When visiting a healthcare provider—especially one who is out-of-network—it’s common to hear terms like superbill and receipt tossed around. While both documents serve as records of your visit, they have very different purposes, especially when it comes to insurance reimbursement. Understanding the difference can save you time, confusion, and even money.
What Is a Superbill?
A superbill is a detailed invoice created by a healthcare provider that outlines the services rendered during your visit. While it might include details of your payment, it’s also a document you can submit to your health insurance company to request reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses.
A superbill typically includes:
- Provider information (name, NPI number, address)
- Patient details
- Date of service
- CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) codes for services provided
- ICD-10 diagnosis codes
- The cost of each service
- Record of payment for the service(s)
Think of the superbill as a bridge between your provider, you and your insurance company—it contains a summary of your encounter with your provider, what you paid, and the clinical and billing information insurers need to process your claim.
What Is a Receipt?
A receipt, on the other hand, is a proof of payment. It shows that you paid your provider for the visit or services received. A standard receipt may include:
- Provider and patient names
- Date of payment
- Amount paid
- Payment method (e.g., credit card, cash)
- A brief description of the service
Receipts are useful for your own records, tax deductions (such as for HSA/FSA reimbursement), or for confirming that a transaction occurred—but they typically don’t have the detailed medical and coding information required by insurers so you likely will not be able to use a receipt for insurance reimbursement.
Why the Distinction Matters
If you're trying to get reimbursed by your insurance for an out-of-network visit, submitting just a receipt usually is not enough. Most insurers require a superbill because it contains diagnostic and procedural codes they use to evaluate your claim.
If you submit a receipt instead of a superbill, your claim might be denied or delayed. That’s why it’s important to ask your provider for a superbill specifically if you're planning to seek reimbursement.
When You Need Each
Final Thoughts
In short, a superbill is for insurance; a receipt is for your records only. If you’re working with out-of-network providers or planning to file your own insurance claims, always ask for a superbill. It’s the key document that will help you get reimbursed for the care you’ve already paid for.
OptiMantra simplifies this entire process for both providers and patients. With just a few clicks, providers can generate fully coded, insurance-ready superbills and receipts—no extra systems or paperwork needed. Whether you're running a wellness clinic, functional medicine practice, or spa offering clinical services, OptiMantra helps ensure your patients have everything they need for smooth reimbursement and documentation.
Learn more or start a free trial today to see how OptiMantra can streamline your practice’s documentation and billing workflows.
