Glossary of Healthcare Terms

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Medical Imaging

A “non-invasive process used to obtain pictures of the internal anatomy or function of the anatomy using one of many different types of imaging equipment and media for creating the image.”

Medical Laboratory

A facility that offers isolated conditions for which samples of tissues, fluids, and other bodily substances can be tested or housed.

Medical Loss Ratio (MLR)

The relationship of medical insurance premiums paid out for claims, comparing the cost of providing services to the amount paid for that service.

Medicare

Medicare is an entitlement program available to individuals over the age of 65 and individuals with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).

Originally known as Medicare+Choice, a federally developed managed are model for Medicare, refined under the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003. "Medicare Advantage is a system for delivering Medicare benefits to beneficiaries who enroll in plans offered by private health insurance organizations."

Medicare Part A

“The Democratic plan for a compulsory hospital insurance program under Social Security.”

Medicare Part B

“The revised Republican program of government-subsidized voluntary insurance to cover physicians’ bills.”

Metropolitan Statistical Area

Typically, a geographic area that includes one city with at least 50,000 inhabitants.

Mid-Level Provider

Health practitioners that must hold a license to practice medicine and may (in some capacity) practice independently.

Mid-Level Providers

A subset of licensed nonphysician practitioners that generally practices under the supervision of physicians but is allowed some autonomy in practice, whether in regard to prescriptive authority or the ability to provide some level of independent care.

Minimum Essential Coverage

Level of coverage that includes insurance offered in the individual market (such as qualified health plan enrolled in through an Affordable Insurance Exchange), an eligible employer-sponsored plan, or government-sponsored coverage such as Medicare, Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program, TRICARE, or veteran's health.

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