Which of the following is not part of the claims process?

The claims process typically includes several key steps that contribute to the efficient handling and resolution of an insurance claim. Filing is the initiation of a claim, where the policyholder submits their request for coverage. Acknowledgment refers to the insurance company's recognition and confirmation of receipt of the claim, which is essential for proper tracking and communication. Evaluation involves assessing the validity of the claim, determining the extent of coverage, and estimating the loss to decide how much should be paid.

Payment, while it may seem like a fundamental aspect of claims processing, is often considered a result of the preceding steps rather than a core part of the claims process itself. It occurs after the evaluation confirms the claim's validity and the amount owed, making it more of a final outcome rather than an integral step in the actual handling of the claim. Thus, in the context of this question, payment does not represent a procedural step within the claims process but rather an end result after the evaluation and other steps have occurred.