A number assigned to a group of physicians submitting claims under the group name and reporting income under one name; used instead of the individual’s physician’s number (PIN) for the performing provider.

Salaried employee of the insurance company who assists insurance agents and brokers in acquiring, soliciting, and negotiating with potential buyers for group insurance and to service group contracts. The representative also renegotiates renewal policies.

Provision that adds group benefits to a basic insurance plan that is chosen by an employer for all employees who take out the insurance coverage.

Individual or professional association that acts as an agent for the group and its members. It pays the dues and service charges to a health insurance plan and agrees to receive the plan’s certificate and information.

Type of group life insurance policy that has flexible premiums, adjustable protection, not fixed, and it has investment earnings that allows for some tax benefits. The death benefit is established by the amount of the premium. In this type of policy, the insured can vary the premium and death benefit amounts during the life of the policy. A group member that leaves the group can continue coverage under the group plan. Also called group universal life program (GULP) .

Business composed of physicians or medical practices into one management arrangement. Physicians see patients in their own offices but share administrative, billing, and purchasing expenditures. GWW contracts with managed care plans as a sole entity. Also called group practice without walls (GPWW) .

Automated computer coding software program that classifies numeric diagnostic codes and assigns DRGs of discharged patients using the following information: patient’s age, sex, principal diagnosis, complications/comorbid conditions, principal procedure, and discharge status. A grouper is essential to reimbursement because it determines which type of complicated diagnosis and/or additional procedures affect a principal diagnosis and place the case into the appropriate DRG.