Cmas Administrative Practice Exam

When a check is written but not used, the word "void" is typically written across the front of the check. This indicates that the check is no longer valid and should not be accepted or cashed. By writing "void," the issuer is essentially canceling the check and rendering it useless.

Petty cash refers to the small amount of cash that is kept on hand in a business for making small, incidental purchases. It is used for expenses such as office supplies, postage, and other minor expenses that do not warrant writing a check or using a credit card. Petty cash is typically managed by a designated employee who is responsible for maintaining a log of transactions and replenishing the cash when needed. This practice helps streamline the reimbursement process and allows for efficient management of small expenses.

A "walk-in" patient refers to someone who arrives at the office without scheduling an appointment but still wants to be seen by a healthcare provider. This term is commonly used in medical settings to describe individuals who seek immediate medical attention or require urgent care but did not make a prior appointment. The other options provided in the question, such as being able to ambulate without assistance, having an emergency, or living within walking distance of the office, do not accurately define a "walk-in" patient.

If the physician is delayed in arriving at the office for appointments, the best course of action would be to offer the waiting patients an opportunity to reschedule. This ensures that the patients are not inconvenienced and allows them to choose a more suitable time for their appointments. Rescheduling the patients immediately or canceling the remaining appointments for the day may not be fair to the patients who have already arrived or those who were scheduled later in the day. Referring the patients to another physician's practice may not be necessary if the delay is temporary and can be resolved by rescheduling.

The correct answer is NP. In scheduling, the abbreviation NP is used to designate a patient who has never been seen in the office before. This helps the staff differentiate between new patients and those who have been seen previously. The abbreviation F/U typically stands for follow-up, indicating a return visit for an existing patient. CPE stands for complete physical examination, which is not relevant in this context. NS is not a commonly used abbreviation in scheduling.

The best time of day to schedule the appointment for a fasting blood glucose and follow-up would be the first appointment in the morning. This is because fasting blood glucose tests require the patient to refrain from eating or drinking anything (except water) for a certain period of time before the test. By scheduling the appointment in the morning, it ensures that the patient has fasted overnight and the test can be done accurately.

An NSF check refers to a check that is written from an account that does not have sufficient funds to cover the amount of the check. When the recipient of the check tries to deposit or cash it, the check will be returned unpaid by the bank due to insufficient funds. This can result in fees for the account holder and potential legal consequences.

When a discount or refund is applied to an account, it is referred to as an adjustment. This term signifies that a change or modification has been made to the account balance to reflect the discount or refund. It could involve reducing the amount owed by the customer or increasing the amount receivable by the customer, depending on the specific circumstances. The term "adjustment" accurately captures the act of making a necessary change to the account due to a discount or refund.

At the end of each calendar year, employers are required to provide a statement to each employee that shows the total gross income earned during the year and the amount of taxes withheld. This statement is known as a W-2 form. The W-2 form is used by employees to file their income taxes and report their earnings to the IRS. It provides important information such as wages, tips, and other compensation, as well as the amount of federal, state, and local taxes withheld from the employee's paycheck.

The type of scheduling used in a medical practice primarily depends on the physician's preference. This is because the physician is responsible for managing their own schedule and determining how they want to allocate their time. They may have specific preferences for appointment durations, the number of patients seen per day, or the timing of appointments. Additionally, the physician's specialty and the nature of their practice may also influence their scheduling preferences. Therefore, the physician's preference plays a crucial role in determining the type of scheduling used in a medical practice.

The correct answer is "What are your symptoms and how long have you had them?" because understanding the patient's symptoms and their duration will help the doctor determine the urgency of the appointment. This information will allow the doctor to prioritize the patient's needs and decide if an immediate appointment is necessary or if it can wait until the next available slot.

Gross income refers to the total amount of money earned before any taxes or deductions are subtracted. It represents the total income earned by an individual or a business without taking into account any expenses or deductions. It is important to calculate gross income as it provides a clear picture of the total earnings before any deductions are made, allowing individuals or businesses to understand their overall financial situation.

Electronic appointment scheduling is held to HIPAA standards because it involves the use and storage of sensitive patient information, such as personal and medical data. HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) sets regulations and guidelines for the protection and privacy of patient health information. Electronic systems must comply with these standards to ensure the confidentiality and security of patient data. This includes implementing measures like encryption, access controls, and regular audits to prevent unauthorized access or disclosure of patient information.

An invoice is a form that is enclosed with merchandise ordered from a vendor. It states the content of the package and the amount owed. This document serves as a record of the transaction and provides the buyer with the necessary information to make payment. Invoices are typically sent by the vendor to the buyer after the goods have been shipped or delivered.

Net income refers to the amount of money an employee receives after taxes have been deducted from their gross income. It represents the actual take-home pay that an employee receives. Gross income, on the other hand, refers to the total amount of money earned by an employee before any deductions are made. Tax withholding is the process of deducting taxes from an employee's paycheck. Wage refers to the amount of money an employee earns for their work, which can be either gross or net depending on whether taxes have been deducted or not.

The given options list different types of patient appointment reminders used by offices. Postcards, appointment cards, and telephone calls are commonly used methods to remind patients of their appointments. However, facsimile is not a commonly used method for appointment reminders. Facsimile refers to sending documents or messages electronically over a telephone line, which is not typically used for appointment reminders in healthcare settings.

When scheduling an outpatient procedure, it is important to know the procedure, diagnosis, and date. However, the length of stay (LOS) is not relevant for outpatient procedures as they are typically performed on the same day and do not require an overnight stay. Therefore, the LOS is not necessary information when scheduling an outpatient procedure.

A patient flow analysis is conducted to assess the efficiency of a medical practice. It involves analyzing the movement of patients within the practice, including waiting times, appointment scheduling, and overall workflow. By conducting this analysis, the practice can identify any bottlenecks or inefficiencies in their processes, allowing them to make improvements and provide better patient care. It is not conducted to identify late patients, demonstrate to insurance companies, or fire staff, but solely to evaluate and enhance the practice's efficiency.

A restrictive endorsement is when the payee of a check writes "for deposit only" on the back of the check. This limits the use of the check to only being deposited into the payee's bank account and prevents it from being cashed or transferred to someone else. This type of endorsement provides an added level of security and ensures that the funds are only used as intended by the payee.

A line of credit is a type of loan that allows the borrower, in this case the medical practice owner, to have access to a predetermined amount of funds. It provides flexibility as the borrower can withdraw money as needed and only pay interest on the amount borrowed. This is a suitable option for the medical practice as it allows them to address unexpected expenses and manage their cash flow effectively without having to apply for a new loan each time.

The appointment book is treated as a legal document because it may be subpoenaed. This means that the information recorded in the appointment book can be requested by a court of law as evidence in a legal case. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the information in the appointment book is accurate, complete, and reflects the true events and activities of the physician's practice. Failing to do so could have legal consequences and undermine the credibility of the physician and their practice.

The most common schedule of billing patients is monthly because it allows for regular and consistent payments from patients. Monthly billing is convenient for both the healthcare provider and the patient as it provides a predictable and manageable payment schedule. It also aligns with the typical monthly budgeting cycles of individuals and families. Additionally, monthly billing reduces the risk of large outstanding balances and improves cash flow for healthcare providers.

A tickler file is a filing system used as a reminder of things to do by a certain date or time. It helps keep track of tasks or appointments that need to be completed or attended to in the future. This system allows individuals to organize their responsibilities and ensure that nothing is overlooked or forgotten. It is commonly used in various professional settings to enhance productivity and time management.

Asking patients at the time of service if they want to pay for the services by cash, check or charge is a proactive approach to collecting money owed by patients. By offering multiple payment options upfront, the office increases the likelihood of receiving payment at the time of service. This method eliminates the need for billing notices and reduces the risk of unpaid invoices. Additionally, it allows patients to choose the payment method that is most convenient for them, which can improve patient satisfaction and encourage timely payments.

The guideline that applies to using the appointment book is to write or print clearly and make corrections neatly. This is important to ensure that the appointments are accurately recorded and easily readable for both the staff and the patients. It helps to avoid any confusion or misunderstandings regarding the scheduled appointments. Making corrections neatly also helps to maintain the professionalism and organization of the appointment book.

The Federal Insurance and Contribution Act was created to sponsor Social Security and Medicare. These programs provide financial assistance and healthcare benefits to individuals who are retired, disabled, or have reached a certain age. Social Security provides retirement income, disability benefits, and survivor benefits, while Medicare offers healthcare coverage for individuals aged 65 and older. The Federal Insurance and Contribution Act ensures that these programs are funded through contributions from employees and employers, providing a safety net for individuals in their later years.

When scheduling special procedures, the least important concern is the amount of the insurance copay. This is because the insurance copay is a financial consideration and does not directly impact the scheduling or execution of the procedure. The facilities available in the medical office, the time required for the procedure, and the patient preparation are all more important factors that need to be considered in order to ensure a successful and efficient procedure.

The accounts receivable ledger is a listing of all monies owed to the practice by individual patients. It keeps track of the outstanding balances and payment history for each patient. This ledger is essential for managing and monitoring the practice's receivables, allowing them to track who owes money and how much. It helps in maintaining accurate financial records and facilitates the collection process by providing a clear overview of outstanding debts.

Reconciling is the correct answer because it refers to the process of comparing the information on a bank statement with the information recorded in the check register. This involves verifying that the transactions match and resolving any discrepancies that may arise. By reconciling the bank statement, one can ensure the accuracy and completeness of the financial records.

To balance a checkbook, having the monthly bank statement is crucial. This statement provides a record of all the transactions that have taken place in the account, including deposits, withdrawals, and any fees charged by the bank. By comparing the transactions listed on the bank statement with the ones recorded in the checkbook, one can ensure that all the transactions have been accurately recorded and accounted for. This helps in identifying any discrepancies, errors, or fraudulent activities, if any, and ensures the accuracy of the checkbook balance.

Aging accounts refers to the process of monitoring unpaid accounts to determine how overdue they are. This involves categorizing accounts based on the length of time they have been outstanding, typically using predefined time intervals such as 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, etc. By analyzing aging accounts, businesses can assess the level of risk associated with unpaid accounts and take appropriate actions such as sending reminders, initiating collection efforts, or writing off bad debts.

The correct answer is to endorse the check in writing or with a rubber stamp reading "for deposit only". This is the first step that should be taken when a check is received in the office. Endorsing the check ensures that the funds can only be deposited into the office's account and cannot be cashed by anyone else. This helps to prevent fraud and ensures that the payment is properly credited to the patient's account.

Time-specific scheduling is the most common type of scheduling because it allows tasks or activities to be assigned specific time slots or intervals. This type of scheduling ensures that each task is allocated a specific time period, allowing for better organization and planning. Time-specific scheduling helps in optimizing productivity and efficiency by ensuring that tasks are completed within their designated time frames, reducing conflicts and overlapping. It also helps in prioritizing tasks and managing resources effectively. Overall, time-specific scheduling is widely used due to its ability to provide structure and order to daily activities and tasks.

The correct answer is determining the time of day the office will accept appointments. This is because scheduling duties involve tasks such as setting up the appointment book, calling patients for reminders, and documenting any changes in appointments. However, determining the time of day the office will accept appointments is more of a decision-making process rather than a specific duty related to scheduling.

A superbill is a preprinted form that includes a list of basic office charges and provides space for the patient's current charges. It is typically used in medical offices to facilitate billing and record-keeping. The superbill allows healthcare providers to easily document the services provided to the patient and the corresponding charges. This form is often given to the patient to submit to their insurance company for reimbursement.

The correct answer is "matrix" because when setting up the appointment book, crossing off all times that will not be used for patient visits creates a grid-like structure, similar to a matrix. This allows for easy visualization and organization of available appointment slots. The terms "schedule," "calendar," and "time frame" do not accurately describe this specific method of setting up the appointment book.

When calling a hospital to schedule inpatient surgery, the information not necessary to have before the call is the patient's insurance copayment. This is because the copayment is typically determined after the surgery has been performed and the insurance company has processed the claim. The hospital may need to verify the patient's insurance coverage and obtain other necessary information, such as the time and day requested by the physician, the urgency for the procedure, and the type of sedation or anesthesia required, in order to schedule the surgery effectively.

Clustering would be the best type of scheduling when a group of patients need immunizations. This involves scheduling patients with similar needs or conditions together in blocks of time. By doing so, healthcare providers can efficiently administer immunizations to multiple patients at once, saving time and resources. This also allows for better coordination and organization, ensuring that patients receive their immunizations in a timely manner.

When a patient declares bankruptcy, the medical office cannot directly collect the unpaid bills from the patient. Instead, they must go through the legal process and work with a court-appointed representative to collect the outstanding balance. This representative will be responsible for handling the financial affairs of the patient during bankruptcy proceedings and will work towards resolving any outstanding debts, including unpaid medical bills.

Accounts payable refers to the money owed by a business or individual to its creditors for goods or services received. In the context of a physician's practice, the money owed for items like rent, utilities, and payroll would fall under the category of accounts payable. This term is used to track and manage the business's outstanding debts and obligations.

When a charge is made to an account, it is referred to as a debit. Debit represents an increase in an asset or expense account and a decrease in a liability or equity account. It is used to record the outflow of funds or the reduction in the balance of an account. Therefore, debit is the correct term to describe a charge made to an account.

The patient's bill or statement is referred to as a ledger because it is a record of all the charges and payments made by the patient. A ledger is a financial document that tracks all financial transactions, including charges and payments. In this context, the patient's ledger would include details of the services provided, the associated costs, and any payments made by the patient or their insurance company. It serves as a comprehensive record of the patient's financial interactions with the healthcare provider.

Wave scheduling is the correct answer because it refers to scheduling a specific number of patients, typically four, at the start of the same hour. This approach allows for a more efficient use of time and resources in a healthcare setting, as it helps to minimize gaps and optimize patient flow. By grouping patients together in waves, healthcare providers can ensure a steady stream of patients throughout the day while still allowing for flexibility and accommodating urgent cases. This method also helps to reduce wait times and improve overall patient satisfaction.

A monthly trial balance is a chart or table that includes a list and total of all the debit and credit accounts for a medical practice. It helps to ensure that the total debits equal the total credits, which is important for accurate financial reporting and to detect any errors or discrepancies in the accounts. The monthly trial balance is typically prepared at the end of each month and serves as a summary of the financial activity during that period.

Tidal wave scheduling is typically used in an urgent care center because it allows for a high volume of patients to be seen quickly. This type of scheduling involves having a large number of patients scheduled at the same time, with the expectation that they will be seen in a rapid and efficient manner. This approach helps to ensure that urgent cases can be addressed promptly, minimizing wait times and providing timely medical care to those in need.