| A | B |
|---|
| surrogates | substitutes |
| HIPPAA-covered entities | healthcare providers, health plans, and healthcare clearing houses |
| protected health information (PHI) | data that is specifically linked to a particular individual |
| de-identified | identifiable elements are removed |
| patient information form | form with information regarding name, address, employer, and health insurance |
| assignment of benefits | patient requests health isurance benefit payments be made directly to designated person or facility |
| daily journal | chronological record of all patient transactions including balances,, charges, payments, and current balance |
| disbursements journal | listing of all expenses paid out to vendors: rent, supplies, and salaries |
| payroll journal | listing of wages and salaries |
| general journal | chronological listing of transactions |
| general ledger | central "books" of an accounting system |
| patient ledger | chronological accounting of activities of a particular patient includes charges and payments |
| "one-write" system | pegboard accounting system |
| Meaningful use incentives | encourages widespread EMR adoptions and ensures providers are using EMRs properly |
| billing cycle | statements are mailed every 30 days |
| alternate billing cycle | incorporates mailing of a partial group of statements at spaced intervals during the month |
| self-pay patients | patients who have inadequate or no insurance coverage |
| Truth in Lending Act | requires person or business to disclose the exact credit terms when extending credit to applicants |
| Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) | sets guidelines for disputing errors on credit care statements |
| Equal Credit Opportunity Act | business entity may not discriminate against a credit applicant on basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex or marital status |
| Fair Credit Reporting Act | deals primarily with credit reports issued by credit reporting agencies |
| Fair Debt Collection Practices Act | addresses abusive methods used by third-party collectors |
| collection agency | an organization that obtains or arranges for payment of money owed to a third-party |
| small claims litigation | alternative to turning accounts over for collection |
| plaintiff | party bringing the lawsuit |
| defendant | party being sued |
