What holds the hospital charges for a hospital-based encounter?

• A. Guarantor account
• B. Coverage record
• C. Hospital account
• D. Patient ledger

Answer: (C)

Charges for a hospital-based encounter are accumulated in the hospital account. This account serves as the central bucket where all service charges from that encounter are posted, forming the basis for the patient’s bill. The patient ledger then records the individual postings—charges, payments, and adjustments—within that account. The guarantor account tracks who is responsible for payment, and the coverage record holds insurance details, but neither is the place that holds the overall encounter charges.