1. HCPCS Level II modifier that may be used with CPT or HCPCS Level II codes indicating a specific vessel (left circumflex coronary artery) in a stent placement, balloon angioplasty, and/or atherectomy. 2. Abbreviation for low complexity. See low complexity (LC) .

Local coverage determination articles and frequently asked questions (FAQs) that appear on Medicare contractor websites that address local coverage, coding, and medical review–related billing issues.

Period of time (number of days) during which a patient is discharged temporarily from the hospital. This situation can occur when surgery cannot be scheduled right away, a surgical team is not available, or treatment is necessary after diagnostic tests but cannot begin immediately. LOA days also refers to readmission after surgery for follow-up care, when a patient does not need hospital care during the interim period. LOA requires only one bill, and one diagnosis-related group payment is made.

Individual financial account indicating charges, payments, adjustments, and balances owed for services rendered. Also called financial accounting record, financial record , or patient account ledger .

To cease working at a company. The employee may be eligible for continuation of health insurance coverage with the group or may take out an individual policy.

Prenational provider identifiers such as provider identification numbers (PINs), unique physician identification numbers (UPINs), online survey certification and reporting system numbers (OSCARs), and national supplier clearinghouse numbers (NCSs) for DMERC claims. These were carrier-assigned numbers that every facility, physician, clinic, or organization that rendered services to patients when submitting insurance claims used. These have been replaced with the National Provider Identifiers (NPIs).

Individual health insurance clause that limits the period during which a claimant may file suit against the insurer to collect a disputed claim amount. It also specifies that no lawsuit can be brought against an insurance company until a specific time period after a claim is filed.

Name reported to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that is legally the business title.