Glossary of Healthcare Terms

Providers who practice “parallel” to physicians but provide a scope of services that is distinctly different from physicians, representing 60 percent of the U.S. healthcare workforce, providing diagnostic, technical, and therapeutic services both incident to (supporting) or in lieu of (replacing) physicians.

"A method of healing founded on a scientific basis."

A system of medical practice that aims to combat disease by use of remedies (as drugs or surgery) producing effects different from or incompatible with those produced by the disease being treated.

The traditional form of medicine, whereby interventions and remedies are used to treat various illnesses or conditions.

A freestanding facility that is certified by Medicare that performs certain types of same-day procedures on an outpatient basis without hospitalization.

Professional charges for patient services that are delivered in conjunction with the principle practitioner that diagnoses and treats the patient. The technical component of billing, with its own CPT codes, includes equipment, supplies, and facilities.

A body of law charged with combatting anti-competitive behavior which would impair the ability of free markets to function properly. Antitrust involves the regulation of mergers and acquisitions, as well as scrutiny of behavior between competitors which may restrain trade.

Laws that require managed care plans to contract with all healthcare providers that meet their terms and conditions.

The development and reporting of a recommendation, analysis or opinion to solve a problem.

The development and reporting of an opinion of value of a business enterprise or equity interest in a business entity.

The development and reporting of an opinion regarding the quality of an appraisal report.

The average value of historical data utilized as a measure of central tendency.

It involves the use of flower, herb, and tree extracts to enhance and maintain health and wellness.

A type of living arrangement in which meals, shelter, transportation, and the activities of daily living are provided either in-home or in a centralized location.

Long-term care facilities that combine permanent housing with personal support services.