Medicare PAR providers receive payments that are _____ than nonPAR providers.

Medicare Participating Providers, commonly referred to as PAR providers, have an agreement with Medicare to accept assignment on all Medicare claims. This means they agree to accept the Medicare-approved amount as full payment for their services, typically resulting in a more streamlined billing process and potentially reducing out-of-pocket costs for patients.

PAR providers receive payments that are 5% higher than those of non-PAR providers. This additional payment encourages providers to participate in Medicare by offering more favorable reimbursement rates, which helps ensure that Medicare beneficiaries have access to necessary medical services. Non-PAR providers, on the other hand, can balance their fees based on what they deem appropriate, leading to potentially higher costs for patients and variations in payments. Thus, the distinction in payment levels reflects the agreement between PAR providers and Medicare, which prioritizes access and affordability for beneficiaries.