Is a patient's signature required for assigned claims submitted by a provider?

For assigned claims submitted by a provider, a patient's signature is not required. When a provider accepts assignment, they agree to accept the Medicare-approved amount as full payment for covered services. The signature is not necessary for the claim processing since the provider is directly responsible for the claim and payment. This means that the responsibility for the authorization and claim submission lies with the provider rather than requiring explicit consent from the patient each time, as the provider's acceptance of the assignment reflects that agreement.

The other choices suggest circumstances where a patient's signature might be needed, but that does not align with the guidelines for claims where the provider has accepted assignment. This key understanding is crucial for ensuring that claims processing is efficient and complies with regulations.