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.

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.