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A
- accreditation
- An evaluative process in which a healthcare organization undergoes an examination of its operating procedures to determine whether the procedures meet designated criteria as defined by the accrediting body, and to ensure that the organization meets a specified level of quality.
- ACD
- See automatic call distributor.
- ACF
- See ambulatory care facility.
- Alpha Prefix
- Three characters preceding the subscriber identification number on Blue Cross Blue Shield ID cards required for routing claims. It identifies the member's Blue Cross Blue Shield Plan or national account.
- ambulatory care facility (ACF)
- A medical care center that provides a wide range of healthcare services, including preventive care, acute care, surgery, and outpatient care, in a centralized facility. Also known as a medical clinic or medical center.
- ancillary services
- Auxiliary or supplemental services, such as diagnostic services, home health services, physical therapy and occupational therapy, used to support diagnosis and treatment of a patient's condition.
- annual and lifetime maximum benefit amounts
- Maximum dollar amounts set by MCOs that limit the total amount the plan must pay for all healthcare services provided to a subscriber per year or in his/her lifetime.
- Ask Blue℠ Healthcare Reform
- An interactive Web tool that helps consumers understand how healthcare reform will impact them and/or their business.
- Ask Blue℠ Medicare
- An interactive Web tool that helps consumers navigate through the Medicare options available from their local Blue Cross and Blue Shield company to find the individual coverage that best fits their needs and budget.
- Ask Blue℠(individual)
- An interactive Web tool that helps consumers navigate through the health options available from their local Blue Cross and Blue Shield company to find the individual coverage that best fits their needs and budget.
