Study of the characteristics, causes, and effects of disease, as observed in the structure and function of the body. Also see clinical pathology.
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It is the study of deranged physiologic functions (disease states) of the human body.
Tag: USA
Pathology and laboratory section
Division of the CPT code book that contains information about pathology and laboratory tests.
Patient (pt)
Person under treatment or care by a physician or surgeon or in a hospital.
Patient account ledger
See: Account, Financial Accounting Statement, ledger, or ledger card.
Patient account number
Number with or without an alpha given to each patient’s health and financial records for internal identification by the provider of health care. See also patient’s account number.
Patient account representative
See: insurance counselor.
Patient accounting system
Software program for posting charges for medical services rendered to patients, sending bills, tracking amounts owed, and compiling accounts to show outstanding bills.
Patient acuity
Measurement of the intensity of care needed for a patient that is based on six categories from minimal care (I) to intensive care (VI).
Patient advocate
1. Hospital employee whose job is to speak on a patient’s behalf and help patients get any information or services they need. 2. Individual who assists patients with understanding the changes being made by the facility to protect their confidential information.
Patient control number
Alphabetic and/or numeric identifier that is used in an internal medical office system or hospital facility to quickly locate a patient’s financial account and medical records.