Measure of the amount of urea in the blood, which is the major breakdown product of protein metabolism and is removed by the kidneys. It is determined by a blood test. During kidney failure, urea accumulates in proportion to the degree of kidney failure and to the amount of protein breakdown. Symptoms of uremia correspond roughly to the amount of urea in the blood.

National organization (trade association) headquartered in Chicago that represents state and local Blue Cross and Blue Shield health plans and administers rules and regulations for regional Blue plans. BCBSA acts as the administrator for the Health Care Code Maintenance and helps maintain the HCPCS Level II code system. It is America’s oldest and largest family of health benefits companies and the most recognized brands in the health insurance industry. In 1929 it began by assuring hospital care to Texas teachers and providing physician care to lumber and mine workers in the Pacific Northwest. Regional plans process claims for members who have plan coverage for hospital expenses, outpatient care, other institutional services, home care, dental benefits, and vision care. Most of the affiliated organizations have converted to for-profit status, have plans similar to private insurance companies, and operate in much the same way as other private insurance carriers. Blue Cross/Blue Shield may act as a Medicare fiscal intermediary in certain regions. A provider must be contracted with Blue Cross/Blue Shield to receive payment as a member physician.

Registered symbol of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association that is used to identify all Blue Cross plans. It depicts a blue Greek cross with the figure of a man in the heart of the cross and the words Blue Cross. Also see Blue Shield logo .

Corporation that administers a voluntary prepayment medical/surgical/hospital program in a specific region and operates under the membership standards of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA). Individuals or groups that join the plan are called members or subscribers , and providers of service that contract with the Blue plan are called member physicians . Also see Blue Shield plan .

Registered symbol of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association that is used to identify all Blue Shield plans. It depicts a caduceus that is the Greek healing symbol over a shield in blue that signifies protection. The Buffalo, New York, plan designed the logo in 1929 based on the U.S. Army Medical Corps insignia. Also see Blue Cross logo .

Corporation that administers a voluntary prepayment medical/surgical/hospital program in a specific region and operates under the membership standards of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA). Individuals or groups that join the plan are called members or subscribers and providers of service that contract with the Blue plan are called member physicians . Also see Blue Cross plan .