of $14.99, Does not auto-renew.
BEST DEAL
Lifetime Pass
$29.99
One time purchase, Good for life.
What You Get
All Nursing and Medical Assistants Package plans include the following perks and exams .