Which of the following best describes a fixed amount paid by a patient for a service?

A copayment, often referred to as a copay, is a specific, predetermined amount that a patient pays directly to a healthcare provider at the time of service. This amount is typically fixed and does not vary with the total cost of the service received. For example, a patient might have a copayment of $20 for a doctor's visit or $10 for a prescription medication, regardless of the overall price of the service.

In contrast, deductibles refer to the amount that a patient must pay out-of-pocket before their insurance begins to cover costs. Premiums represent the regular fee paid for health insurance coverage, and coinsurance is the share of costs a patient pays after meeting their deductible, usually expressed as a percentage of the total cost. Understanding these distinctions is vital for effectively navigating healthcare expenses and insurance billing processes.