PAR Study Guide 2026

Empathy is the cognitive and emotional ability to understand what another person is experiencing from their point of view. In healthcare, it is a critical skill for building trust, improving patient satisfaction, and fostering positive relationships.

Bad debt represents balances from patients who were expected to pay but did not, distinguishing it from charity care where patients lacked the means to pay.

The Stark Law prohibits physician self-referrals for designated health services (DHS) — including lab, imaging, and PT — to entities where the physician has a financial relationship, unless an exception applies.

EMTALA requires a medical screening exam and stabilizing treatment for all individuals presenting to the ED, including unaccompanied minors, due to the emergency exception to consent.

Verifying authorization in the system ensures PHI is only shared with individuals the patient has designated, per HIPAA requirements.

Pre-arrival coordination is critical for the financial health of the organization. Verifying insurance eligibility and benefits, and securing any required pre-authorizations or referrals before the service is rendered, are essential steps to ensure the claim will be paid. This proactive work prevents claim denials and reduces the need for costly rework after the visit.