What must a dental hygienist provide upon patient request regarding their treatment?

A dental hygienist must provide an itemized bill detailing the services provided upon the patient's request. This requirement is rooted in the principle of transparency in healthcare, ensuring that patients fully understand what services they received and the associated costs. An itemized bill breaks down each service offered, along with any applicable fees, allowing patients to see exactly what they are being charged for, which helps them make informed decisions regarding their dental care and finances.

Patients have a right to this information as part of their overall rights to understand their treatment and its costs, and it is an important part of maintaining trust between the healthcare provider and the patient. This is especially significant in the context of insurance claims and personal budgeting for healthcare expenses. Providing an itemized bill also aids in clarifying any discrepancies in billing that may arise later.

In contrast, while a verbal summary of services or a written statement of qualifications can be valuable, they do not fulfill this specific requirement regarding billing clarity and detail. A report to the insurance company is typically not provided directly to the patient but is a function of the dental practice or the insurance provider.