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Healthcare Insurance Terminology and Concepts, Exams of Nursing

A comprehensive overview of key terminology and concepts related to healthcare insurance. It covers a wide range of topics, including claims, coordination of benefits, discounted fee-for-service, eligibility, first dollar coverage, gatekeeping, health plans, indemnity insurance, medically necessary, out-of-area benefits, out-of-pocket payments, pre-admission review, pre-existing condition limitations, same-day admission, self-insured, subrogation, subscribers, sub-specialists, third-party administrators, third-party reimbursement, usual, customary, and reasonable (ucr) charges, and utilization review. Clear definitions and explanations for each term, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the complex world of healthcare insurance. Whether you are a healthcare professional, an insurance provider, or a patient, this document can help you navigate the intricacies of the healthcare system and make informed decisions about your coverage and care.

Typology: Exams

2023/2024

Available from 07/31/2024

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Download Healthcare Insurance Terminology and Concepts and more Exams Nursing in PDF only on Docsity! CRCR EXAM MULTIPLE CHOICE, CRCR Exam Prep, Certified Revenue Cycle Representative - CRCR 2023 What are collection agency fees based on? - CORRECT ANSWERSA percentage of dollars collected Self-funded benefit plans may choose to coordinate benefits using the gender rule or what other rule? - CORRECT ANSWERSBirthday In what type of payment methodology is a lump sum or bundled payment negotiated between the payer and some or all providers? - CORRECT ANSWERSCase rates What customer service improvements might improve the patient accounts department? - CORRECT ANSWERSHolding staff accountable for customer service during performance reviews What is an ABN (Advance Beneficiary Notice of Non-coverage) required to do? - CORRECT ANSWERSInform a Medicare beneficiary that Medicare may not pay for the order or service What type of account adjustment results from the patient's unwillingness to pay for a self-pay balance? - CORRECT ANSWERSBad debt adjustment What is the initial hospice benefit? - CORRECT ANSWERSTwo 90-day periods and an unlimited number of subsequent periods When does a hospital add ambulance charges to the Medicare inpatient claim? - CORRECT ANSWERSIf the patient requires ambulance transportation to a skilled nursing facility How should a provider resolve a late-charge credit posted after an account is billed? - CORRECT ANSWERSPost a late-charge adjustment to the account an increase in the dollars aged greater than 90 days from date of service indicate what about accounts - CORRECT ANSWERSThey are not being processed in a timely manner What is an advantage of a preregistration program? - CORRECT ANSWERSIt reduces processing times at the time of service What are the two statutory exclusions from hospice coverage? - CORRECT ANSWERSMedically unnecessary services and custodial care What core financial activities are resolved within patient access? - CORRECT ANSWERSScheduling, insurance verification, discharge processing, and payment of point-of-service receipts What statement applies to the scheduled outpatient? - CORRECT ANSWERSThe services do not involve an overnight stay How is a mis-posted contractual allowance resolved? - CORRECT ANSWERSComparing the contract reimbursement rates with the contract on the admittance advice to identify the correct amount What type of patient status is used to evaluate the patient's need for inpatient care? - CORRECT ANSWERSObservation Coverage rules for Medicare beneficiaries receiving skilled nursing care require that the beneficiary has received what? - CORRECT ANSWERSMedically necessary inpatient hospital services for at least 3 consecutive days before the skilled nursing care admission When is the word "SAME" entered on the CMS 1500 billing form in Field 0$? - CORRECT ANSWERSWhen the patient is the insured What are non-emergency patients who come for service without prior notification to the provider called? - CORRECT ANSWERSUnscheduled patients What results from a denied claim? - CORRECT ANSWERSThe provider incurs rework and appeal costs Why does the financial counselor need pricing for services? - CORRECT ANSWERSTo calculate the patient's financial responsibility What type of provider bills third-party payers using CMS 1500 form - CORRECT ANSWERSHospital-based mammography centers How are disputes with nongovernmental payers resolved? - CORRECT ANSWERSAppeal conditions specified in the individual payer's contract The important message from Medicare provides beneficiaries with information concerning what? - CORRECT ANSWERSRight to appeal a discharge decision if the patient disagrees with the services Why do managed care plans have agreements with hospitals, physicians, and other healthcare providers to offer a range of services to plan members? - CORRECT ANSWERSTo improve access to quality healthcare If a patient remains an inpatient of an SNF (skilled nursing facility for more than 30 days, what is the SNF permitted to do? - CORRECT ANSWERSSubmit interim bills to the Medicare program. 90. MSP (Medicare Secondary Payer) rules allow providers to bill Medicare for liability claims after what happens? - CORRECT ANSWERS120 days passes, but the claim then be withdrawn from the liability carrier What data are required to establish a new MPI entry? - CORRECT ANSWERSThe patient's full legal name, date of birth, and sex What should the provider do if both of the patient's insurance plans pay as primary? - CORRECT ANSWERSDetermine the correct payer and notify the incorrect payer of the processing error What do EMTALA regulations require on-call physicians to do? - CORRECT ANSWERSPersonally appear in the emergency department and attend to the patient within a reasonable time At the end of each shift, what must happen to cash, checks, and credit card transaction documents? - CORRECT ANSWERSThey must be balanced What will cause a CMS 1500 claim to be rejected? - CORRECT ANSWERSThe provider is billing with a future date of service Under Medicare regulations, which of the following is not included on a valid physician's order for services? - CORRECT ANSWERSThe cost of the test how are HCPCS codes and the appropriate modifiers used? - CORRECT ANSWERSTo report the level 1, 2, or 3 code that correctly describes the service provided If a Medicare patient is admitted on Friday, what services fall within the three-day DRG window rule? - CORRECT ANSWERSDiagnostic and clinically-related non- diagnostic charges provided on the Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday before admission What is a benefit of pre-registering patient's for service? - CORRECT ANSWERSPatient arrival processing is expedited, reducing wait times and delays What is a characteristic of a managed contracting methodology? - CORRECT ANSWERSProspectively set rates for inpatient and outpatient services What do the MSP disability rules require? - CORRECT ANSWERSThat the patient's spouse's employer must have less than 20 employees in the group health plan what organization originated the concept of insuring prepaid health care services? - CORRECT ANSWERSBlue Cross and blue Shield What is true about screening a beneficiary for possible MSP situations? - CORRECT ANSWERSIt is acceptable to complete the screening form after the patient has completed the registration process and been sent to the service department If the patient cannot agree to payment arrangements, what is the next option? - CORRECT ANSWERSWarn the patient that unpaid accounts are placed with collection agencies for further processing In services lines such as cardiology or orthopedics, what does the case-rate payment methodology allow providers to do? - CORRECT ANSWERSReceive a fixed for specific procedures What will comprehensive patient access processing accomplish? - CORRECT ANSWERSMinimize the need for follow-up on insurance accounts Through what document does a hospital establish compliance standards? - CORRECT ANSWERSCode of conduct How does utilization review staff use correct insurance information? - CORRECT ANSWERSTo obtain approval for inpatient days and coordinate services When is it not appropriate to use observation status? - CORRECT ANSWERSAs a substitute for an inpatient admission What is a serious consequence of misidentifying a patient in the MPI? - CORRECT ANSWERSThe services will be documented in the wrong record When a patient reports directly to a clinical department for service, what will the clinical department staff do? - CORRECT ANSWERSRedirect the patient to the patient access department for registration What process can be used to shorten claim turnaround time? - CORRECT ANSWERSSend high-dollar hard-copy claims with required attachments by overnight mail or registered mail How are patient reminder calls used? - CORRECT ANSWERSTo make sure the patient follows the prep instructions and arrives at the scheduled time for service If a patient declares a straight bankruptcy, what must the provider do? - CORRECT ANSWERSWrite off the account to the contractual adjustment account What statement describes the APC (Ambulatory payment classification) system? - CORRECT ANSWERSAPC rates are calculated on a national basis and are wage- adjusted by geographic region What is a benefit of insurance verification? - CORRECT ANSWERSPre-certification or pre-authorization requirements are confirmed What is an effective tool to help staff collect payments at the time of service? - CORRECT ANSWERSDevelop scripts for the process of requesting payments What is a benefit of electronic claims processing? - CORRECT ANSWERSProviders can electronically view patient's eligibility What does Medicare Part D provide coverage for? - CORRECT ANSWERSPrescription drugs What are some core elements of a board-approved financial policy - CORRECT ANSWERSCharity care, payment methods, and installment payment guidelines What circumstance would result in an incorrect nightly room charge? - CORRECT ANSWERSIf the patient's discharge, ordered for tomorrow, has not been charted What is NOT a typical charge master problem that can result in a denial? - CORRECT ANSWERSDoes not include required modifiers Access - CORRECT ANSWERSAn individual's ability to obtain medical services on a timely and financially acceptable level Administrative Services Only (ASO) - CORRECT ANSWERSUsually contracted administrative services to a self-insured health plan Case management - CORRECT ANSWERSThe process whereby all health-related components of a case are managed by a designated health professional. Intended to ensure continuity of healthcare accessibility and services Claim - CORRECT ANSWERSA demand by an insured person for the benefits provided by the group contract Coordination of benefits (COB) - CORRECT ANSWERSa typical insurance provision that determines the responsibility for primary payment when the patient is covered by more than one employer-sponsored health benefit program Discounted fee-for-service - CORRECT ANSWERSA reimbursement methodology whereby a provider agrees to provide service on a fee for service basis, but the fees are discounted by certain packages Eligibility - CORRECT ANSWERSPatient status regarding coverage for healthcare insurance benefits First dollar coverage - CORRECT ANSWERSA healthcare insurance policy that has no deductible and covers the first dollar of an insured's expenses Gatekeeping - CORRECT ANSWERSA concept wherein the primary care physician provides all primary patient care and coordinates all diagnostic testing and specialty referrals required for a patient's medical care Health plan - CORRECT ANSWERSan insurance company that provides for the delivery or payment of healthcare services Indemnity insurance - CORRECT ANSWERSnegotiated healthcare coverage within a framework of fee schedules, limitations, and exclusions that is offered by insurance companies or benevolent associations Medically necessary - CORRECT ANSWERSHealthcare services that are required to preserve or maintain a person's health status in accordance with medical practice standards Out-of-area benefits - CORRECT ANSWERShealthcare plan coverage allowed to covered persons for emergency situations outside of the prescribed geographic area of the HMO Out-of-pocket payments - CORRECT ANSWERSCash payments made by the insured for services not covered by the health insurance plan Pre-admission review - CORRECT ANSWERSthe practice of reviewing requests for inpatient admission before the patient is admitted to ensure that the admission is medically necesary Pre-existing condition limitation - CORRECT ANSWERSA restriction on payments for charges directly resulting from a pre-existing health conditions Same-day admission - CORRECT ANSWERSA cost containment practice that reduces a surgical patient's inpatient stay by requiring that pre-procedure testing and preparation are completed on an outpatient basis and the patient is admitted the same day as the procedure Self-insured - CORRECT ANSWERSLarge employers who assume direct responsibility or risk for paying employees' healthcare without purchasing health insurance Subrogation - CORRECT ANSWERSSeeking, by legal or administrative means, reimbursement from another party that is primarily responsible for a patient's medical expenses Subscriber - CORRECT ANSWERSAn employer, a union, or an association that contracts with an insurance company for the healthcare plan it offers to eligible employees Sub-specialist - CORRECT ANSWERSA healthcare professional who is recognized to have expertise in a specialty of medicine or surgery Third-part administrator (TPA) - CORRECT ANSWERSProvides services to employers or insurance companies for utilization review, claims payment and benefit design Third-party reimbursement - CORRECT ANSWERSA general term used for the healthcare benefit payments - used to identify that for benefit plans there are three parties in the transaction The OIG has issued compliance guidance/model compliance plans for all of the following entities: - CORRECT ANSWERShospices. physician practices. ambulance providers Providers who are found to be in violation of CMS regulations are subject to: - CORRECT ANSWERSCorporate integrity agreements What MSP situation requires LGHP - CORRECT ANSWERSDisability The disadvantages of outsourcing include all of the following EXCEPT: a) The impact of customer service or patient relations b) The impact of loss of direct control of accounts receivable services c) Increased costs due to vendor ineffectiveness d) Reduced internal staffing costs and a reliance on outsourced staff - CORRECT ANSWERSD The Medicare fee-for service appeal process for both beneficiaries and providers includes all of the following levels EXCEPT: a) Medical necessity review by an independent physician's panel b) Judicial review by a federal district court c) Redetermination by the company that handles claims for Medicare d) Review by the Medicare Appeals Council (Appeals Council) - CORRECT ANSWERSB Business ethics, or organizational ethics represent: a) The principles and standards by which organizations operate b) Regulations that must be followed by law c) Definitions of appropriate customer service d) The code of acceptable conduct - CORRECT ANSWERSA A portion of the accounts receivable inventory which has NOT qualified for billing includes: a) Charitable pledges b) Accounts created during pre-registration but not activated c) Accounts coded but held within the suspense period d) Accounts assigned to a pre-collection agency - CORRECT ANSWERSA Local Coverage Determinations (LCD) and National Coverage Determinations (NCD) are Medicare established guideline(s) used to determine: a) Medicare and Medicaid provider eligibility b) Medicare outpatient reimbursement rates c) Which diagnoses, signs, or symptoms are reimbursable d) What Medicare reimburses and what should be referred to Medicaid - CORRECT ANSWERSC Days in A/R is calculated based on the value of: a) The total accounts receivable on a specific date b) Total anticipated revenue minus expenses c) The time it takes to collect anticipated revenue d) Total cash received to date - CORRECT ANSWERSC Patients are contacting hospitals to proactively inquire about costs and fees prior to agreeing to service. The problem for hospitals in providing such information is: a) That hospitals don't want to establish a price without knowing if the patient has insurance and how much reimbursement can be expected b) The fact that charge master lists the total charge, not net charges that reflect charges after a payer's contractual adjustment c) That hospitals don't want to be put in the position of "guaranteeing" price without having room for additional charges that may arise in the course of treatment d) Their reluctance to share proprietary information - CORRECT ANSWERSB Across all care settings, if a patient consents to a financial discussion during a medical encounter to expedite discharge, the HFMA best practice is to: a) Make sure that the attending staff can answer questions and assist in obtaining required patient financial data b) Have a patient financial responsibilities kit ready for the patient, containing all of the required registration forms and instructions c) Support that choice, providing that the discussion does not interfere with patient care or disrupt patient flow d) Decline such request as finance discussions can disrupt patient care and patient flow - CORRECT ANSWERSC A comprehensive "Compliance Program" is defined as a) Annual legal audit and review for adherence to regulations b) Educating staff on regulations c) Systematic procedures to ensure that the provisions of regulations imposed by a government agency are being met d) The development of operational policies that correspond to regulations - CORRECT ANSWERSC Case Management requires that a case manager be assigned a) To patients of any physician requesting case management b) To a select patient group c) To every patient d) To specific cases designated by third party contractual agreement - CORRECT ANSWERSB Pricing transparency is defined as readily available information on the price of healthcare services, that together with other information, help define the value of those services and enable consumers to a) Identify, compare, and choose providers that offer the desired level of value For routine scenarios, such as patients with insurance coverage or a known ability to pay, financial discussions: a) Are optional b) Should take place between the patient or guarantor and properly trained provider representatives c) May take place between the patient and discharge planning d) Are focused on verifying required third-party payer information - CORRECT ANSWERSB The purpose of a financial report is to: a) Provide a public record, if reqluested b) Present financial information to decision makers c) Prepare tax documents d) Monitor expenses - CORRECT ANSWERSB Which statement is an EMTALA (Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act) violation? a) Registration staff may routinely contact managed are plans for prior authorizations before the patient is seen by the on-duty physician b) Initial registration activities may occur so long as these activities do not delay treatment or suggest that treatment with not be provided to uninsured individuals c) Co-payments may be collected at the time of service once the medical screening and stabilization activities are completed d) Signage must be posted where it can be easily seen and read by patients - CORRECT ANSWERSA A claim is denied for the following reasons, EXCEPT: a) The health plan cannot identify the subscriber b) The frequency of service was outside the coverage timeline c) The submitted claim does not have the physicians signature d) The subscriber was not enrolled at the time of service - CORRECT ANSWERSC Any provider that has filed a timely cost report may appeal an adverse final decision received from the Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC). This appeal may be filed with a) A court appointed federal mediator b) The Department of Health and Human Services Provider Relations Division c) The Office of the Inspector General d) The Provider Reimbursement Review Board - CORRECT ANSWERSD Charges, as the most appropriate measurement of utilization, enables a) Generation of timely and accurate billing b) Managing of expense budgets c) Accuracy of expense and cost capture d) Effective HIM planning - CORRECT ANSWERS???Number 24??? Ambulance services are billed directly to the health plan for a) All pre-admission emergency transports b) Services provided before a patient is admitted and for ambulance rides arranged to pick up the patient from the hospital after discharge to take him/her home or to another facility c) The portion of the bill outside of the patient's self-pay d) Transports deemed medically necessary by the attending paramedic-ambulance crew - CORRECT ANSWERSC An individual enrolled in Medicare who is dissatisfied with the government's claim determination is entitled to reconsideration of the decision. This type of appeal is known as a) A beneficiary appeal b) A Medicare supplemental review c) A payment review d) A Medicare determination appeal - CORRECT ANSWERSA The nuanced data resulting from detailed ICD-10 coding allows senior leadership to work with physicians to do all of the following EXCEPT: a) Drive significant improvements in the areas of quality and the patient experience b) Embrace new reimbursement models c) Improve outcomes d) Obtain higher compensation for physicians - CORRECT ANSWERSD Duplicate payments occur: a) When providers re-bill claims based on nonpayment from the initial bill submission b) When service departments do not process charges with the organization's suspense days c) When the payer's coordination of benefits is not captured correctly at the time of patient registration d) When there are other healthcare claims in process and the anticipated deductibles and co-insurance amounts still show open but will be met by the in-process claims - CORRECT ANSWERSa The Affordable Care Act legislated the development of Health Insurance Exchanges, where individuals and small businesses can a) Purchase qualified health benefit plans regardless of insured's health status b) Obtain price estimates for medical services c) Negotiate the price of medical services with providers d) Meet federal mandates for insurance coverage and obtain the corresponding tax deduction - CORRECT ANSWERSA The most common resolution methods for credit balances include all of the following EXCEPT: d) Have another employee double check the price estimate - CORRECT ANSWERSA What type of account adjustment results from the patient's unwillingness to pay a self- pay balance? a) Charity adjustment b) Bad debt adjustment c) Contractual adjustment d) Administrative adjustment - CORRECT ANSWERSB All of the following are conditions that disqualify a procedure or service from being paid for by Medicare EXCEPT a) Medically unnecessary b) Not delivered in a Medicare licensed care setting c) Offered in an outpatient setting d) Services and procedures that are custodial in nature - CORRECT ANSWERSD All of the following are forms of hospital payment contracting EXCEPT a) Contracted Rebating b) Per Diem Payment c) Fixed Contracting d) Bundled Payment - CORRECT ANSWERSA Overall aggregate payments made to a hospice are subject to a computed "cap amount" calculated by: a) The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) b) Each state's Medicaid plan c) Medicare d) The Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) at the end of the hospice cap period - CORRECT ANSWERSD With the advent of the Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplaces and the expansion of Medicaid in some states, it is more important than ever for hospitals to a) Reschedule the visit for non-payment of a prior balance b) Strictly limit charity care and bad-debt c) Collect patient's self-pay and deductibles in the first encounter d) Assist patients in understanding their insurance coverage and their financial obligation - CORRECT ANSWERSD A nightly room charge will be incorrect if the patient's a) Discharge for the next day has not been charted b) Condition has not been discussed during the shift change report meeting c) Pharmacy orders to the ICU have not been entered in the pharmacy system d) Transfer from ICU (intensive care unit) to the Medical/Surgical floor is not reflected in the registration system - CORRECT ANSWERSD Which of the following is required for participation in Medicaid? a) Meet income and assets requirements b) Meet a minimum yearly premium c) Be free of chronic conditions d) Obtain a health insurance policy - CORRECT ANSWERSA HFMA best practices call for patient financial discussions to be reinforced a) By issuing a new invoice to the patient b) By copying the provider's attorney on a written statement of conversation c) By obtaining some type of collateral d) By changing policies to programs - CORRECT ANSWERSB A Medicare Part A benefit period begins: a) With admission as an inpatient b) The first day in which an individual has not been a hospital inpatient not in a skilled nursing facility for the previous 60 days c) Upon the day the coverage premium is paid d) Immediately once authorization for treatment is provided by the health plan - CORRECT ANSWERSA If further treatment can only be provided in a hospital setting, the patient's condition cannot be evaluated and/or treated within 24 hours, or if there is not an anticipation of improvement in the patient's condition with 24 hours, the patient a) Will remain in observation for up to 72 hours after which the patient is admitted as an inpatient b) Will be admitted as an inpatient c) Will be discharged and if needed, designated to a priority one outpatient status d) Will have his/her case reviewed by the attending physician, a consulting physician and the primary care physician and a future course of care will then be determined - CORRECT ANSWERSB It is important to have high registration quality standards because a) Incomplete registrations will trigger exclusion from Medicare participation b) Incomplete registrations will raise satisfaction scores for the hospital c) Inaccurate registration may cause discharge before full treatment is obtained d) Inaccurate or incomplete patient data will delay payment or cause denials - CORRECT ANSWERSD Medicare will only pay for tests and services that a) Constitute appropriate treatment and are fairly priced b) Have solid documentation c) Can be demonstrated as necessary d) Medicare determines are "reasonable and necessary" - CORRECT ANSWERSD Room and bed charges are typically posted a) Denied by Medicare b) The provider's responsibility but can be deemed charity care c) Fully paid with interest d) The full responsibility of the patient. - CORRECT ANSWERSA This concept encompasses all activities required to send a request for payment to a third-party health plan for payment of benefits a) Third-party invoicing b) Account resolution c) Claims processing d) Billing - CORRECT ANSWERSC The ACO investment model will test the use of pre-paid shared savings to a) Raise quality ratings in designated hospitals. b) Encourage new ACOs to form in rural and underserved areas c) Attract physicians to participate in the ACO payment system d) Invest in treatment protocols that reduce costs to Medicare - CORRECT ANSWERSB Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, debtor rehabilitation, is a court proceeding a) That establishes a payment priority order to creditors' claims b) That classifies the debtor as eligible for government financial assistance for housing, medical treatment and food as debts are paid c) That creates a clear court-supervised payment accountability plan going forward d) That reorganizes a debtor's holdings and instructs creditors to look to the debtor's future earnings for payment - CORRECT ANSWERSD HFMA's patient financial communication best practices specify that patients should be told about the types of services provided and a) A satisfaction survey regarding clinical service providers b) The price of service to their covering health plan c) The service providers that typically participate in the service, e.g., radiologists, pathologists, etc. d) An expiration of why a specific service is not provided - CORRECT ANSWERSC The important Message from Medicare provides beneficiaries information concerning their a) Understanding of billing issues and the deductibles and/or co-insurance due for the current visit b) Right to refuse to use lifetime reserve days for the current stay c) Right to appeal a discharge decision if the patient disagrees with the plan d) Obligation to reimburse the hospital for any services not covered by the Medicare program - CORRECT ANSWERSC All of the following are potential causes of credit balances EXCEPT a) Duplicate payments b) Primary and secondary payers both paying as primary c) Inaccurate upfront collections based on incorrect liability estimates d) A patient's choice to build up a credit against future medical bills - CORRECT ANSWERSD Medicare Part B has an annual deductible, and the beneficiary is responsible for a) A co-insurance payment for all Part B covered services b) Physicians office fees c) Tests outside of an inpatient setting d) Prescriptions - CORRECT ANSWERSA The importance of medical records being maintained by HIM is that the patient records a) Are the primary source for clinical data required for reimbursement by health plans and liability payers b) Are the strongest evidence and defense in the event of a Medicare audit c) Are evidence used in assessing the quality of care d) Are the evidence cited in quality review - CORRECT ANSWERSA A decision on whether a patient should be admitted as an inpatient or become an outpatient observation patient requires medical judgments based on all of the following EXCEPT a) The patient's home care coverage b) Current medical needs c) The likelihood of an adverse event occurring to the patient d) The patient's medical history - CORRECT ANSWERSA Medicare has established guidelines called the Local Coverage Determinations (LCD) and National Coverage Determinations (NCD) that establish a) Provider and physician reimbursement for specific diagnoses and tests b) Prospective Medicare patient financial responsibilities for a given diagnosis c) Reasonable and customary prices for services in a given area d) What services or healthcare items are covered under Medicare - CORRECT ANSWERSD What are some core elements if a board-approved financial assistance policy? a) Payment requirements, staffing hours, and admission policies b) Case management, payment methods, and discharge policies c) Deposit requirements, pre-registration calling hours, and charity care policy d) Eligibility, application process, and nonpayment collection activities - CORRECT ANSWERSD The ICD-10 codes set and CPT/HCPCS code sets combines provide a) Pricing floors for services b) The financial data required for activity-based costing c) Patients an overview of services covered by their health insurance plan d) The specificity and coding needed to support reimbursement claims - CORRECT ANSWERSD a) Pre-registration record is activated, consents are signed, and co-payment is collected b) Positive patient identification is completed, and patient is given an armband c) Final bill is presented for payment d) Preprocessed patients may report to a designated "express arrival" desk - CORRECT ANSWERSC The Electronic Remittance Advice (ERA) data set is : a) Used for Electronic Funds Transfers between hospitals and a bank b) A standardized form that provides 3rd party payment details to providers c) Required for annual Medicare quality reporting forms d) Safeguards the Electronic claims process - CORRECT ANSWERSB Appropriate training for patient financial counseling staff must cover all of the following EXCEPT: a) Patient financial communications best practices specific to staff role b) Financial assistance policies c) Documenting the conversation in the medical records d) Available patient financing options - CORRECT ANSWERSC All of the following information should be reviewed as part of schedule finalization EXCEPT: a) The results of any and all test b) The service to be provided c) The arrival time and procedure time d) The patient's preparation instructions - CORRECT ANSWERSA Indemnity plans usually reimburse: a) Only for contracted Services b) A claim up to 80% of the charges c) A certain percentage of the charges after the patient meets the policy's annual deductible d) A patient for out-of-pocket charges - CORRECT ANSWERSC Because 501(r) regulations focus on identifying potential eligible financial assistants patients hospitals must: a) Capture their experience with such patients to properly budget b) Hold financial conversations with patients as soon as possible c) Build the necessary processes to handle the potentially lengthy payment schedule d) Expedite payment processing of normal accounts receivable to protect cash flow - CORRECT ANSWERSB Which option is a benefit of pre-registering a patient for services a) The patient arrival process is expedited, reducing wait times and delays b) The verification of insurance after completion of the services c) Service departments have the ability to override schedules and block time to reduce testing volume d) The patient receiving multiple calls from the provider - CORRECT ANSWERSA HIPPA had adopted Employer Identification Numbers (EIN) to be used in standard transactions to identify the employer of an individual described in a transaction EIN's are assigned by a) The Social Security Administration b) The US department of the Treasury c) The United States department of labor d) The Internal Revenue Service - CORRECT ANSWERSD The nightly room charge will be incorrect if the patient's a) Transfer from ICU to the Medical/Surgical floor is not reflected in the registration system. b) Pharmacy orders to the ICU have not been entered into the pharmacy system c) Condition has not been discussed during the shift change report meeting d) Discharge for the next day has not been charted - CORRECT ANSWERSA With any remaining open balances, after insurance payments have been posted, the account financial liability is a) Written off as bad debt b) Potentially transferred to the patient c) Sold to a collection agency d) Treated as the cost of doing business - CORRECT ANSWERSB When there is a request for service the scheduling staff member must confirm the patient's unique identification information to: a) Verify the patient's insurance coverage if the patient is a returning customer b) Ensure that she/he accesses the correct information in the historical database c) Confirm that physician orders have been received d) Check if any patient balance due - CORRECT ANSWERSB Identifying the patient, in the MPI, creating the registration record, completing medical necessity screening, determining insurance eligibility and benefits resolving managed care, requirements and completing financial education/resolution are all a) The data collection steps for scheduling and pre-registering a patient b) Registration steps that must be completed before any medical services are provided c) The steps mandated for billing Medicare Part A d) The process of closing an account - CORRECT ANSWERSA Insurance verification results in which of the following a) The accurate identification of the patient's eligibility and benefits b) The consistent formatting of the patient's name and identification number The resolution of managed care and billing requirements The identification of physician fee schedule amounts and the NPI (national provider identifier) numbers - CORRECT ANSWERSA A four digit number code established by the National Uniform Billing Committee (NUBC) that categorizes/classifies a line item in the charge master is known as contractual adjustments are posted, and secondary claims are submitted d) Trigger that the secondary claims can then be prepared. - CORRECT ANSWERSC Days in A/R is calculated based on the value of a) Total cash received to date b) The time it takes to collect anticipated revenue c) The total accounts receivable on a specific date d) Total anticipated revenue minus expenses - CORRECT ANSWERSC All of the following are forms of hospital payment contracting EXCEPT a) Per diem payment b) Bundled Payment c) Fixed Contracting d) Contracted Rebating - CORRECT ANSWERSD The standard claim form used for billing by hospitals, nursing facilities, and other in- patient services is called the a) UB-04 b) 1500 c) COST REPORT d) REMITTANCE NOTICE - CORRECT ANSWERSA To maximize the value derived from customer complaints, all consumer complaints should be a) Responded to within two business days b) Tracked and shared to improve the customer experience c) Handled by a specially trained "service recovery" team d) Brought immediately to management's attention - CORRECT ANSWERSA The HCAHPS (hospital consumer assessment of healthcare providers and systems) initiative was launched to a) Gather national date on overall trust in the nation's health care system b) Create a national database on physician quality c) Provide a standardized method for evaluating patient's perspective on hospital care. ? d) Provide data for building shared savings reimbursement for quality procedures. - CORRECT ANSWERSC Health Plan Contracting Departments do all of the following EXCEPT a) Establish a global reimbursement rate to use with all third-party payer b) Review all managed care contracts for accuracy for loading contract terms into the patient accounting system c) Review payment schemes to ensure that the health plan and provider understand how reimbursements must be calculated d) Review contracts to ensure the appeals process for denied claims is clearly specified - CORRECT ANSWERSA The benefit of Medicare Advantage Plan is a) It is a less costly plan compared to traditional Medicare b) Patients may retain a primary care physician and see another physician for a second opinion at no charge c) Patients generally have their Medicare-coverage healthcare through the plan and do not need to worry about "part a" or "part b" benefits d) Patients receive significant discounting on services contracted by the federal government - CORRECT ANSWERSC Once the EMTALA requirements are satisfied a) Third-party payer info should be collected from the pt and the payer should be notified of the ED visit b) An initial registration record is completed so that the proper coding can be initiated c) The pt then assumes full liability for services unless a third-party payer is notified or the pt applies for financial assistance within the first 48 hours d) The remaining registration processing is initiated either at the bedside or In a registration area - CORRECT ANSWERSA The soft cost of a dissatisfied customer is a) The "cost" of staff providing extra attention in trying to perform service recovery b) The customer passing on info about their negative experience to potential pts or through social media channels c) Potentially negative treatment outcomes leading to expanding length-of-stay d) Lowered quality outcomes for the dissatisfied pt - CORRECT ANSWERSB Concurrent review and discharge planning a) Occurs during service b) Is performed by the health plan during the time of service c) Is a significant part of quality and is performed by the clinical treatment team d) Is performed at discharge with the pt - CORRECT ANSWERSA In a self-insured (or self-funded) plan, the costs of medical care are a) Borne by the employer on a pay-as-you-go basis b) Backed-up by stop-loss insurance against a catastrophic claim c) Mandated by the Affordable Care Act for small businesses unable to obtain commercial coverage d) Created by a combination of employer and employee contributions - CORRECT ANSWERSA In choosing a setting for pt financial discussions, organizations should first and foremost a) Have processes in place to document the discussions b) Assess locations for convenience, professionalism, and comfort c) Respect the pts privacy d) Ensure all staff involved are properly trained and the pt financial education is included in all discussions - CORRECT ANSWERSC All of the following are steps in safeguarding collections EXCEPT a) Placing collections in a lock-box for posting review the next business day b) Posting the payment to the pts account d) Generation of timely and accurate billing - CORRECT ANSWERSA Any healthcare insurance plan that provides or ensures comprehensive health maintenance and treatment services for an enrolled group of persons based on; a monthly fee is known as a a) HMO b) PPO c) MSO d) GPO - CORRECT ANSWERSA Charges are the basis for a) Third party and regulatory review of resources used b) Evaluating quality c) Separation of fiscal responsibilities between the pt and the health plan d) Demonstrating medical necessity - CORRECT ANSWERSC Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, debtor rehabilitation is a court proceeding a) That reorganizes a debtor's holdings and instructs creditors to look to the debtors' future earnings for payment b) That establishes a payment priority order to creditos' c) That creates a clear court-supervised payment accountability plan going forward d) That classifies the debtor as eligible for government financial assistance for housing medical treatment and food as debts are paid - CORRECT ANSWERSA Pt financial communications best practices produce communications that are a) Timely and remind pts of their financial responsibilities b) Consistent, clear and transparent c) Current and report the status of a pts claim d) Timely, comprehensive and specifying next steps - CORRECT ANSWERSB Key performance indicators (KPIs) set standards for accounts receivables (A/R) and a) Establish productivity targets b) Provide a method of measuring the collection and control of A/R c) Provide evidence of financial status d) Make allowance for accurate revenue forecasting - CORRECT ANSWERSB When Recovery Audit Contractors (RAC) identify improper payments as over payments, the claims processing contractor must a) Assume legal responsibility for repaying the overage amount b) Make recovery of the overpayment the top processing priority c) Send a demand letter to the provider to recover the over payment amount d) Conduct an audit of all the effected providers claims within the past twelve months - CORRECT ANSWERSC A recurring/series registration is characterized by a) The creation of one registration record for multiple days of service b) The creation of multiple registrations for multiple services c) The creation of one registration record per diagnosis per visits d) The creation of multiple pt types for one date of service - CORRECT ANSWERSA It is important to have high registration quality standards because a) Inaccurate or incomplete pt data will delay payment or cause denials b) Incomplete registrations will trigger exclusion from Medicare participation c) Inaccurate registration may cause discharge before full treatment is obtained d) Incomplete registrations will raise satisfaction scores for the hospital - CORRECT ANSWERSA When recovery audit contractors (RAC) identify improper payments as over payments the claims processing contractor must a) Assume legal responsibility for repaying the overage amount b) Make recovery of the overpayment the top processing priority c) Send a demand letter to the provider to recover the over payment amount d) Conduct an audit of all the effected providers claims within the past 12 months - CORRECT ANSWERSC Internal controls addressing coding and reimbursement changes are put I place to guard against a) Underpayments b) Denials c) Compliance fraud by upcoding d) Charge master error - CORRECT ANSWERSC The pt discharge process begins when a) The physician writes the discharge orders b) Clinical services are completed and pt accounts have all the info necessary to bill c) The physician writes the discharge orders and the third-party payer sign-off on the necessity of the services provided d) Clinical services are completed, pt accounts can generated and accurate bill and there is agreement o the handling of pt financial responsibilities - CORRECT ANSWERSA Most major health plans including medicare and Medicaid, offer a) Toll free verification hot lines, staffed around the clock b) Electronic and/or web portal verification c) Pt "verification of benefits" cards d) A grace period for obtaining verification within 72 hours of treatment - CORRECT ANSWERSB The physician who wrote the order for an inpatient service and is in charge of the pts treatment during admission is a) The pts personal physician b) The primary care physician c) The attending physician d) The physician pt care director - CORRECT ANSWERSC An originating site is a) The location where the pts bill is generated What type of account adjustment results from the patient's unwillingness to pay for a self-pay balance? - CORRECT ANSWERSBad debt adjustment What is the initial hospice benefit? - CORRECT ANSWERSTwo 90-day periods and an unlimited number of subsequent periods When does a hospital add ambulance charges to the Medicare inpatient claim? - CORRECT ANSWERSIf the patient requires ambulance transportation to a skilled nursing facility How should a provider resolve a late-charge credit posted after an account is billed? - CORRECT ANSWERSPost a late-charge adjustment to the account an increase in the dollars aged greater than 90 days from date of service indicate what about accounts - CORRECT ANSWERSThey are not being processed in a timely manner What is an advantage of a preregistration program? - CORRECT ANSWERSIt reduces processing times at the time of service What are the two statutory exclusions from hospice coverage? - CORRECT ANSWERSMedically unnecessary services and custodial care What core financial activities are resolved within patient access? - CORRECT ANSWERSScheduling, insurance verification, discharge processing, and payment of point-of-service receipts What statement applies to the scheduled outpatient? - CORRECT ANSWERSThe services do not involve an overnight stay How is a mis-posted contractual allowance resolved? - CORRECT ANSWERSComparing the contract reimbursement rates with the contract on the admittance advice to identify the correct amount What type of patient status is used to evaluate the patient's need for inpatient care? - CORRECT ANSWERSObservation Coverage rules for Medicare beneficiaries receiving skilled nursing care require that the beneficiary has received what? - CORRECT ANSWERSMedically necessary inpatient hospital services for at least 3 consecutive days before the skilled nursing care admission When is the word "SAME" entered on the CMS 1500 billing form in Field 0$? - CORRECT ANSWERSWhen the patient is the insured What are non-emergency patients who come for service without prior notification to the provider called? - CORRECT ANSWERSUnscheduled patients If the insurance verification response reports that a subscriber has a single policy, what is the status of the subscriber's spouse? - CORRECT ANSWERSNeither enrolled not entitled to benefits Regulation Z of the Consumer Credit Protection Act, also known as the Truth in Lending Act, establishes what? - CORRECT ANSWERSDisclosure rules for consumer credit sales and consumer loans What is a principal diagnosis? - CORRECT ANSWERSPrimary reason for the patient's admission Collecting patient liability dollars after service leads to what? - CORRECT ANSWERSLower accounts receivable levels What is the daily out-of-pocket amount for each lifetime reserve day used? - CORRECT ANSWERS50% of the current deductible amount What service provided to a Medicare beneficiary in a rural health clinic (RHC) is not billable as an RHC services? - CORRECT ANSWERSInpatient care What code indicates the disposition of the patient at the conclusion of service? - CORRECT ANSWERSPatient discharge status code What are hospitals required to do for Medicare credit balance accounts? - CORRECT ANSWERSThey result in lost reimbursement and additional cost to collect When an undue delay of payment results from a dispute between the patient and the third party payer, who is responsible for payment? - CORRECT ANSWERSPatient Medicare guidelines require that when a test is ordered for a LCD or NCD exists, the information provided on the order must include: - CORRECT ANSWERSA valid CPT or HCPCS code With advances in internet security and encryption, revenue-cycle processes are expanding to allow patients to do what? - CORRECT ANSWERSAccess their information and perform functions on-line What date is required on all CMS 1500 claim forms? - CORRECT ANSWERSonset date of current illness What does scheduling allow provider staff to do - CORRECT ANSWERSReview appropriateness of the service request What code is used to report the provider's most common semiprivate room rate? - CORRECT ANSWERSCondition code Regulations and requirements for coding accountable care organizations, which allows providers to begin creating these organizations, were finalized in: - CORRECT ANSWERS2012 What is a primary responsibility of the Recover Audit Contractor? - CORRECT ANSWERSTo correctly identify proper payments for Medicare Part A & B claims How must providers handle credit balances? - CORRECT ANSWERSComply with state statutes concerning reporting credit balance Insurance verification results in what? - CORRECT ANSWERSThe accurate identification of the patient's eligibility and benefits What is a characteristic of a managed contracting methodology? - CORRECT ANSWERSProspectively set rates for inpatient and outpatient services What do the MSP disability rules require? - CORRECT ANSWERSThat the patient's spouse's employer must have less than 20 employees in the group health plan what organization originated the concept of insuring prepaid health care services? - CORRECT ANSWERSBlue Cross and blue Shield What is true about screening a beneficiary for possible MSP situations? - CORRECT ANSWERSIt is acceptable to complete the screening form after the patient has completed the registration process and been sent to the service department If the patient cannot agree to payment arrangements, what is the next option? - CORRECT ANSWERSWarn the patient that unpaid accounts are placed with collection agencies for further processing In services lines such as cardiology or orthopedics, what does the case-rate payment methodology allow providers to do? - CORRECT ANSWERSReceive a fixed for specific procedures What will comprehensive patient access processing accomplish? - CORRECT ANSWERSMinimize the need for follow-up on insurance accounts Through what document does a hospital establish compliance standards? - CORRECT ANSWERSCode of conduct How does utilization review staff use correct insurance information? - CORRECT ANSWERSTo obtain approval for inpatient days and coordinate services When is it not appropriate to use observation status? - CORRECT ANSWERSAs a substitute for an inpatient admission What is a serious consequence of misidentifying a patient in the MPI? - CORRECT ANSWERSThe services will be documented in the wrong record When a patient reports directly to a clinical department for service, what will the clinical department staff do? - CORRECT ANSWERSRedirect the patient to the patient access department for registration What process can be used to shorten claim turnaround time? - CORRECT ANSWERSSend high-dollar hard-copy claims with required attachments by overnight mail or registered mail How are patient reminder calls used? - CORRECT ANSWERSTo make sure the patient follows the prep instructions and arrives at the scheduled time for service If a patient declares a straight bankruptcy, what must the provider do? - CORRECT ANSWERSWrite off the account to the contractual adjustment account According to the Department of Health and Human Services guidelines, what is NOT considered income? - CORRECT ANSWERSSale of property, house, or car The situation where neither the patient nor spouse is employed is described to the patient using: - CORRECT ANSWERSA condition code What option is an alternative to valid long-term payment plans? - CORRECT ANSWERSBank loans What is an advantage of using a collection agency to collect delinquent patient accounts? - CORRECT ANSWERSCollection agencies collect accounts faster than hospital does What statement DOES NOT apply to revenue codes? - CORRECT ANSWERSrevenue codes identify the payer When a patient's illness results in an unusually high amount of medical bills not covered by insurance or other patient pay resources, what type of account is created - CORRECT ANSWERScatastrophic charity What happens when a patient receives non-emergent services from and out-of- network provider? - CORRECT ANSWERSPatient payment responsibility is higher Every patient who is new to the healthcare provider must be offered what? - CORRECT ANSWERSA printed copy of the provider's privacy notice How may a collection agency demonstrate its performance? - CORRECT ANSWERSCalculate the rate of recovery What is true of the information the provider supplies to indicate that an authorization for service has been received from the patient's primary payer? - CORRECT ANSWERSIt is posted on the remittance advice by the payer What standard claim forms are currently used by the healthcare industry to submit claims to third-party payers? - CORRECT ANSWERSThe UB-04 and the CMS 1500 Unless the patient encounter is an emergency, what is the efficient and effective procedure for obtaining information? - CORRECT ANSWERSObtain the required demographic and insurance information before services are rendered what protocol was developed through the Patient Friendly Billing Project? - CORRECT ANSWERSProvide information using language that is easily understood by the average reader What technique is acceptable way to complete the MSP screening for a facility situation? - CORRECT ANSWERSAsk if the patient's current services was accident related What is a valid reason for a payer to delay a claim? - CORRECT ANSWERSFailure to complete authorization requirements IF outpatient diagnostic services are provided within three days of the admission of a Medicare beneficiary to an IPPS (Inpatient Prospective Payment System) hospital, what must happen to these charges - CORRECT ANSWERSThey must be combined with the inpatient bill and paid under the MS-DRG system What do large adjustments require? - CORRECT ANSWERSManager-level approval Indemnity insurance - CORRECT ANSWERSnegotiated healthcare coverage within a framework of fee schedules, limitations, and exclusions that is offered by insurance companies or benevolent associations Medically necessary - CORRECT ANSWERSHealthcare services that are required to preserve or maintain a person's health status in accordance with medical practice standards Out-of-area benefits - CORRECT ANSWERShealthcare plan coverage allowed to covered persons for emergency situations outside of the prescribed geographic area of the HMO Out-of-pocket payments - CORRECT ANSWERSCash payments made by the insured for services not covered by the health insurance plan Pre-admission review - CORRECT ANSWERSthe practice of reviewing requests for inpatient admission before the patient is admitted to ensure that the admission is medically necesary Pre-existing condition limitation - CORRECT ANSWERSA restriction on payments for charges directly resulting from a pre-existing health conditions Same-day admission - CORRECT ANSWERSA cost containment practice that reduces a surgical patient's inpatient stay by requiring that pre-procedure testing and preparation are completed on an outpatient basis and the patient is admitted the same day as the procedure Self-insured - CORRECT ANSWERSLarge employers who assume direct responsibility or risk for paying employees' healthcare without purchasing health insurance Subrogation - CORRECT ANSWERSSeeking, by legal or administrative means, reimbursement from another party that is primarily responsible for a patient's medical expenses Subscriber - CORRECT ANSWERSAn employer, a union, or an association that contracts with an insurance company for the healthcare plan it offers to eligible employees Sub-specialist - CORRECT ANSWERSA healthcare professional who is recognized to have expertise in a specialty of medicine or surgery Third-part administrator (TPA) - CORRECT ANSWERSProvides services to employers or insurance companies for utilization review, claims payment and benefit design Third-party reimbursement - CORRECT ANSWERSA general term used for the healthcare benefit payments - used to identify that for benefit plans there are three parties in the transaction Usual, customary, and reasonable (UCR) - CORRECT ANSWERSHealth insurance plan reimbursement methodology that limits payment to the lower billed charges, the provider's customary charge, or the prevailing charge for the service in the community Utilization review - CORRECT ANSWERSReview conducted by professional healthcare personnel of the appropriateness of, quality of, and need for healthcare services provided to patients Charge - CORRECT ANSWERSThe dollar amount a provider sets for services rendered before negotiating any discounts. The charge can be different from the amount paid Cost - CORRECT ANSWERSThe definition of cost varies by party incurring the expense Price - CORRECT ANSWERSthe total amount a provider expects to be paid by payers and patients for healthcare services Care purchaser - CORRECT ANSWERSIndividual or entity that contributes to the purchase of healthcare services Payer - CORRECT ANSWERSAn organization that negotiates or sets rates for provider services, collects revenue through premium payments or tax dollars, processes provider claims for service, and pays provider claims using collected premium or tax revenues Provider - CORRECT ANSWERSAn entity, organization, or individual that furnishes a healthcare service Out of pocket payment - CORRECT ANSWERSThe portion of the total payment for medical services and treatment for which the patient is responsible, including copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles Price transparency - CORRECT ANSWERSIn health care, readily available information on the price of healthcare services that, together, with other information helps define the value of those services and enables patients and other care purchasers to identify, compare, and choose providers that offer the desired level of value Value - CORRECT ANSWERSThe quality of a healthcare service in relation to the total price paid for the service by care purchasers What areas does the code of conduct typically focus on? - CORRECT ANSWERSHuman resources. Privacy/confidentiality. Quality of care. Billing/coding. Conflicts of interest. Laws/regulations FERA - CORRECT ANSWERSFraud Enforcement and Recovery act ESRD - CORRECT ANSWERSEnd-stage renal disease. The patient has permanent kidney failure, is covered by a GHP, and has not yet completed the 30-month coordination period What is the purpose of a compliance program? - CORRECT ANSWERSMitigate potential fraud and abuse in the industry-specific key risk areas What is important about an effective corporate compliance program? - CORRECT ANSWERSA program that embodies many elements to create a program that is transparent, clearly articulated and emphasized at all employee levels as a **False Patient service costs are calculated in the pre-service process for schedule patients - CORRECT ANSWERS**True False The patient is scheduled and registered for service is a time-of-service activity - CORRECT ANSWERSTrue **False The patient account is monitored for payment is a time-of-service activity - CORRECT ANSWERSTrue **False Case management and discharge planning services are a post-service activty - CORRECT ANSWERSTrue **False Sending the bill electronically to the health plan is a time-of-service activity - CORRECT ANSWERSTrue **False What happens during the post-service stage? - CORRECT ANSWERS**A. Final coding of all services, preparation and submission of claims, payment processing and balance billing and resolution. B. Orders are entered, results are reported, charges are generated, and diagnostic and procedural coding is initiated. C. The encounter record is generated, and the patient and guarantor information is obtained and/or updated as required. D. The focus is on the patient and his/her financial care, in addition to the clinical care provided for the patient. The following statements describe best practices established by the Medical Debt Task Force. Check the box next to the True statements - CORRECT ANSWERS**Educate Patients **Coordinate to avoid duplicate patient contacts Exercise moderate judgement when communicating with providers about scheduled services **Be consistent in key aspects of account resolution Report to healthcare plans when the patient's account is transferred to collection agency **Follow best practices for communication Which option is NOT a main HFMA Healthcare Dollars & SenseĀ® revenue cycle initiative? - CORRECT ANSWERSA. Patient Financial Communications B. Price Transparency C. Medical Account Resolution **D. Process Compliance What is the objective of the HCAHPS initiative? - CORRECT ANSWERS**A. To provide a standardized method for evaluating patients' perspective on hospital care. B. To provide clear communication and good customer service, which will give the provider a competitive edge. C. To conduct evaluations concerning patients' perspective on hospital care. D. To make certain that during registration key information is verified by means of a picture ID and an insurance card. Which option is NOT a department that supports and collaborates with the revenue cycle? - CORRECT ANSWERSA. Information Technology B. Clinical Services C. Finance **D. Assisted Living Services Which option is NOT a continuum of care provider? - CORRECT ANSWERSA. Physician **B. Health Plan Contracting C. Hospice D. Skilled Nursing Facility Which of the following are essential elements of an effective compliance program? - CORRECT ANSWERS**Reasonable methods to achieve compliance with standards, including monitoring systems and hotlines **Established compliance standards and procedures Automatic dismissal of any employee excluded from participation in a federal healthcare program **Designation of a compliance officer employed within the Billing Department **Oversight of personnel by high-level personnel. Annually, the OIG publishes a work plan of compliance issues and objectives that will be focused on throughout the following year. Identify which option is NOT a work plan task mentioned in this course. - CORRECT ANSWERSA. Payments to Physicians for Co-Surgery Procedures B. Denials and Appeals in Medicare Part D C. Medicare Hospital Payments for Claims Involving the Acute- and Post-Acute- Care Transfer Policies **D. Standard Unique Employer Identifier In order to promote the use of correct coding methods on a national basis and prevent payment errors due to improper coding, CMS developed what? - CORRECT ANSWERS**A. The Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) B. The Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage (ABN) C. The Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) D. Modifiers Indicate if the activity is described by the appropriate description of the violation involved: - CORRECT ANSWERSTrue - A staff member receives cash in the mail and does not immediately report the case to the manager for special handling. This is an example of financial misconduct benefits programs: - CORRECT ANSWERSMedicare Part A provides benefits for inpatient hospital services, skilled nursing care and home health care; Medicare Part B covers outpatient and professional services, Medicare Part C or Medicare Advantage plans are managed care plans combining Part A and Part B Coverages; and Medicare Part D is the prescription drug coverage benefit. Which of the following statements about Medicaid eligibility is not true? - CORRECT ANSWERSMedicaid categories are restricted to children, pregnant women and elderly in nursing homes. Examples of managed care plans include: - CORRECT ANSWERSAll of the above Patient Financial Communications best practices include all of the following activities except: - CORRECT ANSWERSCollecting payment or initiating the process to immediately remove the patient from the service schedule. Which statement includes the required components of an accurate pricing determination? - CORRECT ANSWERSInsurance coverage and benefits, service or test involved, diagnosis and procedure codes, total estimated charges, adjudication calculations based on the patient's benefit package. The value of a robust scheduling and pre-registration process includes all of the following except: - CORRECT ANSWERSIdentification of patients who are likely to be "no shows". Which patients are considered scheduled? - CORRECT ANSWERSA. Observation Patients B. Emergency Department Patients **C. Recurring/Series Patients D. Hospice Care Name the guideline that Medicare established to determine which diagnoses, signs, or symptoms are payable. - CORRECT ANSWERSA. Patient Identifiers **B. Local Coverage Determinations C. Advance Beneficiary Notice D. Scheduling Instructions What is the purpose of insurance verification? - CORRECT ANSWERSA. To identify information that does not have to be collected from the patient. **B. To ensure accuracy of the health plan information. C. To effectively complete the MSP screening process. D. To complete guarantor information if the guarantor is not the patient. Which option is a federally-aided, state-operated program to provide health and long-term care coverage? - CORRECT ANSWERSA. Medicare **B. Medicaid C. Self-Insured Plans D. Liability Coverage Which option is NOT a specific managed care requirement? - CORRECT ANSWERSA. Referrals B. Notification **C. Preferred Provider Organization D. Discharge Planning What is the first component of a pricing determination? - CORRECT ANSWERSA. Identify the service or test involved **B. Verification of the patient's insurance eligibility and benefits C. Inform the patient that physician services are or are not included D. Use a worksheet or other tool for guidance in determining an estimate The correct sequential order of the financial counseling steps for an uninsured patient's surgery case are: - CORRECT ANSWERSGreet patient and give your name Explain organization's financial care approach and patient's financial responsibility Review patient's health plan benefits and status Review anticipated charges and patient's anticipated liability Ask patient to resolve liability by reviewing payment options For uninsured, explain financial assistance options What is the purpose of financial counseling? - CORRECT ANSWERSA. To address the most appropriate ways to conduct financial interactions at every point B. To train staff on how to request payment and conduct conversations **C. To educate the patient on his/her health plan coverage and financial responsibility for healthcare services D. To help the patient understand exactly how a contracted health plan will resolve their benefit package EMTALA prohibits inquiries about health plan or liability payer information if the inquiry will delay examination or treatment. What other requirements apply to the Emergency Department registration work? - CORRECT ANSWERSALL of the above Typical activities which much be performed when an unscheduled patient arrives for service include: - CORRECT ANSWERSIdentification of patient in the MPI or initiation of a new MPI record, insurance verification of eligibility and benefits, managed care screening, medical necessity screening, price estimation and financial counseling to achieve the appropriate account resolution. Case managers are involved from admission with the discharge planning process. The purpose of discharge planning is: - CORRECT ANSWERSTo estimate how long the patient will be in the hospital, identify the expected outcome of the hospitalization and initiate any special requirements for services at or after the time of discharge. The chargemaster is basically a list of services, procedures, room accommodations, supplies, drugs, tests, etc. typically associated with the billing for services rendered to patients. Challenges typically associated with the billing for services rendered to patients. Challenges typically associated with the chargemaster include: - CORRECT ANSWERSOmission of charges, obsolete or invalid codes, and the omission of required modifiers. Ultimately, the services provided in the healthcare system are reduced to standard codes. The primary types of coding systems currently used in healthcare are: - CORRECT ANSWERSICD-10-CM/ICD-10-PCS; CPT/HCPCS codes Which statement is NOT a unique billing rule specific to providers? - CORRECT ANSWERSA. Overall aggregate payments made to a hospice are subject to a "cap amount", calculated by the MAC at the end of the hospice cap period. B. With the exception of physician services, Medicare reimbursement for hospice care is made at one of four pre-determined rates for each day of hospice care. C. When billing services on a UB-04/837-I, specific CPT codes are collapsed into a single revenue code (520 or 521). **D. A patient may be balance billed for whatever amount the non-contracting physician charges above the health plan's reimbursement amount. Which of the following statements does not apply to billing during the COVID-19 public health emergency: - CORRECT ANSWERSA. Hospitals may change a sub- acute unit into an acute care unit without advanced approval from CMS. **B. Telemedicine claims are not payable if the patient conducts the telemedicine visit from home. C. CMS developed the concept of hospitals without walls to increase ICU and med-surge inpatient capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic. D. Cost sharing has been waived for testing for COVID-19 in the ED, physician office, urgent care center or other ambulatory location. What is the sequential order for a Silent PPO scheme? - CORRECT ANSWERSThe patient's claims is sent to the listed primary insurance carrier The patient's insurance company (a silent PPO) runs the healthcare provider's tax ID number through a PPO discount database or provides a repricing company a copy of the claim After a successful "hit", the claim is "re-priced" based on the PPO discounts that were accessed. After applying the discount, the silent PPO states on the EOB that the healthcare provider agreed to reduce your bill based on your contract with the PPO The medical provider accepts the health plan's statement on the EOB and writes the discount off-never knowing that the discount was invalid. Which concept is NOT a contracted payment model? - CORRECT ANSWERS**A. Stop-Loss Provision B. Percentage Discount C. Per Diem Payment D. Capitation Credit balances may be created by any of the following activities except: - CORRECT ANSWERSCredits to pharmacy charges posted before the claim final bills Which of the following statements represent common reasons for inpatient claim denials? - CORRECT ANSWERSFailure to obtain a required pre-authorization; failure to complete a continued stay authorization and services provided which were not medically necessary. A 68 year old patient, a Medicare beneficiary, was in a car accident. A medical insurance claim was filed with the auto insurance carrier. Six months later this claim remains unpaid. How can the provider pursue payment from Medicare? - CORRECT ANSWERSThe provider must first bill the auto insurer; however, after a period of 120 days, if the claim remains unpaid, the provider may cancel the liability claim and bill Medicare. The difference between bad debt and financial assistance (charity) is: - CORRECT ANSWERSBad debt represents a refusal to pay; charity represents an inability to pay In order to qualify for financial assistance, a patient or guarantor should: - CORRECT ANSWERSProvide the following documents: prior year tax return, employment check stubs from the prior three months and bank statements for the prior three months. To comply with the requirements of Section 501(r) for tax-exempt hospitals chartered as 510(c)3 providers, the hospital must complete which of the following activities: - CORRECT ANSWERSA community needs assessmenets The three types of bankruptcy as defined in the 1979 Bankruptcy Act are: - CORRECT ANSWERSChapter 7 - Straight Bankruptcy, Chapter 11- Debtor Reorganization and Chapter 13- Debtor Rehabilitation Which of the following medical debt collection practices are recommended as part of HFMA's Best Practices for medical account resolution: - CORRECT ANSWERSEstablish policies and ensure that they are followed Organizations may opt to contract with or outsource to specific vendors for some or all components of revenue cycle processing. This practice has both advantages and disadvantages. Which of the following statements is NOT an advantage of utilizing an outsourcing vendor? - CORRECT ANSWERSThe need for legal review if the outside vendor's staff represents themselves as employees of the healthcare facility. Each hospital covered by the 501(r) regulations is required to develop a financial assistance policy. Which of the following elements is NOT a required element of the policy? - CORRECT ANSWERSThe notice that individuals eligible for financial assistance under this policy may be charged more that the amount generally billed (AGB) to insured patients. Place the daily reconciliation process steps in the correct sequential order: - CORRECT ANSWERSObtain totals of all payments - cash, check, credit card, and debit card Divide remittances into batches and obtain a second total of the electronic remittance advices by payment and contractual allowances Endorse checks immediately. Prepare the bank deposit for all payments. Separate cash payments and contractual adjustments into separate batches and use separate payments and adjustment codes. Post unidentified payments to an unidentified cash account (deposit everything, do not hold unidentified payments) Balance and post batches. Balance payments to the bank deposit. Balance the bank deposit to the general ledger. Patient relations include: - CORRECT ANSWERS**A. The ability to sensitively deal with patients or individuals while managing collection efficiency. B. Applying hard-core techniques to collect monies owed regardless of what the patient or individual states during the call. C. Ignoring all patient complaint calls. D. Referring all patient complaint calls to the healthcare provider. Collection agency reports should be provided: - CORRECT ANSWERSA. Whenever staff have the time to generate them. B. Whenever an account is cancelled. **C. In at least two formats regarding accounts assigned on a routine basis. D. As needed to prove recovery rates. Collection results are: - CORRECT ANSWERSA. Always guaranteed by the collection agency. **B. Accurately calculated to demonstrate the actual recovery percentage rate. C. Calculated using agency's private formula. D. Never reported except during contract negotiations. Which option is NOT a HFMA best practice? - CORRECT ANSWERSA. Coordinate the resolution of bad debt accounts with a law firm B. Establish policies and ensure that they are followed NOT - C. Coordinate account resolution activities with business affiliates D. Report back to credit bureaus when an account is resolved True or False: The following statement represents an advantage of outsourcing: Access to qualified staff - CORRECT ANSWERS**True False True or False: The following statement represents an advantage of outsourcing: Vendor absorbs some financial risk based on "efficiency" factor - CORRECT ANSWERS**True False True or False: The following statement represents an advantage of outsourcing: Impact on direct control of accounts receivable - CORRECT ANSWERSTrue **False True or False: The following statement represents an advantage of outsourcing: Capitalizes on the economies of scale - CORRECT ANSWERS**True False True or False: The following statement represents an advantage of outsourcing: Limits internal staffing requirements - CORRECT ANSWERS**True False True or False: The following statement represents an advantage of outsourcing: Impact on customer service - CORRECT ANSWERSTrue **False True or False: The following statement represents an advantage of outsourcing: Legal impact if vendor represents themselves as provider employees - CORRECT ANSWERSTrue **False True or False: The following statement represents an advantage of outsourcing: Ineffective vendor results in increased costs - CORRECT ANSWERSTrue **False ABC Hospital has experienced a 16% increase in new patients over the past 6 months. The hospital is understaffed in its insurance claim and payment processing department and cannot handle this increase in work load. It is considering hiring an outsourcing vendor to assist. What are the steps that the hospital needs to take to establish and ensure a successful vendor relationship? - CORRECT ANSWERS**A. Distribute a RFP to solicit vendor capabilities, evaluate vendor's expertise to provide outsourcing services, visit vendor locations, perform vendor reference checks, talk with vendor clients, interview vendor employees to assess experience level. B. Evaluate vendor's expertise in providing outsourcing services, visit vendor locations, interview vendor employees to assess expertise level. Which function within the revenue cycle is NOT a good candidate for outsourcing? - CORRECT ANSWERS**A. Health Care Patient Services B. Patient Accounting C. Patient Access D. Health Information Management