Individual charge determined by an insurance carrier for a covered supplemental medical insurance (SMI) medical service or supply.
Insurance Encyclopedia
Allowed condition
In workers’ compensation cases, a condition recognized as a direct result of an industrial injury or occupational illness.
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.
Alphabetical index to External Causes of Injury and Poisoning
In the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) code book, an alpha list of causes and places of injuries and poisoning, located at the back of Volume 2. This assists in trying to choose an accurate diagnostic code for an injury or poisoning case.
Alteration of Port of Departure
Where the place of departure is specified by the Policy, and the ship instead of sailing from tat place sails from any other port, the risk does not attach.
Altering patient records
Unethical and illegal practice of changing or adding an amendment to a patient’s medical records either to obtain more reimbursement or due to a pending audit or legal review of records.
Alternate beneficiary
Individual entitled to the proceeds of a life insurance policy if no primary beneficiary is living when the insured dies. Also called contingent beneficiary, secondary beneficiary, or successor beneficiary.
Alternate delivery system (ADS)
1. Any health care delivery system other than traditional fee-for-service (e.g., health maintenance organization [HMO], preferred provider organization [PPO], individual practice association [IPA]). 2. Provision of health services in settings that are more cost effective than an inpatient, acute-care hospital such as skilled and intermediate nursing facilities, hospice program, and in-home services.
Alternate Delivery Systems
Health services provided in other than an inpatient, acute-care hospital, day care hospital, which are designed to provide needed services in a more cost-effective manner.