Consultation with a second physician about a proposed elective operative procedure after surgery has been recommended by a first physician.

Special fund that assumes all or part of the liability for benefits provided to a worker because of the combined effect of a work-related impairment and a preexisting condition; also known as subsequent injury fund (SIF) .

Second in order of time, place, or importance such as that seen during the course of another disease or condition.

Medical services provided by medical specialists who generally do not have first contact with patients (e.g., cardiologists, urologists, dermatologists). In managed care plans, the patient is seen by the primary care physician and then may be referred to secondary and/or tertiary providers as needed.

Medical situation that exists with the primary diagnosis and does not affect the treatment or results of the primary diagnosis.

Health insurance plan that pays for expenses not covered by primary coverage under the coordination of benefits provision.
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Coverage which provides payment for charges not covered by the primary policy or plan.

Reason subsequent to the primary diagnosis for an office or hospital encounter that may contribute to the condition or define the need for a higher level of care but is not the underlying cause. There may be more than one secondary diagnosis. See other diagnoses .