Systematic collection of information that pertains to the occurrence of specific diseases, the analysis and interpretation of the data, and the dissemination of the results within government, to the public, and to other interested parties.

One of the systems approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that supports the operation of the Medicaid program. The SURS safeguards against unnecessary or inappropriate use of Medicaid services or excess payments and assesses the quality of those services.

Activity conducted by state survey agencies or other Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) agents under the direction of CMS and within the scope of applicable regulations and operating instructions and under the provisions of §1864 of the Social Security Act whereby surveyors determine compliance or noncompliance of Medicare providers and suppliers with applicable Medicare requirements for participation. The survey and certification process for each provider and supplier is outlined in detail in the state operations and regional office manuals published by CMS.

1. Wife or husband of a deceased worker who is eligible for group insurance coverage through the spouse’s company. 2. For TRICARE or a veteran’s program, individual who is married to the service member or veteran at the time of death.

Type of group life insurance providing income benefits if the insured is survived by a qualified survivor (spouse and children).

Life insurance policy provision stating the beneficiary must survive the insured by a specific number of days to receive the death benefit. This clause is usually inserted at the request of the insured. Also referred to as a delay clause or a time clause .

Type of whole life insurance for two people that pays benefits only when the second person dies. This type of insurance is usually obtained to help pay estate taxes. Also called second-to-die life insurance .

Medical or surgical procedure that may be obsolete or of doubtful value. Such procedures or tests are usually marked to be manually reviewed by a managed care plan’s utilization review committee for appropriateness of care.

Insurance claim held by the insurance carrier as pending either due to an error or the need for additional information.