Chapter 22: Medical Office Scheduling, Insurance & Patient Rights

Vocabulary flashcards covering appointment scheduling methods, insurance types, office policies, and documentation in a medical office setting.

Matrix

A computerized scheduling system setup where specified time periods are automatically blocked out.

Assignment of benefits

The patient's permission for the provider to bill the patient's insurance directly for payment.

PPO (Preferred Provider Organization)

An insurance plan that offers more comprehensive benefits with participating network providers and does not require a primary care physician.

Patient's Bill of Rights

A statement describing how patients will be contacted, how billing is managed, office safety procedures, and what to expect from staff.

Wave scheduling

A scheduling system where patients are scheduled during the first 30 minutes of each hour, leaving the last 30 minutes for same-day appointments.

Single-booking

A method in which only one patient is assigned to one block of time in the visit schedule.

Unstructured scheduling

Scheduling without a specific arrangement.

Streaming scheduling

A method where appointments are scheduled for a particular amount of time based on the patient's needs, maintaining a steady flow of patients while optimizing time.

Clustering

An appointment scheduling method of grouping patients with similar needs or complaints into the same time period to streamline evaluations and manage seasonal issues.

Flex time

Blocked-off time slots that can be used for returning patient phone calls.

Chief complaint

The purpose of the patient's visit.

Indemnity plans

Insurance plans that allow access to any licensed doctor or hospital and are typically more expensive.

HIPAA Privacy Notice

A document that outlines how and when the patient's personal health information may be disclosed to another party and when it will not be disclosed.

Double-booking

Scheduling two patients for the same appointment time.

Audit trail

A record of activity or changes in a computerized system.

Charge slip/encounter form

A form used to record services provided and charges.