Bill Patient or a Contractual Write-off?

[gus]

You bill a charge of $197.00 and the primary (Medicare) pays $88.44, writes off $86.45 and leaves a balance of $22.11.

The secondary states the allowable is 58.18 but does not make a payment or apply anything to the patient's deductible.

I was told the 58.18 should be a contractual write-off. The explanation had something to do with one allowable being higher than the other, but I haven't been able to understand it.

Please tell me what you think should be done and explain.

Thanks!

[Pay_My_Claims]

sounds like a UHC secondary plan. the patient is still responsible for his 20% 

[Michele]

Yes, it is probably a "non duplication of benefits" plan.  The patient would be responsible for the $22.11.