Nonprofit professional coders organization that offers certification as a Physician Coding Specialist (PCS), Facility Coding Specialist (FCS), and Coding Specialist for Payors (CSP).
Insurance Encyclopedia
American College of Surgeons (ACS)
Nonprofit scientific and educational association of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to improve the care of the surgical patient by setting high standards for surgical education and practice. Examples of activities conducted by ACS include educational programs such as the Clinical Congress and standard-setting programs in cancer and trauma care.
American College of Surgeons Professional Association (ACSPA)
Affiliated nonprofit corporation founded by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Board of Regents in 2002 to develop new products and services to benefit surgeons and their patients. An initial and major component of ACSPA’s efforts is the formation of a political action committee (PAC) that will work to improve the legislative and regulatory climate in which surgeons practice.
American Council of Life Insurance (Life Insurance)
Association of several insurance groups that exchange information, communicate, and are interested in legislative matters.
American Dental Association (ADA)
Professional organization for dentists that has guidelines for completion and submission of a dental claim form. The ADA maintains the Current Dental Terminology (CDT) medical code set. The ADA and the Dental Content Committee (DeCC), which it hosts, have formal consultative roles under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
American exposures
Liability insurers regard any US exposure as material and therefore all known exposures should be disclosed. The exposure may arise through: (a) having employees and/or representation in the US; (b) products exported to the US; (c) US business trips. The concern has its origin in: (i) strict liability in many states; (ii) jury awards; (iii) an established contingent fee system (lawyers work on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis); (iv) punitive damages awards; (v) liberal interpretations of policies; (vi) reluctance to take contributory negligence into account.
American forms
Marine policy forms and clauses that are the US equivalent of Institute Clauses. They are approved and issued by the American Institute of Marine Underwriters.
American Group Practice Association (AGPA)
See: American Medical Group Association (AMGA).
American Health Care Association (AHCA)
Nonprofit federation of affiliated state health organizations, together representing more than 10,000 nonprofit and for-profit assisted living, nursing facility, developmentally disabled, and subacute care providers that care for more than 1.5 million elderly and disabled individuals nationally. AHCA represents the long-term care community to the nation at large—to government, business leaders, and the general public. It also serves as a force for change within the long-term care field, providing information, education, and administrative tools that enhance quality at every level. At its Washington, D.C., headquarters, the association maintains legislative, regulatory, and public affairs, as well as member services staffs that work both internally and externally to assist the interests of government and the general public, as well as member providers.
American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
National professional organization for promoting the art and science of medical record management and improving the quality of comprehensive health information for the welfare of the public. AHIMA offers educational services and professional certifications for coding and sponsors some compliance educational seminars.