Federal government agency founded in 1798 that is in charge of the control of all people and immigrants arriving from foreign countries and products that might affect the health of people in America. It sets standards for domestic handling and processing of food and manufacture of serums, vaccines, cosmetics, and drugs. It is the uniformed service of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. USPHS-commissioned officers serve their country by controlling the spread of contagious diseases such as smallpox and yellow fever, conducting important biomedical research, regulating the food and drug supply, providing health care to underserved groups, and supplying medical assistance in the aftermath of disasters.
Tag: MEDICAL
United States Uniformed Services identification cards
Insurance card issued to dependents of active duty military members and retirees who are beneficiaries of the TRICARE government program (see Figure U-1 ). Essential information is included on front and back sides of the card. TRICARE Standard active duty dependent’s identification card (DD Form 1173) from which essential information must be abstracted. B , Sample identification card (DD Form 1173) for a retiree’s widowed spouse. Cards indicate 1 , sponsor’s status and rank; 2 , authorization status for treatment by a civilian provider; and 3 , expiration date.
Universal access
Condition of a health benefits system indicating the right of all individuals to receive basic medical services in a health care setting.
Universal coverage
System of health care in which every citizen of the United States is covered and may receive medical services, even those who cannot pay for coverage. The United Kingdom and Canada have universal coverage. Also called socialized medicine and statutory health insurance . Also see national health insurance .
Universal life insurance
Type of whole life insurance with flexible premiums, adjustable protection, and company expenses disclosed in the policy to the purchaser. They are separated so that each can be analyzed for premium rates and cash value. Also called unbundled life insurance .
Universal precautions
Protective safety measures used by medical personnel to avoid and minimize infection when exposed to bloodborne pathogens, infectious materials, and viruses.
universal resource locator (URL)
String of characters that identifies the location of a document on the Internet (World Wide Web).
Unlisted procedure code
Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code that identifies and has a description of a procedure that is rarely provided, unusual, variable, or new and for which a code does not appear in the code book. Such a code typically ends in 99. A report or documentation needs to be submitted with the insurance claim form to explain the procedure in more detail when using an unlisted procedure code.
Unlisted service
See: unlisted procedure code .
Unmarried
In a managed care contract, a hospital facility and a managed care plan that work with each other but are not exclusive to each other. Also see married .