What term describes the amount a patient owes after the insurance company has settled a claim?

The amount a patient owes after the insurance company has settled a claim is accurately described by the term "subscriber liability." This term refers specifically to the financial responsibility that a patient has towards their healthcare expenses once the insurance has processed the claim. It encompasses the remaining balance that a patient must pay, which can include various costs such as coinsurance, deductibles, or copayments, depending on the specific policy and type of services received.

In contrast, coinsurance refers to the percentage of costs that the insured is responsible for paying after the deductible has been met, while a deductible is a predetermined amount that the insured must pay out-of-pocket before the insurance coverage begins. Copayment, on the other hand, is a fixed amount that a patient pays at the time of service, typically for common visits or treatments. Each of these terms describes specific parts of the patient’s financial obligation, but "subscriber liability" provides a broader context of total responsibility after insurance adjustments.