Understanding Billing - Glossary of Terms

Glossary of terms
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Adjustment

The portion of your bill that your doctor or hospital has agreed not to charge you.

Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN)

A notice the hospital of doctor gives you before you’re treated, telling you that Medicare will not pay for some treatment or services. The notice is given to you so that you may decide whether to have the treatment and how to pay for it.

Ambulatory Payment Classification (APC)

A Medicare payment system that classifies outpatient services so Medicare can pay all hospitals the same amount.

Ambulatory Care

All types of health services that do not require an overnight hospital stay.

Appeal

A process by which you, your doctor, or your hospital can object to your health plan when you disagree with the health plan’s decision to no pay for you care.

Assignment

An agreement you sign that allows your insurance to pay th