What is the purpose of the MSP questionnaire?

The purpose of the Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) questionnaire is to determine whether Medicare or another source, such as an employer group health plan, is the primary payer responsible for paying a patient's medical claims. This is crucial because it helps ensure that claims are filed correctly, which can affect the reimbursement process and ultimately ensure that patients receive the coverage they are entitled to without unnecessary delays.

When assessing which insurance plan is primary, the MSP questionnaire gathers specific information about the patient's health coverage, including details about other insurance policies that may cover their medical expenses. Understanding this hierarchy of insurance is critical for healthcare providers to coordinate benefits effectively, thereby reducing unnecessary costs, avoiding claim denials, and ensuring patients are billed correctly. This comprehensive approach to managing healthcare costs ensures high-quality care for patients while maximally utilizing available resources.