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.