Patient Financial Services & Collections Flashcards
6 cards from real AAPC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Patient Financial Services & Collections flashcards as text
What is the primary role of a patient financial counselor?
Answer: To help patients understand their financial obligations and available assistance options
A patient financial counselor educates patients about their bills, insurance benefits, payment plan options, and financial assistance programs.
What is a payment plan in the context of patient billing?
Answer: An arrangement allowing a patient to pay their balance in installments over time
A payment plan allows patients to pay their outstanding balance over a set period in agreed-upon installments rather than in one lump sum.
In healthcare billing, what does 'bad debt' refer to?
Answer: Patient balances that have been deemed uncollectible after collection efforts
Bad debt represents patient account balances that the practice has been unable to collect after reasonable efforts and are written off as a loss.
What is a sliding fee scale used for in healthcare?
Answer: Setting patient fees based on income and ability to pay
A sliding fee scale reduces patient charges proportionally based on the patient's income level, commonly used in federally qualified health centers.
What is a charity care program?
Answer: A policy providing free or reduced-cost care to patients who cannot afford their bills
Charity care programs help patients who meet financial eligibility criteria receive healthcare services at reduced or no cost.
What is a co-pay in health insurance?
Answer: A fixed dollar amount a patient pays for a covered healthcare service at the time of visit
A co-pay is a fixed out-of-pocket amount paid by the patient for a specific service, such as $30 for a primary care visit.