Category: I

Care for patients whose income falls below a level usually set by statute or regulation as defining indigency. Such care is provided without charge or for reduced charges, but the institution must find the resources by “overcharges” to other patients (or their payers), supplementary appropriations, public subscription, or elsewhere.  

Lacking the necessities of life; not having sufficient resources. “Indigent” will have different definitions for different purposes; for example, to qualify for a public assistance program.  

A term being used now by some writers and speakers to mean ” the current system” for paying for health care. Actually, the current insurance system has both “service” benefits programs and “indemnity” benefits, each with a specific legal meaning.  

An adjective which describes a process which proceeds step-by-step, and each step adds an increment (increase in quantity or value) to the step preceding. The term is being used with a different meaning in health care reform discussions to mean a process of change which happens bit-by-bit rather than all at once; action in contrast…

A standard part of a financial statement in which are shown the revenues, costs, and expenses of the organization for the accounting period. The other part of the financial statement is the balance sheet. Synonym(s): profit and loss statement (P & L), operating statement, income statement.  

A plan for rewarding the performance of individuals in an institution with added compensation. The incentives typically are in the form of annual bonuses or percentage increments above the base salary if specified financial, productivity, or quality performance goals are met, although some institutions use long-term incentives. A 1991 survey found that about two-thirds of…

“Naturally” a part of, although not specifically stated.  

A descriptive term which, when applied to a professional such as a physician, usually encompasses physical handicaps, alcoholism, drug dependence, senility, mental illness, or, sometimes, behavior problems.  

Method of drug rehabilitation in which clients are removed from their normal surroundings and enter a hospital or specialized facility where they undergo treatment. Care or treatment provided in a hospital after a patient’s admission.  

Severe bleeding into the ventricles of the brain, a problem often associated with premature babies. Also known as IVH, bleeding from fragile blood vessels in the brain. Intraventricular hemorrhages are most common in premature infants born more than 8 weeks early. Symptoms of IVH include breathing problems, weak pulse, low blood pressure, paleness, seizures, and…