Allowable maximum

See: Earnings Cap. Alternative accommodation clause (loss of rent). A clause in both household buildings and contents insurances to cover the insured if his home becomes uninhabitable due to insured damage. The buildings insurer will pay the reasonable cost of: any necessary alternative accommodation, loss of rent due to the insured and a maximum of two years ground rent for which the insured is liable, subject to a maximum of 10 per cent of the amount insured. The contents insurer covers the cost of alternative accommodation and rent payable by the insured up to 20 per cent of the sum insured.

Allowed amount

Maximum dollar value the insurance company assigns to each procedure or service on which payment is based. Typically, a percent (e.g., 80%) of the allowed amount is paid by the insurance carrier. Also called approved charge or approved amount. See also maximum allowable and maximum allowable charge (MAC).

Alongside

A phrase referring to the side of a ship. Goods to be delivered “alongside” are to be placed on the dock or barge within reach of the transport ship’s tackle so that they can be loaded abroad the ship.

Alphabetical index

In the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) code book, an alpha list of diagnoses located in Volume 2. This assists in trying to choose an accurate diagnostic code for a medical case.