National organization composed of medical assistants, medical assisting students, and medical assisting educators with state and local chapters. It (1) promotes education for clinical and administrative medical assistants, (2) establishes educational requirements for national certification and continuing education requirements for recertification, and (3) is recognized by the American Medical Association.

National association of network-based preferred provider organizations (PPOs) and affiliate organizations established in 1983 that puts control in the hands of the physician and patient, therefore empowering both results in the best care. PPOs provide easy access to quality care from the right doctor, providing the right care at the right time. AAPPO promotes and supports the PPO industry, consumers enrolled in PPOs, and the collaborative effort of the industry to reduce health care costs. Member organizations include PPOs, provider organizations, network-based health plans, affiliate organizations, and specialty networks including chiropractic, dental, laboratory, mental health, ophthalmic, pharmacy, physical therapy, and workers’ compensation.

A nonprofit organization protecting the rights and needs of retired individuals.

Professional association of allergists and immunologists. Established in 1942, the ACAAI is dedicated to improving the quality of patient care in allergy and immunology through research, advocacy, and professional and public education. The ACAAI’s goals are to (1) improve the quality of patient care in allergy, asthma, and immunology; (2) maintain and advance the diagnostic and therapeutic skills of members and foster their appropriate application; (3) sponsor and conduct educational and scientific programs and publications; (4) develop and disseminate educational information for members, patients, health plan purchasers and administrators, and other physicians and health professionals.

Nonprofit professional coders organization that offers certification as a Physician Coding Specialist (PCS), Facility Coding Specialist (FCS), and Coding Specialist for Payors (CSP).

Nonprofit scientific and educational association of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to improve the care of the surgical patient by setting high standards for surgical education and practice. Examples of activities conducted by ACS include educational programs such as the Clinical Congress and standard-setting programs in cancer and trauma care.

Affiliated nonprofit corporation founded by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Board of Regents in 2002 to develop new products and services to benefit surgeons and their patients. An initial and major component of ACSPA’s efforts is the formation of a political action committee (PAC) that will work to improve the legislative and regulatory climate in which surgeons practice.

Professional organization for dentists that has guidelines for completion and submission of a dental claim form. The ADA maintains the Current Dental Terminology (CDT) medical code set. The ADA and the Dental Content Committee (DeCC), which it hosts, have formal consultative roles under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Nonprofit federation of affiliated state health organizations, together representing more than 10,000 nonprofit and for-profit assisted living, nursing facility, developmentally disabled, and subacute care providers that care for more than 1.5 million elderly and disabled individuals nationally. AHCA represents the long-term care community to the nation at large—to government, business leaders, and the general public. It also serves as a force for change within the long-term care field, providing information, education, and administrative tools that enhance quality at every level. At its Washington, D.C., headquarters, the association maintains legislative, regulatory, and public affairs, as well as member services staffs that work both internally and externally to assist the interests of government and the general public, as well as member providers.