Ch 19 Billing and Collections

Question 1

Must be documented in writing when there is a agreement between the provider & the pt to pay in more than 4 installments

Accepted Answer

Finance charges

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a service offered by collection agencies?

Accepted Answer

Obtain funds from bankruptcy accounts.

Question 3

What is known as a method of identifying how long an account has been overdue?

Accepted Answer

Account aging

Question 4

Which of the following best describes when collection letters are sent after no payment?

Accepted Answer

After 60 days

Question 5

Which of the following measures the speed with which outstanding accounts are paid?

Accepted Answer

Accounts receivable ratio

Question 6

When can statements no longer be sent or any attempt be made to collect a delinquent account?

Accepted Answer

When the patient declares bankruptcy

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a legal or ethical guideline governing collection calls?

Accepted Answer

Callers must disclose the finance charge imposed.

Question 8

Billing that occurs by dividing up all accounts alphabetically into groups and sending them out at different times is

Accepted Answer

Cycle billing

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a common problem affecting collections?

Accepted Answer

Divorces

Question 10

Which of the following best describes accounts that occasionally go to an outside collection agency?

Accepted Answer

Highly delinquent accounts

Question 11

What is the minimum ratio for collection of fees at the time of service recommended by management consultants?

Accepted Answer

85 percent

Question 12

Which of the following must the collection of fees be directed to when a patient dies?

Accepted Answer

Executor of the estate

Question 13

When collecting a payment from the patient, what is considered the best time?

Accepted Answer

At the time of service

Question 14

Which of the following best describes a monthly billing system?

Accepted Answer

All bills are completed in a few days and mailed.

Question 15

How can the medical assistant help prevent collection problems?

Accepted Answer

Inform the patient of the payment policy at the first visit or call.

Question 16

Which of the following questions would NOT be helpful in developing a credit and collection policy?

Accepted Answer

What is the most convenient time of the month for pts to make a payment?

Question 17

Which of the following is used to gauge the effectiveness of the clinic&#x27;s billing practices?

Accepted Answer

Collections ratio

Question 18

Which collection technique is used as a last resort in the collection of unpaid balances?

Accepted Answer

Sending to collection agency

Question 19

Which of the following must collect the money from pt if the medical office pursues payment through small claims court?

Accepted Answer

Court appointment collection agency

Question 20

Which of the following is a recommended method used to figure the accounts receivable ratio?

Accepted Answer

Divide current accounts receivable balance by average monthly gross charges

Questions 20