United States Public Health Service (USPHS)

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.

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 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 .

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.

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 .