Use of a quick procedure to differentiate well persons from individuals who have a disease or a high risk of disease from those who do not have the disease.

Radiographic images taken of the breast(s) for early unsuspected detection of cancer. It usually consists of two views of each breast.

Procedure in which radiographic images (two views) are taken of the breast(s) for early unsuspected detection of cancer. Under the Medicare program, this radiological benefit was added for early detection of breast cancer and became effective January 1, 1991. No symptoms need to be present for this procedure to be covered.

Examination performed for early detection of a specific disease before symptoms develop; Medicare pays for specific routine screenings such as Pap smears, mammograms, prostate cancer screenings, and colorectal cancer screenings.

In the Medicare program, preestablished limits for certain medical services (e.g., one Papanicolaou test every 3 years). Medical necessity of the procedure must be documented.

Person who assists with the clerical aspects of patient encounters and writes what the physician dictates such as a nurse or nonphysician practitioner (e.g., premed student, physician assistant, nurse practitioner). This information may be the patient’s history, discharge summary, or any entry in the medical record. A scribe may also compile follow-up instructions for patients. The note should state, “written by XXX, acting as a scribe for Dr. XXX.” Also called medical scribe.

Concise canned responses by a receptionist to a patient’s questions delivered via telephone.