Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) Practice Exam, Part 1
.jpg "Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) Practice Exam, Part 1 - Quiz")
Get prepared to take the Certified Medical Assistant Exam. These practice questions will give you a general overview of what's you'll find on the actual exam.
Directions: Each of the following questions is followed by five possible responses. Choose the best answer.
- 1.
Ethical standards are
- A.
Laws
- B.
Moral principles
- C.
Regulations
- D.
Traditions
- E.
Virtues
Correct Answer
B. Moral principlesExplanation
Moral principles - RATIONALE: Moral principles govern a person's behavior.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Libel is defamation through
- A.
Oral statements that tend to damage an individual's reputation
- B.
Written statements that tend to damage an individual's reputation
- C.
Written truths about a person
- D.
Oral truths about a person
- E.
None of the above
Correct Answer
B. Written statements that tend to damage an individual's reputationExplanation
Written statements that tend to damage an individual's reputation
RATIONALE: Libel is defamation of someone's character in writing.Rate this question:
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- 3.
To show empathy, the medical assistant could
- A.
Express sympathy for the patient's problems
- B.
Tell the patient about his or her own problems
- C.
Acknowledge the patient's feelings
- D.
Make no comment--it is none of the medical assistant's business
- E.
Tell patients how they can fix their problems
Correct Answer
C. Acknowledge the patient's feelingsExplanation
Acknowledge the patient's feelings
RATIONALE: Empathy is understanding how another person feels by placing oneself in his or her place.Rate this question:
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- 4.
The four "D"s necessary to prove negligence in a malpractice case include
- A.
Discussion, defendant, damages, direction
- B.
Duty, derelict, direct cause, damages
- C.
Dury, direction, direct cause, damages
- D.
Direction, derelict, discussion, damages
- E.
None of the above
Correct Answer
B. Duty, derelict, direct cause, damagesExplanation
Duty, derelict, direct cause, damages
RATIONALE: Duty occurs when the physician-patient relationship is established. Dereliction of duty occurs when a health care professional fails to meet the accepted standard of care. Direct cause must show the relationship between the patient's injury and the actions of the health care professional. Damages means that money is awarded.Rate this question:
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- 5.
A physician's license can be revoked or suspended
- A.
Conviction of a crime
- B.
Unprofessional activity
- C.
Physical or mental incapacitation
- D.
Sinility
- E.
All of the above
Correct Answer
E. All of the aboveExplanation
Conviction of a crime, unprofessional activity, physical and mental incapacitation, and senility
RATIONALE:
Reasons for revocation or suspension of a physician's license include felonies, fraud, failure to adhere to ethical standards, breach of confidence, drug addition, and incapacity of perform duties.Rate this question:
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- 6.
The doctrine of "respondeat superior" means
- A.
The physician is superior
- B.
The thing speaks for itself
- C.
Let the master answer
- D.
The physician is responsible
- E.
Speak only when spoken to
Correct Answer
C. Let the master answerExplanation
Let the master answer
RATIONALE: Let the master answer places the liability on the physician for an employee's actions.Rate this question:
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- 7.
The condition of excessive sugar concentration in the blood is called
- A.
Hypoglycemia
- B.
Hyperglycemia
- C.
Hyperkalemia
- D.
Hypernatremia
- E.
Hyperglycosuria
Correct Answer
B. HyperglycemiaExplanation
Hyperglycemia
RATIONALE: Hyper- means "too much"; glyc/o, "sugar" and -emia "blood."Rate this question:
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- 8.
The tongue is attached to which of the following bones?
- A.
Occipital bone
- B.
Sternum
- C.
Mandible
- D.
Maxilla
- E.
Hyoid bone
Correct Answer
E. Hyoid boneExplanation
Hyoid bone
RATIONALE: The tongue is anchored to the floor of the mouth by the frenulum and the hyoid bone.Rate this question:
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- 9.
The most basic of Maslow's hierarchy of needs is
- A.
Safety needs
- B.
Knowledge needs
- C.
Self-esteem
- D.
Self-actualization
- E.
Physiological needs (food and water)
Correct Answer
E. Physiological needs (food and water)Explanation
Physiological needs (food and water)
RATIONALE: Maslow's hierarchy of needs begins with the satisfaction of the basic needs for survival and comfort.Rate this question:
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- 10.
For which of the following symptoms can the medical assistant offer advice over the telephone?
- A.
Nausea of 2 days' duration
- B.
Diarrhea that appears to be getting more frequent
- C.
Pain in the arms with shortness of breath
- D.
Sore throat and cough
- E.
None of the above
Correct Answer
E. None of the aboveExplanation
None of the above
RATIONALE: A medical assistant's scope of training does not allow for a medical assistant to offer advice to a patient concerning treatment.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Performing only those procedures that a medical assistant is trained to do and allowed to do by law is said to be
- A.
Doing the job
- B.
Being appropriate
- C.
Working within the scope of practice
- D.
Restrained
- E.
Ethical
Correct Answer
C. Working within the scope of practiceExplanation
Working within the scope of practice
RATIONALE: Working within one's scope of practice means that a medical assistant must work within his or her scope of training and the state statute.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Basic telephone techniques include
- A.
Referring all calls to the physician as they come into the office
- B.
Being loud and assertive with the patients
- C.
Not talking too much
- D.
Allowing the answering machine to pick up incoming calls for an hour each day
- E.
Controlling the speed, enunciation, volume, and pronunciation of the voice at all times
Correct Answer
E. Controlling the speed, enunciation, volume, and pronunciation of the voice at all timesExplanation
Controlling the speed, enunciation, volumne, and pronunciation of the voice at all times
RATIONALE: A proper telephone voice entails controlling the tone, volume, clarity, and rate of speed of one's voice.Rate this question:
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- 13.
To practice good communication techniques, the medical assistant will
- A.
Use the same communication techniques for all types of patients
- B.
Set up barriers to effective communication
- C.
Be effective at sending and receiving messages
- D.
Speak in a hurried manner
- E.
Make explanations using technical terms
Correct Answer
C. Be effective at sending and receiving messagesExplanation
Be effective at sending and receiving messages
RATIONALE: A good communicator will always use good speaking and listening skillsRate this question:
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- 14.
Which of the following is not a surgical procedure?
- A.
Gastritis
- B.
Gastrectomy
- C.
Gastroplasty
- D.
Gastrotomy
- E.
Gastropexy
Correct Answer
A. GastritisExplanation
Gastritis
RATIONALE: The suffix -itis means "inflammation" and is not a surgical procedure.Rate this question:
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- 15.
When one state accepts another state's license, this is known as
- A.
Reciprocity
- B.
Endorsement
- C.
Verification
- D.
Certification
- E.
Licensure
Correct Answer
A. ReciprocityExplanation
Reciprocity
RATIONALE: Reciprocity is an exchange that occurs when one state accepts another state's licensing requirements.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Incision into the eardrum is termed a(n)
- A.
Tympanoplasty
- B.
Myringotomy
- C.
Otoplasty
- D.
Keratotomy
- E.
Stapedectomy
Correct Answer
B. MyringotomyExplanation
Myringotomy
RATIONALE: Myring/o means "eardrum," and -otomy means "cutting into."Rate this question:
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- 17.
The medullary canal of a long bone contains
- A.
A) Fat
- B.
B) Marrow
- C.
C) Muscle
- D.
D) Osteoblasts
- E.
E) Vitamins and minerals
Correct Answer
B. B) MarrowExplanation
Marrow
RATIONALE: Yellow marrow is located within the medullary cavity of the bone.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Among Maslow's hierarchy of needs, the need for self-fullfillment best describes
- A.
Physiological need
- B.
Safety and security need
- C.
Love and belonging need
- D.
Self-esteem need
- E.
Self-actualization need
Correct Answer
E. Self-actualization needExplanation
Self-actualization need
RATIONALE: Self-actualization means the need for people to "be all they can be."Rate this question:
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- 19.
Which of the following contributes to a person's personality?
- A.
Environment
- B.
Heredity
- C.
Life experience
- D.
Age
- E.
All of the above
Correct Answer
E. All of the aboveExplanation
All of the above
RATIONALE: Personality is a combination of psychological, physiological, and cultural influences.Rate this question:
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- 20.
A call-back to convey information to a patient should
- A.
Always be documented in the medical record
- B.
Never be documented in the medical record
- C.
Sometimes be documented in the medical record, depending on the type of information
- D.
Not be practiced in a medical office
- E.
None of the above
Correct Answer
A. Always be documented in the medical recordExplanation
Always be documented in the medical record
RATIONALE: Documentation in the medical record is the only way to prove an action has taken place.Rate this question:
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- 21.
Spreadsheets are another example of applications software. Spreadsheets are
- A.
Numerical data arranged in a matrix
- B.
The computer version of typing
- C.
Sets of records of information
- D.
Word processing templates
- E.
None of the above
Correct Answer
A. Numerical data arranged in a matrixExplanation
Numerical data arranged in a matrix
RATIONALE: Spreadsheet software aids in manipulating numerical data for financial management by providing a factual conclusion based on actual information. A grid of rows and columns is displayed, and numbers can be entered and a mathematical formula assigned.Rate this question:
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- 22.
Fixed scheduling
- A.
Sees patients in the order in which they arrive
- B.
Allots specific time periods to patients
- C.
Does not allow patients to change appointment times
- D.
Lets the doctor choose which patients he or she wants to see
- E.
All of the above
Correct Answer
B. Allots specific time periods to patientsExplanation
Allots specific time periods to patients
RATIONALE: Time-specified scheduling provides the patient with an appointment for a definite time period.Rate this question:
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- 23.
Documents stored in the medical record
- A.
Are stored in the order in which they are received in the office
- B.
Have the oldest date first
- C.
Are store in reverse chronological order (most recent first)
- D.
Are stored in random order
- E.
Are stored in order of importance
Correct Answer
C. Are store in reverse chronological order (most recent first)Explanation
Are stored in reverse chronological order (most recent first)
RATIONALE: File each document according to categories into the established patient's file, with the most recent on top.Rate this question:
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- 24.
"Encounter form" and "superbill" are other names for the
- A.
Patient record
- B.
Patient bill
- C.
Charge slip
- D.
Laboratory requisition
- E.
X-ray order form
Correct Answer
C. Charge slipExplanation
Charge slip
RATIONALE: The encounter form or superbill is a charge form that lists the ICD-9 and CPT codes.Rate this question:
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- 25.
One type of manual accounting system that is used in offices is a pegboard system. This system is also known as a
- A.
General ledger
- B.
Write-it-once system
- C.
Charge slip system
- D.
Daily log
- E.
None of the above
Correct Answer
B. Write-it-once systemExplanation
Write-it-once system
RATIONALE: The pegboard system is designed to increase the efficiency of recording daily transactions because the same information can be entered on several forms at one time.Rate this question:
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- 26.
Medicare Part A covers
- A.
Visits to doctor's office
- B.
Vitamin B12 shots
- C.
Eyeglasses
- D.
Home health aids
- E.
Services in an extended care facility
Correct Answer
E. Services in an extended care facilityExplanation
Services in an extended-care facility
RATIONALE: Medicare A covers inpatient care in hospitals, critical care, and skilled nursing facilities.Rate this question:
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- 27.
Setting up a matrix in the appointment book means that the medical assistant
- A.
Blocks out the time when the physician is out of the office and cannot see patients in the office
- B.
Blocks out the times when patients can be seen
- C.
Blocks out the times when the medical assistant will not be available
- D.
All of the above
- E.
None of the above
Correct Answer
A. Blocks out the time when the physician is out of the office and cannot see patients in the officeExplanation
Blocks out the time when the physician is out of the office and cannot see patients in the office
RATIONALE: Before appointments can be made, it must be determined when the physician is available. A matrix reserves the time that is not to be used when patient scheduling.Rate this question:
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- 28.
A person who is not an established patient walks into the doctor's office asking to be seen. The medical assistant should
- A.
Give the person an appointment at the earliest possible time
- B.
Tell the doctor
- C.
Determine that the patient is not in an emergency condition and then offer the person the first available appointment
- D.
Fit the person in that day
- E.
Tell the person to come back later
Correct Answer
C. Determine that the patient is not in an emergency condition and then offer the person the first available appointmentExplanation
Determine that the patient is not in an emergency condition and then offer the person the first available appointment.
RATIONALE: The initial step in screening for appointments is to determine the urgency of the patient's condition. When an emergency does not exist, the first available appointment is offered.Rate this question:
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- 29.
All medical records, including computer data backup disks, should be
- A.
Kept in a file cabinet
- B.
Kept in the doctor's office
- C.
Kept off site
- D.
Kept in a fire-resistant file cabinet
- E.
Stored in boxes
Correct Answer
D. Kept in a fire-resistant file cabinetExplanation
Kept in a fire-resistant file cabinet
RATIONALE: All important papers and backup disks or tapes must be stored in a fire-resistant cabinet in order to protect the data from being lost in a fire.Rate this question:
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- 30.
The best way to make sure that a patient's insurance information is correct is to
- A.
Call the insurance carrier and verify the information
- B.
Call the patient's employer to verify the information
- C.
Make a photocopy of the patient's insurance card and keep it in the file
- D.
Both A and B
- E.
Go to the insurance company's website and verify the information
Correct Answer
D. Both A and BExplanation
Both A and B; Call the insurance carrier, verify the information, and make a photocopy of the patient's insurance card and keep it in the file.
RATIONALE: Verification of a person's insurance serves two purposes: to have the information on file and to validate that the insurance coverage is current (because the patient may have changed insurance companies or had coverage dropped due to failure to pay premiums).Rate this question:
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- 31.
Another name for money that is owed to the practice is
- A.
Debt-to-income ratio
- B.
Revenue accounts
- C.
Assets
- D.
Liabilities
- E.
Accounts payable
Correct Answer
C. AssetsExplanation
Assets
RATIONALE: Accounts receivable are monies owed to the medical practice for services and are assets.Rate this question:
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- 32.
Mary Alice Jones, a foster child, is a Medicaid patient. She has a procedure performed by the doctor for which the doctor charges $100.00. The state in which Mary Alice lives allows $80.00 for the procedure. The physician is paid
- A.
$100.00
- B.
$80.00
- C.
$64.00
- D.
$20.00
- E.
$0
Correct Answer
B. $80.00Explanation
$80.00
RATIONALE: Physicians who accept Medicaid patients must agree to accept Medicaid reimbursement for covered services.Rate this question:
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- 33.
A business envelope
- A.
Is 6 1/2 inches long
- B.
Is 9 1/2 inches long
- C.
Contains a window
- D.
Is any type of envelope that can be mailed
- E.
Any envelope that has a security feature
Correct Answer
B. Is 9 1/2 inches longExplanation
Is 9 1/2 inches long
RATIONALE: A business letter envelope is 4 1/8 x 9 1/2 (referred to as a #10).Rate this question:
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- 34.
The federal health program for the elderly and disabled is known as
- A.
Medicaid
- B.
Medicare
- C.
CHAMPUS
- D.
CHIP
- E.
TRICARE
Correct Answer
B. MedicareExplanation
Medicare
RATIONALE: Medicare benefits include those 65 and older, those who are permanently disabled, and those with chronic kidney failure.Rate this question:
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- 35.
Checks that are received by the medical facility should be endorsed with a
- A.
Blank endorsement
- B.
Restrictive endorsement
- C.
Personal endorsement
- D.
None of the above
- E.
They need no endorsement because they are deposited
Correct Answer
B. Restrictive endorsementExplanation
Restrictive endorsement
RATIONALE: Restrictive endorsement "For Deposit Only" limits what can be done with the check.Rate this question:
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- 36.
All insurance must be paid for. This payment is called the
- A.
Deductible
- B.
Benefit
- C.
Premium
- D.
Funding
- E.
Co-pay
Correct Answer
C. PremiumExplanation
Premium
RATIONALE: A premium is the amount of money paid monthly, quarterly, or annually for insurance coverage.Rate this question:
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- 37.
Jane and Tim Barton both work and participate in the health insurance plans offered by their separate employers. They have small children. The medical facility determines whether Jane's or Tim's insurance is the primary plan by establishing
- A.
Who has been working the longest
- B.
Whose birthday falls the closest to the child's
- C.
Whose birthday comes first in the year
- D.
Who has the higher income
- E.
None of the above
Correct Answer
C. Whose birthday comes first in the yearExplanation
Whose birthday comes first in the year
RATIONALE: The "Birthday Rule" is an insurance rule stating that the policy of the parent whose birthday is first in the calendar year holds the primary insurance for any dependent.Rate this question:
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- 38.
Part of organizing the day means to review what is going to happen that day. This includes all of the following except
- A.
Paying the bills for the office
- B.
Reviewing the appointment lists
- C.
Noting which doctors are in the office for appointments
- D.
Noting which doctors are out of the office for various engagements
Correct Answer
A. Paying the bills for the officeExplanation
Paying the bills for the office
RATIONALE: Organizing for the day focuses on the scheduling of patients and staff assignments.Rate this question:
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- 39.
If a claim is rejected by the insurance company
- A.
The reason for the rejection will be on a remittance advice form
- B.
The claim should be resubmitted immediately, correcting what was on the remittance advice form
- C.
The patient should not be notified
- D.
All of the above
- E.
None of the above
Correct Answer
D. All of the aboveExplanation
All of the above
RATIONALE: Rejection of a claim requires immediate attention by the insurance specialist. This entails determining why the claim was rejected and resubmitting after the error is corrected without contacting the patient.Rate this question:
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- 40.
When a postage meter is used,
- A.
The envelope must be sealed before being put through the machine
- B.
The date must be changed every day
- C.
The rent on the meter must be paid weekly
- D.
It must be used for first class mail only
- E.
All of the above
Correct Answer
B. The date must be changed every dayExplanation
The date must be changed every day
RATIONALE: When using a postage meter, the correct date must be set and the correct postage for the weight of the envelope must be used.Rate this question:
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- 41.
A filing system that maintains patient anonymity is
- A.
By subject
- B.
Alphabetical
- C.
Numerical
- D.
Cross-indexed
- E.
None of the above
Correct Answer
C. NumericalExplanation
Numerical
RATIONALE: Numerical filing is the most secure of the filing types because a patient's name is not located on the file folder.Rate this question:
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- 42.
The program that provides benefits for the dependent spouses and children of veterans who suffered total, permanent service disabilities or who died as a result of those service-connected disabilities is
- A.
TRICARE Standard
- B.
TRICARE Prime
- C.
TRICARE Extra
- D.
CHAMPVA
- E.
Medigap
Correct Answer
D. CHAMPVAExplanation
CHAMPVA
RATIONALE: CHAMPVA covers dependents who are not otherwise eligible for TRICARE benefits.Rate this question:
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- 43.
Elaboration on a code because a procedure was extensive or unusual requires the use of a
- A.
Two-digit modifier
- B.
Three-digit modifier
- C.
Two-letter modifier
- D.
Three-letter modifier
- E.
None of the above
Correct Answer
A. Two-digit modifierExplanation
Two-digit modifier
RATIONALE: A two-digit modifier is used when a procedure or service has been altered or includes some special circumstance.Rate this question:
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- 44.
A very large check has to be written out for a piece of expensive equipment. The company selling the equipment to the practice wants to make sure that the check will clear the bank. The company can be assured of this by having the office issue
- A.
A check on the practice checking account
- B.
A check on the office money market account
- C.
A check with an ABA number
- D.
A check and having it certified
- E.
None of the above
Correct Answer
D. A check and having it certifiedExplanation
A check and having it certified
RATIONALE: a certified check is stamped by the bank to verify that the amount of money for which the check is written has been set aside by the bank to cover the check.Rate this question:
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- 45.
For the most part, all classification systems are updated every year. CPT updates are available from...
- A.
Several publishers
- B.
The Internet
- C.
The American Medical Association
- D.
The Department of Health and Human Services
- E.
The local Medicare office
Correct Answer
C. The American Medical AssociationExplanation
The American Medical Association
RATIONALE: The CPT book is published every year by the AMA.Rate this question:
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- 46.
When a bullet is placed in front of the CPT code, this
- A.
Procedure is an unusual one
- B.
Should be used when there are complications during the procedure
- C.
Procedure has been "bundled"
- D.
Identifies new codes for procedures and services
Correct Answer
D. Identifies new codes for procedures and servicesExplanation
Identifies new codes for procedures and services
RATIONALE: There are various symbols used in CPT, and a bullet identifies new codes for procedures and services.Rate this question:
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- 47.
If a patient's last name has a prefix such as "Van," the prefix is considered
- A.
To be of no significance in filing
- B.
To be part of the last name
- C.
To be part of the first name
- D.
To be the middle name
- E.
None of the above
Correct Answer
B. To be part of the last nameExplanation
To be part of the last name
RATIONALE: A foreign name that has a prefix or an article included is combined with the last name to become the key unit.Rate this question:
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- 48.
The first disease classification system was compiled by the
- A.
World Health Organization
- B.
American Medical Association
- C.
American Board of Internists
- D.
Department of Health and Human Services
- E.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
Correct Answer
A. World Health OrganizationExplanation
World Health Organization (WHO)
RATIONALE: In 1946, WHO put out a publication used to track both mortality and morbidity rates.Rate this question:
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- 49.
An insurance plan that will pay a percentage of the charge for each service is called a(n)
- A.
Usual plan
- B.
Customary plan
- C.
Federally subsidized plan
- D.
Indemnity plan
- E.
Reasonable plan
Correct Answer
D. Indemnity planExplanation
Indemnity
RATIONALE: An indemnity plan pays the individual or health care provider for covered services up to a set amount.Rate this question:
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- 50.
The most frequent reason for an insurance claim to be rejected is that
- A.
The claim was not filed in a timely manner
- B.
The procedures are not linked to the diagnosis
- C.
The patient did not sign the assignment of benefits section
- D.
The physician is not a participating physician in the plan
- E.
The claim is not dated
Correct Answer
B. The procedures are not linked to the diagnosisExplanation
The procedures are not linked to the diagnosis
RATIONALE: The procedures done must match the patient's diagnosis for the claim to be valid.Rate this question:
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Mar 22, 2022Quiz Edited by
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Sep 27, 2012Quiz Created by
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