AVGs were replaced by ambulatory patient groups (APGs) as an outpatient classification system by Health Systems International (HSI). Then ambulatory surgery categories (ASCs) were adopted, replacing APGs for outpatient or 1-day surgery cases that were derived from the surgery section of the CPT. Later this was replaced by the ambulatory payment classification (APC) system.
Insurance Encyclopedia
Ambulatory weighted unit
See: relative weighted product (RWP).
Amendment
A formal document changing the provisions of an insurance policy signed jointly by the insurance company officer and the policy holder or his authorized representative.
***
A formal document changing the provisions of an insurance policy signed jointly by the Authorized Signatory of the Insurance Company and Policyholder or his authorized representative.
***
US, MEDICAL: 1. Additional entry inserted into a patient’s existing chart or progress note to correct data or to add more information. 2. Legal document or a clause added to a contract in which the terms of the contract are increased, limited, or decreased. Also called endorsement or rider.
Amendments and corrections
Under HIPAA’s final privacy rule, an amendment to a patient’s medical record indicates that the data are in dispute while retaining the original information, while a correction to a medical record alters or replaces the original record.
America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP)
National organization that was formed as a result of a merger of the Health Insurance Association of America (HIAA), Group Health Association of America (GHAA), American Managed Care and Review Association (AMCRA), and American Association of Health Plans (AAHP). Their member companies offer insurance coverage for medical expenses, long-term care, disability income, dental, supplemental, stop-loss, and reinsurance to consumers, employers, and public purchasers. Its purpose is to represent the interests of their members on legislative and regulatory issues at the federal and state levels, and with the media, consumers, and employers. They provide information and services such as newsletters, publications, a magazine, and on-line services. They also conduct education, research, and quality assurance programs and engage in a host of other activities to assist their members. AHIP participates in the maintenance of some code sets including the HCPCS Level II codes.
American Academy of Actuaries
A society concerned with the development of education in the field of actuarial science and with the enhancement of standards in the actuarial field.
American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)
AAFP and its members are committed to care that is equitable for all people; centered on the whole person within the context of family and community; based on science, technology, and best available evidence; supported by lifelong professional learning; and grounded in respect and compassion for the individual. AAFP’s vision is to transform health care to achieve optimal health for everyone. The mission of the AAFP is to improve the health of patients, families, and communities by serving the needs of members with professionalism and creativity.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)
Nonprofit organization for orthopaedic surgeons and allied health professionals.
American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA)
National organization that represents physician assistants (PAs) in all specialties and all employment settings. Its membership also includes PA students and supporters of the profession. Its mission is to promote quality, cost-effective, accessible health care and the professional and personal development of PAs.
American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
National organization composed of medical coders and billers. It offers examinations for becoming a Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Professional Coder-Apprentice (CPC-A), Certified Professional Coder-Hospital (CPC-H), and Certified Professional Coder-Payer (CPC-P).