PT Glossary
| D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathy) |
Similar training to M.D., but focus on the body structure (bones, nerves and muscles) in the belief that problems with these are often the causes of illness and manipulation can be a cure. They attend specific osteopathic schools that cover much the same information as traditional medical schools, in addition to manipulative therapy, and are qualified to treat the same illnesses. Most D.O.s specialize in primary care disciplines and practice exactly like M.D.s while others concentrate on herbal and alternative remedies. |
| Deductible |
the amount a patient must pay out pocket during a year of insured coverage before the insurance will begin to pay claims. Most group plans only have a deductible or copay for normal office visits. Deductibles are almost always due for hospital and other visits. |
| Differential Diagnosis (DDX) |
is a list of possible diagnoses. For example, if a patient was given a general diagnosis of chest pain, but the provider had ordered additional tests to rule out other more specific diagnoses, they would list the differential diagnosis as a way of notating that they are considering several possibilities. Documenting differential diagnoses helps substantiate higher coding for medical decision-making. |
| DME (Durable Medical Equipment) |
medical equipment that Is used to serve a medial purpose and can withstand repeated use(e.g. - wheelchairs, crutches or nebulizers). These are specific billed using specific HCPCS codes called E codes. |
| Document Imaging |
the process of converting paper documents into electronic format usually through a process of scanning |
| Document Management |
the process of scanning, categorizing and storing vital patient documents |
| Dx |
the standard abbreviation for diagnosis |
