Which term describes a medical procedure that is not required to sustain life but is requested for payment to a third-party payer?

• A. Emergency procedure
• B. Cosmetic procedure
• C. Elective procedure
• D. Diagnostic procedure

Answer: (C)

The concept being tested is how procedures are categorized by urgency and billing purpose. A procedure that is not required to sustain life and is scheduled in advance fits the term elective. Elective procedures are planned, nonurgent services that a patient and clinician decide to pursue, and they are typically submitted to third-party payers for reimbursement. This contrasts with emergency procedures, which are done to preserve life and are not preplanned; diagnostic procedures are used to identify a condition; and cosmetic procedures relate to appearance and may have different coverage rules. So, the best term for a non-life-sustaining procedure planned and billed to a third-party payer is elective.