Lesson 1: Introduction to Medical Billing and Coding

Question 1

Diagnostic codes

Answer 1

Alphanumeric codes that identify diseases, disorders, symptoms, injuries and other reasons for patient encounters.

Question 2

Procedure codes

Answer 2

Numeric codes that identify commonly accepted descriptions of medical procedures, services, and supplies.

Question 3

Health insurance claim

Answer 3

A physician’s request for payment from an insurance company for covered services, procedures, and supplies provided to the patient.

Question 4

Payer

Answer 4

The entity responsible for paying a healthcare provider. Insurance companies are sometimes referred to as third-party payers because they are a payer but are outside the provider-patient relationship.

Question 5

Scope of practice

Answer 5

Medical billers and coders are not licensed professionals and may only perform certain administrative services that are consistent with their education, training, and experience.

Question 6

Remote position

Answer 6

Typically means working from your home using an internet connection and a computer.

Question 7

Malpractice

Answer 7

Means “bad practice” and refers to any professional behavior that results in harm to another individual.

Question 8

Ambulatory

Answer 8

A healthcare setting where services are provided on an outpatient basis, without admission to a hospital or other facility.

Question 9

Healthcare provider

Answer 9

A person licensed, certified, or otherwise authorized or permitted by law to administer healthcare and establish the patient’s diagnosis and treatment plan.

Question 10

Certification

Answer 10

A credential earned through testing that indicates an individual has met competencies in his or her field, ranging from entry-level skills to expert ones.