CBCS Study Guide 2026

'-Ology' means the study of, as in cardiology (study of the heart) or dermatology (study of the skin).

An audit trail records all accesses, modifications, and transactions within an EHR to support security and compliance monitoring.

A clean claim is one that contains all required information and can be adjudicated by the payer without needing additional information from the provider.

In an indemnity health insurance plan, also known as a fee-for-service plan, the patient typically pays the healthcare provider directly for services rendered. The patient then submits a claim to their insurance company for reimbursement. This model offers more flexibility in choosing providers but places the initial financial burden on the patient.

Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) is the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus, commonly documented in billing for gastroenterology visits.

Patient confidentiality, mandated by HIPAA, means that protected health information (PHI) cannot be disclosed without the patient's explicit authorization. Sharing a patient's health information with a family member without their consent constitutes a breach because it violates the patient's right to privacy. Authorized personnel and legitimate billing or de-identified research purposes are permissible under specific guidelines.