EOB
Also written as: EOB — Explanation of Benefits
A statement issued by a dental insurer detailing the services billed, amounts allowed, and patient financial responsibility following a claim.
Full Definition
An Explanation of Benefits (EOB) is a document sent by a dental insurance carrier to both the dental practice and the patient after a claim has been processed. It itemises each procedure billed (by CDT code), the fee submitted, the plan's allowed amount, any adjustments, the amount paid to the provider, and the patient's remaining balance. EOBs are not invoices but are frequently confused with them in patient-facing communications. Editors working on dental billing correspondence or patient education materials must ensure that the term 'EOB' is not conflated with 'invoice' or 'bill.' The format and terminology within EOBs vary by insurer, so editors should not standardise insurer-specific language without guidance.
Usage
Usage note: Spell out on first use in patient-facing documents; the abbreviation may stand alone in clinical billing contexts where the audience is familiar.
In Context
- "The front-desk coordinator attached the EOB to the patient's account to clarify the outstanding balance." — Billing correspondence
- "The patient newsletter reminded readers that an EOB is not a bill and requires no immediate payment." — Patient education material