Alternative dispute resolution (ADR)

Method or procedure used to settle insurance claims other than through a lawsuit. See also arbitration.

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UK: A generic term meaning all methods of dispute resolution other than the court. ADR embraces: arbitration, adjudication, conciliation, early neutral evaluation, expert determination, executive tribunal (or mini-trial) or mediation. ADR is actively encouraged as a part of the pre-action protocols in the Civil Procedure Rules.

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Methods other than lawsuits that are designed to resolve legal disputes. Examples are arbitration and mediation.

 

 

 

Alternative medicine

Nontraditional medical care given by providers such as acupuncture, aroma therapy, chiropractic, diet, exercise, faith healing, homeopathy, Indian Ayurvedic medicine, massage, meditation, mind/body therapies, nutritional and herbal medicine, stress management, and therapeutic touch. A number of health insurance companies and managed care organizations have begun to provide insurance coverage for a few of these alternative therapies. Alternative billing codes (ABCs) are used to bill for these services. Also see integrative health care and alternative billing codes (ABCs). Website: www.alternativelink.com

AM

HCPCS Level II modifier that may be used with CPT or HCPCS Level II codes indicating services performed by a physician associated with a team. Use of this modifier affects Medicare payment.

Ambulance fee schedule

In the Medicare program, a fee schedule for the payment of ambulance services that became effective April 1, 2002. This involves a 5-year transition during which payment is based on a blended amount—part fee schedule and part provider or supplier’s reasonable cost.

Ambulatory

1. A patient capable of moving without assistance. Also see activities of daily living (ADLs). 2. Descriptive term used when services are provided to a patient in a physician’s office, clinic, or hospital outpatient department.