Pre-certification and concurrent review differ in that pre-certification occurs before what?

• A. Occurs after the treatment is provided
• B. Is a component of billing
• C. Occurs before the treatment is provided
• D. Has no impact on care decisions

Answer: (C)

Pre-certification is a pre-authorization step where the insurer reviews and approves the proposed treatment before it happens. This ensures the planned service is covered and medically necessary, so the care can proceed with that assurance. Because it happens prior to any treatment, it’s distinct from reviews that occur during care. Concurrent review, by contrast, occurs while the patient is receiving treatment to decide whether continued care is still appropriate and necessary. The other options don’t fit because pre-certification is not something that happens after treatment, it isn’t simply a billing component, and it does influence care decisions by confirming coverage and necessity before services begin.