In workers’ compensation cases, expert testimony given by a physician at a deposition or appeals board hearing about the medical opinion submitted by the physician.

In workers’ compensation cases, a claim in which time lost from work does not exceed 7 calendar work days.

Nursing care of adult patients whose conditions or disorders are treated pharmacologically or surgically.

Phrase that refers to the services provided by a physician. Sometimes abbreviated as med-surg.

Medical or psychological services that are considered appropriate care; that meet standards of good medical practice; that are generally accepted by qualified professionals to be reasonable and adequate for the diagnosis and treatment of illness, injury, pregnancy, and mental disorders; that are not provided mainly for the convenience of the patient or the physician; or that are reasonable and adequate for well-baby care.

Medicaid program that provides a variety of services (nursing and respite) to support families caring for medically dependent children in their homes to encourage deinstitutionalization of children in nursing homes.

In a workers’ compensation case, issues that require medical information for decision-making.

1. Health care services covered by insurance that are necessary to preserve and maintain the health of a member of a managed care plan. The medical service provided must be necessary, appropriate according to current standards of medical practice, provided in the most appropriate setting, and performed at the proper level of service. 2. Cal. Wel. & Inst. Code 14059.5 defines medical necessity when it is reasonable and necessary to protect life, to prevent significant illness or significant disability, or to alleviate severe pain. See also medical necessity and medically (or psychologically) necessary services .

That portion of a patient’s inpatient hospital stay during an episode of illness or injury that is called excessive when care may be given in a less expensive or more efficient setting. It may be considered too long a stay when considering current standards of good medical practice.