State-licensed physicians with privileges to admit patients for treatment and medical services. May sometimes be referred to as organized staff or medical staff .

In 1913, the year of its founding, the American College of Surgeons appointed Codman to chair a committee on hospital standardization and to establish the College’s standardization program. This endeavor represents an integral part of the College’s history because it evolved into the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals in 1951 and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations in 1987.

Doctor of medicine or osteopathy, salaried or unsalaried, under contract or arrangement who renders that service and treatment in a hospital setting rather than in an office environment.

Printed document sent by a hospital to a Medicare beneficiary when the hospital determines the medical service the patient is receiving or is about to receive is not covered due to either medical necessity, not being delivered in the appropriate setting, or being considered custodial. An HINN may be given before admission, at admission, or any time during the inpatient stay.

Physician who primarily takes care of patients when they are in the hospital. This doctor takes over the patient’s care from the primary doctor when the patient is in the hospital and keeps the primary doctor informed about the patient’s progress. The hospitalist returns the patient to the care of the primary doctor when the patient leaves the hospital.

Special telephone number (1-800-HHS-TIPS) of the national Department of Health and Human Services and Office of the Inspector General for providers and the public who are encouraged to ask questions or to report suspected fraudulent or abusive activities of anyone associated with the Medicare or Medicaid programs.

Phrase used in relation to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) that means an hour for which an employee is entitled to be paid or is paid. An hour of service can be earned while the employee is working for the employer or during the time of a vacation, holiday, illness, or other paid leave of absence.

Abbreviation for history of present illness. See history of present illness (HPI) . Also see brief history of present illness (HPI) and extended history of present illness (HPI) 1997 guidelines .