> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.thrizer.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # How to use the Instant Benefit Checker > Learn how clinicians can use Thrizer’s Instant Benefit Checker to estimate a client’s out-of-network benefits before care or billing. ## Before you start The Instant Benefit Checker helps clinicians estimate a client’s out-of-network benefits before intake, consultation, or session billing. It can be useful when you are out-of-network with a client’s insurance and want to understand what their plan may cover. Results are estimates and do not guarantee coverage, reimbursement, or final cost. ## Where do I find the Instant Benefit Checker? You can find the Benefits Checker in the Clinician Portal under the **Benefits** area. ## What information do I need? The Instant Benefit Checker asks for: * Rate * Service * Client first name * Client last name * Date of birth * Insurance company * Member ID Enter the information as accurately as possible. If the client’s insurance details do not match the insurer’s records, the benefit check may fail or return incomplete information. ## When should I use it? Use the Instant Benefit Checker when you want to estimate a client’s out-of-network benefits before starting care or billing for a session. It is commonly used before: * Intake * Consultation * Session billing * Discussing possible out-of-network costs with a client The benefit check is not required to create a charge or submit a claim, but it can help set expectations before services begin. ## What does the result mean? The result gives estimated out-of-network benefit information based on available insurer data. A benefit check can help estimate whether Thrizer has enough benefit information to support claim submission and reimbursement estimates. It does not guarantee that the insurer will approve a claim or reimburse a specific amount. Insurance determines final coverage, deductible application, reimbursement, and claim outcomes. ## What if the benefit check fails or looks incomplete? A failed or incomplete benefit check does not automatically mean the client lacks coverage. Common quick checks: * Confirm the client's name, date of birth, insurance company, and Member ID match the insurer's records. * Check whether behavioral health benefits are managed separately from general medical benefits. * Consider whether the plan recently changed or requires manual phone verification. If the automated check still does not provide enough information, manual verification may be required. See [Manual benefit checks](/help/widget/manual-benefit-checks) for the full list of reasons and what information may be needed. ## How do I request help with a benefit check? If an automated benefit check is unavailable or fails, you can request a benefit check from the Clinician Portal: **Help → Request Benefit Check** Thrizer may need additional insurance details to manually verify out-of-network benefits. ## Are Instant Benefit Checker results guaranteed? No. Instant Benefit Checker results are estimates. The insurance carrier determines final outcomes. For the full list of what a benefit check can and cannot confirm, see [What is a benefit check?](/help/payments/what-is-a-benefit-check). ## Related articles Learn what a benefit check can and cannot tell you about a client’s insurance. Understand what happens when an automated benefit check fails or needs review. Learn how the Thrizer Widget helps prospective clients estimate out-of-network benefits. Set up the public benefit-checking widget for your practice. Learn why benefit estimates may differ from the final insurer-determined outcome.