Medicare program that pays for a portion of the costs of physicians’ services, outpatient hospital services, and other related medical and health services for voluntarily insured aged and disabled individuals. Also known as Medicare Part B —medical benefits of Medicare program.

In Medicare, the monthly premium paid by those individuals who have enrolled in the voluntary SMI program. Also called SMI premium .

Written announcement required by the Fair Credit Reporting Act sent to a consumer about the scope of investigation stated in a prenotice form that an insurance company has previously sent to the consumer.

Under the National Association of Insurance Commissioners Model Privacy Act, written notice to correct erroneous information made by an individual who has been investigated. This statement is kept in the person’s file and is available to anyone reviewing the disputed information.

1. Institution, company, individual, or agency that furnishes a medical item or service such as a wheelchair or walker. 2. In Medicare, suppliers are distinguished from providers including hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. Institutions classified as providers are reimbursed by fiscal intermediaries and suppliers including physicians, durable medical equipment companies, medical-surgical supplies, nonhospital laboratories, and ambulance companies are paid by insurance carriers.

Three or more individuals who share a common bond and come together on a regular basis to share problems and experiences. These groups may be sponsored by social service agencies, senior centers, religious organizations, hospital facilities, and charitable nonprofit organizations.

Information that substantiates and authenticates an incident such as author of the document, creation date, accessed date, and modified date. Also called metadata .

Physician who is specially trained in operative procedures and treats injuries, deformities, and diseases by operative methods.

Branch of medicine that deals with diseases and trauma requiring invasive operative procedures.

Division of the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code book that contains information about surgical procedures.