Discussion between the physician and a patient, family, or both concerning the diagnosis, recommended studies or tests, treatment options, risks, benefits of treatment, patient and family education, and so on. See also E/M counseling and psychiatric counseling.

Person who assists the patient by obtaining information and identifying the amount that health insurance pays for a specific medical service and determines the amount the patient is responsible for paying. Also known as patient account representative or patient service representative .

Blank check in which the name of the bank and account number is filled in with ink or typed by the maker.

Proposal that is slightly changed in response to an original offering that was not satisfactory.

County program for medical services in the Medi-Cal program.

Credit entry posted to a patient’s account for a debt that has been determined to be uncollectible. In the Medicare program, the difference between the amount charged and the approved amount.