Under HIPAA’s final privacy rule, an amendment to a patient’s medical record indicates that the data are in dispute while retaining the original information, while a correction to a medical record alters or replaces the original record.

National organization that was formed as a result of a merger of the Health Insurance Association of America (HIAA), Group Health Association of America (GHAA), American Managed Care and Review Association (AMCRA), and American Association of Health Plans (AAHP). Their member companies offer insurance coverage for medical expenses, long-term care, disability income, dental, supplemental, stop-loss, and reinsurance to consumers, employers, and public purchasers. Its purpose is to represent the interests of their members on legislative and regulatory issues at the federal and state levels, and with the media, consumers, and employers. They provide information and services such as newsletters, publications, a magazine, and on-line services. They also conduct education, research, and quality assurance programs and engage in a host of other activities to assist their members. AHIP participates in the maintenance of some code sets including the HCPCS Level II codes.

AAFP and its members are committed to care that is equitable for all people; centered on the whole person within the context of family and community; based on science, technology, and best available evidence; supported by lifelong professional learning; and grounded in respect and compassion for the individual. AAFP’s vision is to transform health care to achieve optimal health for everyone. The mission of the AAFP is to improve the health of patients, families, and communities by serving the needs of members with professionalism and creativity.

Nonprofit organization for orthopaedic surgeons and allied health professionals.

National organization that represents physician assistants (PAs) in all specialties and all employment settings. Its membership also includes PA students and supporters of the profession. Its mission is to promote quality, cost-effective, accessible health care and the professional and personal development of PAs.

National organization composed of medical coders and billers. It offers examinations for becoming a Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Professional Coder-Apprentice (CPC-A), Certified Professional Coder-Hospital (CPC-H), and Certified Professional Coder-Payer (CPC-P).

National organization established in 1980 to develop an accreditation program to standardize and improve the quality of medical and surgical care in ambulatory surgery facilities while assuring the public of high standards for patient care and safety in an accredited facility. Its mission is to develop and implement standards of excellence to ensure the highest quality of patient care through an accreditation program that serves both the medical community and the public interest by establishing a means for measuring medical competence and providing an external source for evaluating patient safety in the ambulatory surgery setting. AAAASF accreditation has been approved by some State Departments of Health in lieu of State Licensure. Many private insurance carriers recognize accreditation by AAAASF for reimbursement of covered procedures. For insurance carriers that require Medicare certification, AAAASF has a separate program to evaluate and approve facilities for certification by Medicare, using the same peer inspection process that is used for regular accreditation.

Organization for the home care industry that includes intravenous therapy, medical services and manufacturers, and health providers. AAHomecare was created through the merger of the Health Industry Distributors Association’s Home Care Division (HIDA Home Care), the Home Health Services and Staffing Association (HHSSA), and the National Association for Medical Equipment Services (NAMES).

In 2003 the Health Insurance Association of America (HIAA), Group Health Association of America (GHAA), and the American Managed Care and Review Association (AMCRA) merged with American Association of Health Plans (AAHP) and created what is now known as America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP). See America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP).