Patient status code

Two-digit number indicating the patient’s disposition as of the ending date of service for the period of care reported on the claim being submitted (e.g., routine discharge, discharged to another facility, still a patient, expired). Patient status codes are inserted in Field 17 of the Uniform Bill (UB-04) inpatient hospital billing claim form. This information is also required for outpatient claims for Medicare billing purposes. Also see patient status and patient discharge status.

Patient’s bill of rights

Document that lists the rights of patients to assure health care quality and protect consumers and workers in the health care system. Such documents have been created by a number of professional associations (e.g., American Cancer Society, American Hospital Association, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services).

Pattern analysis

Clinical and statistical analysis of data sets. Frequently used end-stage renal dialysis (ESRD) data sets include the Program Management and Medical Information System (PMMIS), United States Renal Data System (USRDS), the core indicators, network files, and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services analytical files.

Paul vs. Virginia

A decision made by the United States Supreme Court in 1869; the court found that insurance is not considered commerce and therefore not regulated by the federal government. This ruling was reversed in 1944 by the ruling made in the Southeastern Underwriters Association case.
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The U.S. Supreme Court decision (1868) that held that insurance is not commerce; this established the authority of States to regulate insurance.