Parentheses

1. In ICD-9-CM coding, symbols used to enclose nonessential modifiers because their presence or absence does not affect the code assigned and these data provide additional description. 2. In CPT coding, symbols used to enclose a note listed at the end of a code section.

Parity Clause

A clause in a Marine insurance contract which is one or two or more such contracts and which provides that where there are differing rates of premium under them the lower rate shall prevail.

Parol evidence

Word of mouth evidence in court. While not generally admissible to contradict the written policy, there are exceptions that allow the parties to bring evidence that they contracted otherwise than in accordance with the terms used to express their agreement, e.g. the policy was obtained by fraud.

Parole Evidence Rule

When the parties to a contract have purported to embody their contract in writing, that writing is the contract and all of the contract; therefore no evidence is admissible to prove any terms of the contract different from, or in addition to, those set forth in writing.