Method designed to provide the account with a more favorable cash flow (e.g., self-funding and deferred premiums).
Tag: MEDICAL
Alternative medicine
Nontraditional medical care given by providers such as acupuncture, aroma therapy, chiropractic, diet, exercise, faith healing, homeopathy, Indian Ayurvedic medicine, massage, meditation, mind/body therapies, nutritional and herbal medicine, stress management, and therapeutic touch. A number of health insurance companies and managed care organizations have begun to provide insurance coverage for a few of these alternative therapies. Alternative billing codes (ABCs) are used to bill for these services. Also see integrative health care and alternative billing codes (ABCs). Website: www.alternativelink.com
Alternative work assignment
In workers’ compensation case, the placement of an injured worker in another job with the same employer as a temporary or permanent accommodation to the workers’ disability.
AM
HCPCS Level II modifier that may be used with CPT or HCPCS Level II codes indicating services performed by a physician associated with a team. Use of this modifier affects Medicare payment.
Ambulance (air or water)
Air or water vehicle specifically designed, equipped, and staffed for life-saving assistance and transportation of the sick or injured.
Ambulance (land)
Land vehicle specifically designed, equipped, and staffed for life-saving assistance and transportation of the sick or injured.
Ambulance fee schedule
In the Medicare program, a fee schedule for the payment of ambulance services that became effective April 1, 2002. This involves a 5-year transition during which payment is based on a blended amount—part fee schedule and part provider or supplier’s reasonable cost.
Ambulatory
1. A patient capable of moving without assistance. Also see activities of daily living (ADLs). 2. Descriptive term used when services are provided to a patient in a physician’s office, clinic, or hospital outpatient department.
Ambulatory care
All types of health services that are provided on an outpatient basis, in contrast to services provided in the home or to persons who are inpatients. Although many inpatients may be ambulatory, the term ambulatory care usually implies that the patient must travel to a location to receive services that do not require an overnight stay. Many services that once required hospitalization are now considered ambulatory care. Sometimes called outpatient care.
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Medical services that are provided on an outpatient (non-hospitalized) basis; services may include diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation.
Ambulatory care clinic
See: ambulatory care facility.