The request for approval for payment from a third-party payer prior to a procedure is the ____.

A) coinsurance
B) elective procedure
C) preauthorization
D) predetermination
E) explanation of payment

Preauthorization

Authorization or approval for payment from a third-party payer requested in advance of a specific procedure.

Third-party Payer

An entity (usually an insurance company or government agency) that pays medical expenses on behalf of the patient.

Elective Procedure

A medical procedure that is not required to sustain life but is requested for payment to the third-party payer by the patient or physician. Some elective procedures are paid for by third-party payers, whereas others are not.