Each chapter closes with Critical Thinking Questions (listed below) as a review of chapter material that focuses on the role of the medical assistant.

1. What is the proper order in which to select a diagnosis code?

2. Why is it necessary to report the most specific diagnosis codes available?

3. What could result if a medical assistant enters an incorrect diagnosis code on a claim?

4. How can improving physicians' documentation of diagnoses and procedures help ensure compliance?

5. A patient asked a medical assistant to help her out of a tough financial spot. Her medical insurance authorized her to receive four radiation treatments for her condition, one every 35 days. Because she was out of town, she did not schedule her appointment for the last treatment until today, which is one week beyond the approved period. The health plan will not reimburse her for this procedure. The patient asks the MA to change the date on the record to last Wednesday so that it will be covered, explaining that no one will be hurt by this change, and anyway, she pays the insurance company plenty.

What type of action is the patient asking the MA to do? How should the request be handled?