1. Certification by a provider to an insurance carrier that a medical service or procedure is medically necessary because of the patient’s condition. 2. Form required by Medicare that allows the patient to use certain durable medical equipment prescribed by a physician or one of the physician’s staff. 3. In Medicare fraud, to complete a CMN for patients not personally and professionally known by the physician.

Document that is required for an independent medical expert to review a patient’s medical record and certify that a claim has merit before a formal medical liability lawsuit is filed.

Document of approval issued by a state or government agency that legally allows an organization or health care institution to construct or modify a health care facility, incur a major capital expenditure, obtain expensive medical equipment, or offer a new or different health service. An investigation is done before receiving the CON to make sure the facility or service meets the needs of those for whom it is intended. Also referred to as planning approval.

Document issued to a laboratory to perform only waived tests. These are simple examinations or procedures that use methodologies that are so easy and accurate that the likelihood of erroneous results is negligible and poses no reasonable risk of harm to the patient if the test is performed incorrectly.

Amendment or supplement to the certificate of insurance.