What is referred to as "self-pay" in patient billing?

"Self-pay" in patient billing refers to the situation where a patient pays for healthcare services directly out of their own pocket, without any assistance from insurance. This means that the patient is responsible for covering the entire cost of their care at the time of service or after receiving the bill. This option accurately captures the concept of self-pay as it emphasizes the patient's financial responsibility independently of insurance coverage.

The other options describe different scenarios that do not align with the definition of self-pay. For example, using insurance to cover costs indicates that the patient is not self-paying since insurance is covering the expenses. Delaying payment until insurance is confirmed suggests a reliance on insurance rather than an outright self-payment. Lastly, when healthcare providers cover the costs of their patients, it implies a financial support system that does not involve the patient paying for their own services.