Bathing, dressing and grooming, walking and moving about, eating, using the toilet, communicating and other similar tasks relating to personal care. The amount that a health care provider actually bills a patient for medical services rendered to the patient. Compare allowable, customary, prevailing or reasonable charge . Acupuncture The practice of medicine based on traditional Chinese theories. Acupuncture consists primarily of the insertion of metal needles through the skin at certain points on the body in an attempt to relieve pain or improve bodily functions.
Many states require the registration or licensing of acupuncturists.
Admission Agreement A written agreement between a patient and a hospital or other inpatient health care facility, specifying the rights and obligations of both parties in connection with admission to, residence at and discharge from the facility. The content of an admission agreement is increasingly regulated by both state and federal law, and may address such matters as payment obligations, patients' rights, policies regarding the protection of patients' property, procedures for applying for Medicare or Medicaid program benefits, instructions for contacting resident advocacy groups or the state ombudsman and other matters. Although the term has no specific meaning, it typically includes such health care professionals as laboratory and radiologic technicians, physical and occupational therapists and athletic trainers. In Massachusetts, certain allied health professionals are subject to regulation by the Boards of Registration for Allied Health Professionals and Allied Mental Health Professionals. An allowable charge may be less than the actual charge a provider has billed or would like to bill a patient, and may or may not reflect the actual cost to the provider of providing the service.