power mobility device (PMD)

Power wheelchair and power-operated vehicle such as a scooter. Medicare beneficiaries with a personal mobility deficit who meet criteria as noted in the Medicare National Coverage Determinations Manual are eligible to be provided with a PMD under the durable medical equipment (DME) benefit. The device must be ordered by a physician or treating provider.

Power of attorney

MEDICAL,USA: 1. Medical document that lets an individual appoint someone he or she trusts to make decisions about the individual’s medical care. This type of advance directive also may be called a health care proxy, appointment of health care agent, or a durable power of attorney for health care. 2. Voluntary transfer of decision-making authority from one individual to another individual, both of whom are competent.
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Authority given one person or corporation to act for and obligate another, to the extent laid down in the instrument creating the power.
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The power to make legal decisions for another person or entity. This power is given to an individual or corporation in a written agreement. This term can also refer to the legal authority given to the head of an insurance exchange by each insured. The head administrator is then called an attorney in fact.
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The written instrument by which the authority of one person to act in the place and stead of another as his attorney in fact is set forth.

practice expense (PE)

One of three components used in the formula to develop relative value units (RVUs) for each medical service performed. PE consists of salaries, fringe benefits, and purchase and use of medical equipment and supplies. The other two components are (1) amount of physician work and (2) the cost of professional liability insurance. These three RVUs are then adjusted according to geographical area and used in a formula to determine the resource-based relative value scale (RBRVS) for the Medicare fees published annually in the Federal Register.

Practice guidelines

Suggested procedures and policies for patient management to help physicians in decisions about quality health care for certain medical conditions. Some managed care plans and professional organizations have guidelines to evaluate appropriateness and medical necessity of services such as the American Medical Association. Also called critical pathways, practice options, practice parameters, practice policies, practice standards, or treatment protocols.