Discount (5% to 20%) offered to self-pay patients if they pay the entire fee, in cash, at the time of service. For Medicare patients, the fee must not be lower than the Medicare fee schedule for the service. Also see discount.

Process of contacting the insurer or managed care plan to verify the patient’s medical services will be covered by the insurance plan, the policy information is accurate, and the policy has not expired. Additional information may be necessary to discover the primary payer for the claim.

Portion of the medical bill that the patient is legally responsible for paying.

Collaborative endeavor spearheaded by the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA), with support from the American Hospital Association, the Medical Group Management Association, providers, and other interested parties to promote clear, concise, correct, patient-friendly financial communications.

Gives service to patients on how to create and maintain accuracy and protect privacy of their personal health records via e-health websites.

Patient’s legally obligated payment when medical services are received from a hospital, physician, or other provider.

Equipment used by a caregiver to move a patient from a bed or wheelchair using the patient’s strength or a motor.

Numbers and types of patients who receive medical services at a specific hospital or health care program (e.g., classifications by homes, socioeconomic factors, diagnoses, or severity of illnesses).

Hospital or health plan study to find out the geographical distribution of patients under various health programs. Such studies determine the effectiveness of programs or help when developing new health care services.

Members (patients) of a managed care plan who are assigned to a provider.