An approved bill from a health care provider to an insurance company.

A type of health care system in which everyone - government, insurance company, or individual - pays the same amount for the same services, also known as Multiple Payer Systems. It should be noted that this does not reflect current U.S. health care policy.

Health care provider offering a "non traditional" environment for birthing. These are generally more comfortable/flexible than hospital type environments.

Care provided in a hospital or clinic not requiring more than a 24 hour stay (Also known as outpatient care).

A part of the Federal Balanced Budget Act of 1997, which designates a method of paying for Medicare facility outpatient services.

Healthcare facilities that provide treatment without admitting the patient into a hospital, also known as same-day surgery centers and outpatient surgery centers.

The United States' largest association of physicians and medical students.

Trade group representing health insurance companies.

Health care services that do not fall under a strict definition of medical treatment, but are directly related such as x-rays, physical therapy, nutrition services or lab work.

The first day of a new plan year, generally the same date as the plan went into effect the previous year.