American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare)

Organization for the home care industry that includes intravenous therapy, medical services and manufacturers, and health providers. AAHomecare was created through the merger of the Health Industry Distributors Association’s Home Care Division (HIDA Home Care), the Home Health Services and Staffing Association (HHSSA), and the National Association for Medical Equipment Services (NAMES).

American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)

National organization composed of medical assistants, medical assisting students, and medical assisting educators with state and local chapters. It (1) promotes education for clinical and administrative medical assistants, (2) establishes educational requirements for national certification and continuing education requirements for recertification, and (3) is recognized by the American Medical Association.

American Association of Preferred Provider Organizations (AAPPO)

National association of network-based preferred provider organizations (PPOs) and affiliate organizations established in 1983 that puts control in the hands of the physician and patient, therefore empowering both results in the best care. PPOs provide easy access to quality care from the right doctor, providing the right care at the right time. AAPPO promotes and supports the PPO industry, consumers enrolled in PPOs, and the collaborative effort of the industry to reduce health care costs. Member organizations include PPOs, provider organizations, network-based health plans, affiliate organizations, and specialty networks including chiropractic, dental, laboratory, mental health, ophthalmic, pharmacy, physical therapy, and workers’ compensation.

American Bureau of Shipping

A classification society. It grants vessels their ‘class’ if the vessel meets the standards of construction, material and workmanship, and maintenance to be certificated as ‘seaworthy. ABS publishes the RECORD, an alphabetical register of vessels with detailed information on construction, dimensions, etc.

American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI)

Professional association of allergists and immunologists. Established in 1942, the ACAAI is dedicated to improving the quality of patient care in allergy and immunology through research, advocacy, and professional and public education. The ACAAI’s goals are to (1) improve the quality of patient care in allergy, asthma, and immunology; (2) maintain and advance the diagnostic and therapeutic skills of members and foster their appropriate application; (3) sponsor and conduct educational and scientific programs and publications; (4) develop and disseminate educational information for members, patients, health plan purchasers and administrators, and other physicians and health professionals.