PAR Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield PAR facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which of the following is the most significant risk associated with creating a duplicate medical record in the Master Patient Index (MPI)? → It can negatively impact patient safety due to a fragmented health history.
2. What is considered a HIPAA violation? → Discussing a patient’s condition publicly
3. A colleague handles a patient complaint poorly in front of you. What is the MOST appropriate response? → Speak with your supervisor privately to report the incident
4. A breach notification under HIPAA must be sent to affected individuals within how many days of discovering the breach? → 60 days
5. Which Medicare Advantage plan type allows enrollees to see out-of-network providers but at a higher cost-sharing? → PPO
6. Which of the following identifies the correct order for verifying patient identity during registration? → Ask for at least two patient identifiers such as name and date of birth
7. A patient signs an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) form at registration. What does this authorize? → Direct payment of insurance benefits to the healthcare provider rather than to the patient
8. Which identifier is used to uniquely identify a patient across all encounters within a healthcare system? → Medical Record Number (MRN)
9. What is the purpose of a remittance advice (RA)? → To explain how a claim was processed and what the payer paid
10. A patient's insurance card shows 'HMO.' What referral requirement should the PAR communicate to the patient? → A referral from the primary care physician is typically required to see a specialist
11. A patient presents with a workers' compensation injury. Which payer should be billed first? → Workers' compensation as the primary payer
12. Which federal program provides health coverage for low-income individuals and families and is jointly funded by federal and state governments? → Medicaid
13. Which statement BEST reflects a patient-centered communication approach? → 'I want to make sure we have everything we need so you can focus on your care today.'
14. What is the primary purpose of obtaining a Reference Number during a phone-based insurance verification? → To document the call for auditing and dispute purposes if the claim is later denied
15. A payer's authorization department requests a 'peer-to-peer' review. Who typically participates in this review? → The ordering physician and the payer's medical director
16. A patient who is a minor presents to the ED without a parent or guardian. Under EMTALA, the hospital should: → Provide a medical screening examination and stabilizing treatment as necessary
17. Why is logging out of systems important? → To protect PHI from unauthorized access
18. Why is body language important in communication? → It reinforces spoken communication
19. An established patient's address has changed since their last visit. When should this information be updated in the system? → At the current visit, after verifying the new address with the patient
20. A Business Associate Agreement (BAA) is required under HIPAA when: → A covered entity shares PHI with a vendor who performs services on its behalf
21. A patient registration form typically includes all of the following sections EXCEPT: → Detailed clinical findings from previous doctors.
22. The False Claims Act imposes liability on individuals or companies that knowingly submit which of the following to federal healthcare programs? → False or fraudulent claims for reimbursement
23. Which of the following demonstrates the use of active listening during a patient registration interview? → Paraphrasing the patient's insurance concerns to confirm understanding.
24. Under HIPAA, psychotherapy notes receive special protection. Which of the following actions requires a patient's specific written authorization? → Both B and C
25. Which federal law requires most employer-sponsored group health plans to offer COBRA continuation coverage after a qualifying event? → The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act
26. Which of the following is a primary benefit of implementing an automated appointment reminder system as part of the scheduling process? → It reduces the rate of patient no-shows and last-minute cancellations.
27. When verifying a patient's TRICARE coverage, which unique piece of information is typically required that differs from commercial insurance verification? → The sponsor's military service branch and ID number
28. What does 'timely filing' refer to in medical billing? → The deadline by which a claim must be submitted to the payer after the date of service
29. A patient calls to complain that their insurance claim was denied and they blame the registration staff. What is the MOST professional response? → Apologize on behalf of the facility and offer to review their account for accuracy
30. In the context of scheduling, what does 'slot utilization rate' measure? → The proportion of available appointment slots that are actually filled