1. You've arrived at the hospital for testing, and you're asked to sign an 'assignment of benefits'. What on earth does that mean? none of these you're verifying that you have valid insurance you authorize your insurance to send payment to the hospital you're permitting the hospital to bill your insurance

2. You're told that 'coordination of benefits' will apply to your bill. Just what does that mean? you will owe a balance after the insurance pays more than one insurance carrier will provide benefits there aren't enough benefits to cover the service rendered your insurance won't pay

3. They told me at the hospital that the 'birthday rule' will apply to my insurance. Do I buy hats and horns? What is the birthday rule? Yep, buy the hats and horns! how the insurance carriers will determine who pays first to determine by the patient's age if coverage is available none of these

4. I'm covered by an HMO, and they told me that I have to bring a referral from my 'PCP.' What's that? permission from your doctor to render the specified care or service your doctor wants to refer you elsewhere for care your doctor wants you to give up drugs; PCP is dangerous and illegal all of these

5. My bill had a large amount on it listed as a 'Contractual Adjustment.' What's that? an adjustment reflecting a correction for incorrectly charged services the difference between your covered charges and the amount your insurance is contractually obligated to pay the mob has a contract out on you all of these

6. The hospital asked for the effective date of my husband's and my insurance coverage. Why do they care? just to be nosy to ensure coverage is available to determine which insurance will be primary to see if coverage has been interrupted in the past

7. The hospital has notified me that my insurance won't pay because of a 'pre-existing condition.' Say what? none of these the treatment requested is not covered by your plan they won't pay because you had this injury or illness prior to the effective date of your coverage, you've used all available benefits for this condition

8. I saw something called a 'per diem payment' on my bill. I don't speak Latin. What is it? a daily charge, like television, has been applied to your bill a flat rate per day paid by your insurance Per Diem was the Danish doctor who checked you out on admission none of the above

9. I got another bill, and there's something called a 'DRG' printed on it. Why don't they speak English, and what does 'DRG' mean? none of these Daily Routine Grams Diagnosis Related Group Diagnosis Return-Gerontology

10. When I go into the hospital, should I expect my insurance to pay everything? What will I owe? your insurance should pay everything you will owe any 'personal items' as well as any copayments or deductibles you will owe a copayment you will owe a deductible