When might a co-payment be required?

A co-payment is typically required at the time of service, serving as a fixed fee that a patient pays for a specific healthcare service at the time of their visit. This fee is established by the patient's health insurance plan and is usually due either before the healthcare provider delivers the service or when the patient arrives for their appointment.

Requiring the co-payment before any healthcare service is provided is a standard practice, as it ensures that the payment is collected upfront, thus reducing the risk of non-payment. This approach allows healthcare providers to manage their cash flow effectively and ensures that both parties are clear on the financial responsibilities associated with the healthcare service being provided.

The other scenarios do not fit the common practice surrounding co-payments. For example, collecting payments after treatment could lead to issues with payment compliance, and service cost thresholds or annual policy renewals do not typically dictate the immediate payment of co-pays.