Glossary

A diseased state, often used in the context of a "morbidity rate" (i.e. The rate of disease or proportion of diseased people in a population). In common clinical usage, any disease state, including diagnosis and complications is referred to as morbidity.

A doctor or supplier who agrees to accept assignment on all Medicare claims. These doctors or suppliers may bill you only for Medicare deductible and/or coinsurance amounts. (See Assignment.)

A doctor or supplier who does not accept assignment on all Medicare claims. (See Assignment.)

A doctor who finds and treats health problems in adults.

A doctor who is trained to give you basic care. Your primary care doctor is the doctor you see first for most health problems. He or she makes sure that you get the care that you need to keep you healthy. He or she also may talk with other doctors and health care providers about your care and refer you to them. In many Medicare managed care plans, you must see your primary care doctor before you see any other health care provider.

A doctor who primarily takes care of patients when they are in the hospital. This doctor will take over your care from your primary doctor when you are in the hospital, keep your primary doctor informed about your progress, and will return you to the care of your primary doctor when you leave the hospital.

A doctor who treats only certain parts of the body, certain health problems, or certain age groups. For example, some doctors treat only heart problems.

A doctor, hospital, health care professional, or health care facility.

A document explaining the proper use of a standard for a specific business purpose. The X12N HIPAA IGs are the primary reference documents used by those implementing the associated transactions, and are incorporated into the HIPAA regulations by reference.

A document or system that characterizes the data content of a system.