Glossary of Healthcare Terms

A not-for-profit organization that works to improve the quality of healthcare through the accreditation of managed care plans. NCQA performs this duty, much like other accrediting bodies, through the setting of standards and collection of outcome and performance data.

A school of medicine that utilizes natural elements (like water, heat, and massage) in its therapies.

NPLEX "is the examination graduates of one of the approved naturopathic medical colleges must pass to be eligible for licensure in any of the 16 states or 5 provinces that license/register naturopathic physicians."

A whole medical system centered on the belief that the body’s healing power is responsible for sustaining, maintaining, and restoring health.

With respect to a business enterprise, the difference between total assets (net of accumulated depreciation, depletion, and amortization) and total liabilities as they appear on the balance sheet (synonymous with "shareholder's equity"). With respect to a specific asset, the capitalized cost less accumulated amortization or depreciation as it appearson the books of account of the business enterprise.

An analytical technique that determines the difference between the total initial economic expense burdens (e.g., initial cash outlays) and the total expected risk-adjusted future net economic benefits (e.g., present value of the future net cash flows).

An HMO that contracts with many independent physician practices that may also treat other patients who are not enrolled in the plan.

Providers who focus on a section or group of buyers, a segment of a product line, or a specific area of a geographic market. What specific area Niche Providers focus on changes based on who is creating the definition.

The nation's first nighthawk company. The company was acquired by Virtual Radiologic in September 2010.

A means of drug delivery where the distribution is through a means other than a digestive one.

Non-participating providers are providers that have not agreed to accept the Medicare reimbursement amount for every claim. Yet, non-participating providers are allowed to accept Medicare assignment on a claim-by-claim basis, if they agree certain conditions. However, it should be noted that even though they have not accepted Medicare

A means of drug delivery in which the distribution is through a means other than a digestive one.

Providers who have not agreed to accept the Medicare reimbursement amount for every claim. Yet, nonparticipating providers are allowed to accept Medicare assignment on a claim-by-claim basis, if they agree certain conditions. However, it should be noted that even though they have not accepted Medicare

The single dollar amount, derived from the adjusted earning of the subject entity over a number of years, which best represents the earnings capacity of the subject entity, based upon the historical performance.

Adopted in 1997 to replace the SIC code system, the one-to-six digit NAICS codes have become the primary standard for industry classification for U.S. statistical purposes.