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Cardiology Charges- Charges for heart procedures. Examples are heart catheterization and stress testing.

Case Management- A way to help you get the care you need, especially when you need pre-authorized care from several services. Usually a nurse helps arrange for your care.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS)- The federal agency that runs the Medicare program. In addition, CMS works with the States to run the Medicaid program. CMS works to make sure that the beneficiaries in these programs are able to get high quality health care.*

CHAMPUS-Insurance linked to military service.

Charity Care- Free or reduced-fee care for patients who have financial hardship.

Claim -Your medical bill that is sent to an insurance company for processing.

Claim Number -A number given to a medical service.

Clean Claim- A claim that does not have to be investigated by insurance companies before they process it.

Clinic - An area in a hospital or separate building that treats walk-in patients for non-emergency care.

COBRA Insurance- Health insurance that you can buy when you lose your job. It is generally more expensive than insurance provided through your job but less expensive than insurance purchased on your own when you are unemployed.

Coding of Claims- Translating diagnoses and procedures in your medical record into numbers that computers can understand.

Coinsurance -The cost sharing part of your bill that you have to pay.

Coinsurance Days (Medicare)- Hospital Inpatient Medicare coverage from day 61 to day 90 of continuous hospitalization. You are responsible for paying for part of those days. After the 90th day, you enter your "Lifetime Reserve Days."

Collection Agency –A business that collects money for unpaid bills.

Consent (for treatment)- An agreement you sign that gives your permission to receive medical services or treatment from doctors or hospitals.

Contractual Adjustment - A part of your bill that your doctor or hospital must write off (not charge you) because of billing agreements with your insurance company.

Coordination of Benefits (COB)-A way to decide which insurance company is responsible for payment if you have more than one insurance plan.

Co-payment - A cost sharing part of your bill that is your responsibility to pay. Also known as co-pay.

Coronary Care -Routine charges for care you receive in a heart center because you need more care than you can get in a regular medical unit.

Covered Benefit- A health service or item that is included in your health plan, and that is paid for either partially or fully.*

Covered Days- Days that your insurance company pays for in full or in part.

CPT Codes -A coding system used to describe what treatment or services were given to you by your doctor.

CT Scan- A type of X-ray of the head or body; usually done in a hospital’s x-ray department.