Broad classification aggregating providers who are individual people rather than an organization.

A provider qualified by a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.), licensed by the State and who practices chiropractic medicine -that discipline within the healing arts which deals with the nervous system and its relationship to the spinal column and its interrelationship with other body systems.

Broad classification aggregating providers who are trained and educated to perform services related to behavioral health, mental health, and counseling and may be licensed or practice within the scope or licensure or training.

A provider who is trained and educated in the performance of behavior health services through interpersonal communications and analysis. Training and education at the specialty level usually requires a master's degree and clinical experience and supervision for licensure or certification.

An individual with a doctorate degree, licensure in clinical psychology and specialized training or board certification in neuropsychology who practices or adheres to the principles of neuropsychology; a specialty within the field of psychology focusing primarily on neurobehavioral functioning.

(1) A practitioner of psychoanalysis: methods of eliciting from patients their past emotional experiences and their role in influencing their current mental life, in order to discover the conflicts and mechanisms by which their pathologic mental state has been produced and to furnish hints for psychotherapeutic procedures, the method employs free association, recall and interpretation of dreams and interpretation of transference and resistance phenomena; (2) An individual who is educated with a doctor's degree in psychoanalysis or psychology, trained at an established psychoanalytic institute, and practices or adheres to the principles of psychoanalysis. Psychoanalysis is a form of psychotherapy and a system of investigation for determining and understanding mental processes, which was originally conceived by Sigmund Freud. Psychoanalysis involves the analysis and interpretation of dreams, resistances, and transferences, and uses free association and catharsis. Clinical practice requires licensure.

An individual who specializes in psychological research, testing, and/or therapy. Psychology is the branch of science that deals with mental processes and behavior, composed of the following major fields: abnormal, clinical, comparative, counseling, developmental, educational, engineering, experimental, industrial, learning, motivation, perception, personality, physiological, psychometrics, school, and social psychology.

A clinical social worker is a person who is qualified by a master of Social Work (M.S.W.) degree, licensed, certified or registered by the state as a social worker and practicing within the scope of that license. A social worker provides assistance and counseling to patients and their families and dealing with social, emotional and environmental problems.

A mental health provider, e.g. social worker, psychologist, etc. who concentrates his/her practice on the social, emotional and psychological treatment of married couples and families.

Broad category to identify practitioners licensed by the State who render services related the practice of dentistry. The Practice of Dentistry means the diagnosis, treatment, prescription, or operation for a disease, pain, deformity, deficiency, injury or physical condition of the human tooth, teeth, alveolar process, gums or jaws, or their dependent tissues, or an offer, undertaking, attempt to do, or holding oneself out to do any other these acts.

A dentist is a person qualified by a doctorate in dental surgery (D.D. S.) or dental medicine (D.M.D.). licensed by the state to practice dentistry, and practicing within the scope of that license. Many dentists are general practitioners who handle a wide variety of dental needs. Other dentists practice in one of eight specialty areas recognized by the American Dental Association: oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, endodontics, public health, oral pathology and pediatric dentistry.

An individual who assists at the chairside in a dental operatory, performs reception and clerical functions, and does dental radiograph and selected dental laboratory procedures under the direction and supervision of a dentist. Post-high school education and education is not required, but many dental assistants are graduates of one or two-year post-high school education programs accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. The balance of dental assistants are trained by the dentists who employ them.

An individual who assists at the chairside in a dental operatory, performs reception and clerical functions, and does dental radiograph and selected dental laboratory procedures under the direction and supervision of a dentist. Post-high school education and education is not required, but many dental assistants are graduates of one or two-year post-high school education programs accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. The balance of dental assistants are trained by the dentists who employ them.

An individual trained or educated to perform one or more phases of the dental laboratory procedures required in the creation of a dental prosthetic, fabricated under a dental prescription (work authorization).

Broad category defining practitioners who help prevent and treat illness by promoting healthy eating habits, scientifically evaluating diets and suggesting modifications. They may also assess the nutritional needs of patients, develop and implement nutritional care plans.

A dietary manager is a trained food services professional who is charged with maintaining cost/profit objectives, purchasing foods and services for the department and supervising staff. Dietary managers are trained to understand the basic nutritional needs of clients and work in partnership with dietitians, who offer specialized nutritional expertise. The CDM certified dietary manager designation is an advanced professional credential awarded to dietary managers who have completed specific course work, have passed the national credentialing exams (including a sanitation and safety exam) and have applied for certification.

A specialist in adapting and applying food and nutrient knowledge to the solution of food and nutritional problems, the control of disease, and the promotion of health. Nutritionists perform research, instruct groups and individuals about nutritional requirements, and assist people in developing meal patterns that meet their nutritional needs; (2) A nutritionist is someone who has completed undergraduate and/or graduate training in the discipline of nutrition without necessarily meeting the academic and experience requirements to qualify for the Registered Dietitian designation.

A registered dietician (RD) is a food and nutrition expert who has successfully completed a minimum of a bachelor's degree at a US regionally accredited university or college and course work approved by The American Dietetic Association (ADA); an ADA-accredited or approved, supervised practice program, typically 6 to 12 months in length; a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration; and continuing professional educational requirements to maintain registration.

A person trained in food and nutrition who is an integral part of health care and foodservice management teams. A dietetic technician, registered (DTR) has successfully completed at least a two-year associate's degree at a US regionally accredited college or university; a dietetic technician program approved by The American Dietetic Association, including 450 hours of supervised practice experience; a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration; and continuing professional educational requirements to maintain registration.

Broad category for individuals who complete additional training and education in the area of pre-hospital emergency services and are licensed and/or practice within the scope of that training.

An EMT, Paramedic is an individual trained and certified to perform advanced life support (ALS) in medical emergencies based on individual state boards.

An Intermediate EMT is an individual trained and certified to perform intermediate life support treatment in medical emergencies based on individual state boards.

A Basic EMT is an individual trained and certified to perform basic life support treatment in medical emergencies based on individual state boards.

Broad category grouping individuals who render services related to the human eye and visual systems, but are not an allopathic or osteopathic physicians.

A broad category grouping different kinds of technologists and technicians. See individual definitions.

An optometrist is a person qualified by a Doctor of Optometry (O.D. ) degree, licensed by the state and practicing within the scope of that license. Optometrists examine the eyes and related structures to determine the presence of any abnormality and prescribe and adapt lenses or optical aids. They use drugs for diagnosis in all states and for treatment in some states. They do not perform surgery.

Providers who are trained and educated to perform services in health promotion, disease prevention, acute and chronic care, and restoration of health, and health maintenance across the life span.

(1) A registered nurse is a person qualified by graduation from an accredited nursing school (depending upon schooling, a registered nurse may receive either a diploma from a hospital program, an associate degree in nursing (A.D.N.) or a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (B.S.N.), who is licensed or certified by the state, and is practicing within the scope of that license or certification. R.N.'s assist patient in recovering and maintaining their physical or mental health. They assist physicians during treatments and examinations and administer medications. (2) A provider who is trained and educated in a formal nursing education program at an accredited school of nursing, passes a national certification examination, and is licensed by the state to practice nursing. The individual provides nursing services to patients or clients in areas such as health promotion, disease prevention, acute and chronic care and restoration and maintenance of health across the life span.

An individual with post-high school vocational training and practical experience in the provision of nursing care at a level less than that required for certification as a Registered Nurse. Requirements for education, experience, licensure, and job responsibilities vary among the states.

An individual with post-high school vocational training and practical experience in the provision of nursing care at a level less than that required for certification as a Registered Nurse. [An alternate term for licensed practical nurse arising from difference in occupational titles between states and post-high school training programs and institutions.] Requirements for education, experience, licensure, and job responsibilities vary among the states.

(1) A person with specialized training in a narrow field of expertise whose occupation requires training and is skilled in specific technical processes and procedures. (2) An individual having special skill or practical knowledge in an area, such as operation and maintenance of equipment or performance of laboratory procedures involving biochemical analyses. Special technical qualifications are normally required, though an increasing number or technicians also possess university degrees in science, and occasionally doctorate degrees. The distinction between technician and technologist in the health care field is not always clear.

(1) A person with specialized training in a narrow field of expertise whose occupation requires training and is skilled in specific technical processes and procedures. (2) An individual having special skill or practical knowledge in an area, such as operation and maintenance of equipment or performance of laboratory procedures involving biochemical analyses. Special technical qualifications are normally required, though an increasing number or technicians also possess university degrees in science, and occasionally doctorate degrees. The distinction between technician and technologist in the health care field is not always clear.

Providers who are trained and educated to perform and administer services related to health promotion, disease prevention, acute and chronic care, spiritual guidance and comfort for healing and health, restoration of health and health maintenance across the life span.

A person trained to assist public health nurses, home health nurses, and other health professionals in the bedside care of patients in their homes.

An individual, often licensed by the state, who is responsible for the management of a nursing home.

A person who, under the supervision of a home health or welfare agency, assists elderly, ill, and disabled persons by providing services intended to preserve independent living and normal family life; frequently, household chores such as cooking and cleaning.

(1) An unlicensed individual who is trained to function in an assistive role to the licensed nurse in the provision of patient/client activities as delegated by the nurse; (2) An individual trained (either on-the-job or through a formal course generally of less than one year) and experienced in performing patient or client-care nursing tasks that do not require the skills of a specialist, technician, or professional. Examples of tasks performed by nurses aides include changing clothes, diapers, and beds; assisting patients to perform exercises or personal hygiene tasks, and supporting communication or social interaction. Specific education and credentials are not required for this work.

A State licensed provider in allopathic or osteopathic medicine who performs services in a role defined independently of the scope of medical practice.

A physician is a person qualified by a doctorate in medicine (M.D.) or osteopathy (D.O.), licensed by the state, and practicing within the scope of that license. A physician generally has primary responsibility for the health care of the patient. While M.D.s and D.O.s may use all accepted methods of treatment, including drugs and surgery, D.O.s place special emphasis on the body's musculoskeletal systems.

Providers not otherwise classified, who perform or administer services in or related to the delivery or research of health care services, disease, and restoration of health. An individual provider who is not represented in one of the identified categories but whose data may be needed for clinical, operational or administrative processes.

A person who contracts to supply certain materials or do certain work for a stipulated sum; esp., one whose business is contracting work in any of the building trades. For purposes of the taxonomy, a person who contracts to complete home repairs or modifications to accommodate a health condition (e.g. wheelchair ramp, kitchen counter lowering).

An individual educated and trained in an applied knowledge discipline used in the performance of work at a level requiring knowledge and skills beyond or apart from that provided by a general education or liberal arts degree.

A doctor of veterinary medicine, trained and authorized to practice veterinarian medicine and surgery.

An acupuncturist is a person who performs ancient therapy for alleviation of pain, anesthesia and treatment of some diseases. Acupuncturists use long, fine needles inserted into specific points in order to treat painful conditions or produce anesthesia.

A person employed to operate a motor vehicle as a carrier of persons or property.

The specialty areas of medicine concerned with matters of, and relations with, substantive law and legal institutions; such as the conduct of medical examinations at crime scenes, performance of autopsies, giving of expert medical testimony in judicial proceedings, medical treatment of inmates of penal institutions, the practice of trauma medicine in law enforcement settings, and other clinical practice and medical science applications in the fields of law, law enforcement, and corrections.

An individual who practices naturopathy, a system of therapeutics in which neither surgical nor medicinal agents are used, dependence being placed only on natural (nonmedicinal) forces.

A provider who is educated and trained in a system of therapeutics in which diseases are treated by drugs which are capable of producing in healthy persons symptoms like those of the disease to be treated. Treatment requires administering a drug in minute doses.

A person qualified by experience and limited specialized training to provide obstetric and neo-natal care in the management of women having normal pregnancy, labor and childbirth. The lay midwife is licensed in some states.

A person, usually an embalmer, whose business is to arrange for the burial or cremation of the dead and to assist at the funeral rites.

A broad category grouping providers who apply scientific knowledge in solving practical or theoretical problems or applies technical procedures in accordance with their training and experience.

An allied health professional who performs diagnostic examinations at the request or direction of a physician in one or more of the following three areas: invasive cardiology, noninvasive cardiology, and noninvasive peripheral vascular study. Cardiovascular technologists are one type of allied health professional for which the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation has accredited education programs.

An individual with a high school diploma, on-the-job experience and coding education from seminars or college classes who passes a national certification examination in either inpatient and outpatient facility services coding, or physician services coding.

Preferred term for an Accredited Record Technician who is an individual with an associate's degree from an accredited college or independent study program who is skilled in analyzing health information and in examination of medical records for accuracy, reporting of patient data for reimbursement, and creation of disease registries for researchers.

General classification identifying individuals trained on specific equipment and technical procedures in one of a collection of miscellaneous healthcare disciplines.

A collective term for persons with specialized training in various narrow fields of expertise whose occupations require training and skills in specific technical processes and procedures; and where further classification is deemed unnecessary by the user.

(1) An individual educated and trained in clinical chemistry, microbiology or other biological sciences; and in gathering data on the blood, tissues, and fluids in the human body. Tests and procedures performed or supervised center on major areas of hematology, microbiology, immunohematology, immunology, clinical chemistry and urinalysis. Education and certification requires the equivalent of an associate degree and alternative combinations of accredited training and experience. (2) A specially trained individual who works under the direction of a pathologist, other physician, or scientist, and performs specialized chemical, microscopic, and bacteriological tests of human blood, tissue, and fluids. Also known as medical technologists, they perform and supervise tests and procedures in clinical chemistry, immunology, serology, bacteriology, hematology, parasitology, mycology, urinalysis, and blood banking.

An individual with knowledge of specific techniques and instruments who performs all of the routine tests in a medical laboratory and who has the ability to discriminate between similar factors that directly affect procedures and results.

An individual who is trained and qualified in the [art and science of] use of both ionizing and non-ionizing radiation for the purposes of diagnostic medical imaging, interventional procedures and therapeutic treatment.

A broad category grouping providers who render services relating to the preparation and dispensing of drugs.

An individual who is licensed to prepare and sell or dispense drugs and compounds and to make up prescriptions.

(1) A person with specialized training in a narrow field of expertise whose occupation requires training and is skilled in specific technical processes and procedures. (2) An individual having special skill or practical knowledge in an area, such as operation and maintenance of equipment or performance of laboratory procedures involving biochemical analyses. Special technical qualifications are normally required, though an increasing number or technicians also possess university degrees in science, and occasionally doctorate degrees. The distinction between technician and technologist in the health care field is not always clear.

A broad grouping of providers who are: 1) trained, educated, and certified to perform basic medical and minor surgical services (or to assist the physician in performance of more complex services) under general physician supervision; and 2) trained, educated at a post-graduate level, and certified to perform autonomous and specialized roles as nurse practitioners, midwives, nurse anesthetists, or clinical nurse specialists.

A registered nurse who, through a graduate degree program in nursing, or through a formal post-basic education program or continuing education courses and clinical experience, is expert in a specialty area of nursing practice within one or more of the components of direct patient/client care, consultation, education, research and administration.

(1)A registered nurse provider with a graduate degree in nursing prepared for advanced practice involving independent and interdependent decision making and direct accountability for clinical judgment across the health care continuum or in a certified specialty. (2) A registered nurse who has completed additional training beyond basic nursing education and who provides primary health care services in accordance with state nurse practice laws or statutes. Tasks performed by nurse practitioners vary with practice requirements mandated by geographic, political, economic, and social factors. Nurse practitioner specialists include, but are not limited to, family nurse practitioners, gerontological nurse practitioners, pediatric nurse practitioners, obstetric-gynecologic nurse practitioners, and school nurse practitioners.

A physician assistant is a person who has successfully completed an accredited education program for physician assistant, is licensed by the state and is practicing within the scope of that license. Physician assistants are formally trained to perform many of the routine, time-consuming tasks a physician can do. In some states, they may prescribe medications. They take medical histories, perform physical exams, order lab tests and x-rays, and give inoculations. Most states require that they work under the supervision of a physician.

A provider educated in the independent management of women's health and focusing particularly on pregnancy, childbirth, the post-partum period, care of the newborn, family planning and gynecological needs of women and primary care of women. Certification requires education at the post-secondary level in midwifery and health services.

(1)A licensed registered nurse with advanced specialty education in anesthesia who, in collaboration with appropriate health care professionals, provides preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care to patients and assists in management and resuscitation of critical patients in intensive care, coronary care, and emergency situations. Nurse anesthetists are certified following successful completion of credentials and state licensure review and a national examination directed by the Council on Certification of Nurse Anesthetists. (2) A registered nurse who is qualified by special training to administer anesthesia in collaboration with a physician or dentist and who can assist in the care of patients who are in critical condition.

A broad category grouping state licensed providers in allopathic or osteopathic medicine whose scope of practice is determined by education.

A physician is a person qualified by a doctorate in medicine (M.D.) or osteopathy (D.O.), licensed by the state, and practicing within the scope of that license. A physician generally has primary responsibility for the health care of the patient. While M.D.s and D.O.s may use all accepted methods of treatment, including drugs and surgery, D.O.s place special emphasis on the body's musculoskeletal systems.

Broad category grouping licensed providers who renders services related to the human foot.

A podiatrist is a person qualified by a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.) degree, licensed by the state, and practicing within the scope of that license. Podiatrists diagnose and treat foot diseases and deformities. They perform medical, surgical and other operative procedures, prescribe corrective devices and prescribe and administer drugs and physical therapy.

An individual who assists a podiatrist in tasks, such as exposing and developing x-rays; taking and recording patient histories; assisting in biomechanical evaluations and negative castings; preparing and sterilizing instruments and equipment; providing the patient with postoperative instructions; applying surgical dressings; preparing the patient for treatment, padding, and strapping; and performing routine office procedures.

A provider who is trained and educated to perform services related to respiratory care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, rehabilitation and restorative services and may be licensed, certified or practice within the scope of training.

An occupational therapist is a person qualified by completion of an approved program in occupational therapy, licensed by the state and practicing within the scope of that license, or where licensure does not exist, certified by the American Occupational Therapy Certification Board. An occupational therapist evaluates the self-care, work and leisure performance skills of well and disabled clients and plans and implements programs to restore, develop or maintain the task performance skills necessary for daily living and for the client's particular occupational role.

(1) Physical therapists are health care professionals who evaluate and treat people with health problems resulting from injury or disease. PT's assess joint motion, muscle strength and endurance, function of heart and lungs, and performance of activities required in daily living, among other responsibilities. Treatment includes therapeutic exercises, cardiovascular endurance training, and training in activities of daily living. (2) A physical therapist is a person qualified by an accredited program in physical therapy, licensed by the state, and practicing within the scope of that license. Physical therapists treat disease, injury, or loss of a bodily part by physical means, such as the application of light, heat, cold, water, electricity, massage and exercise. They develop treatment plans based upon each patient's strengths, weaknesses, range of motion and ability to function. (3) A health professional who specializes in physical therapy- the health care field concerned primarily with the treatment of disorders with physical agents and methods, such as massage, manipulation, therapeutic exercises, cold, heat (including short-wave, microwave, and ultrasonic diathermy), hydrotherapy, electric stimulation and light to assist in rehabilitating patients and in restoring normal function after an illness or injury.

An individual trained and educated in a systematic process of assisting persons with physical, mental, developmental, cognitive, and emotional disabilities to achieve their personal, career, and independent living goals assessment and appraisal, diagnosis and treatment planning, career (vocational) counseling, individual and group counseling interventions for adjustments to the medical and psychosocial impact of disability, case management, program evaluation and research, job analysis and placement counseling, and consultation on rehabilitation resources and technology. Certification generally requires a Master's degree with specialized courses in rehabilitation processes and technology.

General classification identifying individuals who are trained on a specific piece of equipment or technical procedure.

A respiratory therapist is a person who has graduated from a respiratory therapy program accredited by the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation, and where applicable, is licensed by the state and is practicing within the scope of that license. A respiratory therapist administers oxygen and other gases and provides assistance with equipment to patients with either acute or chronic breathing difficulties, often within the home.

(1) An individual who uses art to achieve the therapeutic goals of symptom relief, emotional integration, and recovery from or adjustment to illness or disability. (2) An art therapist uses a form of treatment that enables patients with mental or physical disabilities to use art as a way of expressing and dealing with feelings and inner conflicts. (3) An individual who uses arts modalities and creative processes during intentional intervention in therapeutic, rehabilitative, community, or educational settings to foster health, communication, and expression; promote the integration of physical, emotional, cognitive, and social functioning; enhance self-awareness; and facilitate change.

An individual skilled in the practice, making, use and application to individual cases of an orthopedic appliance or apparatus used to support, align, prevent or correct deformities or to improve the function of movable parts of the body.

An individual skilled in the practice, making, use, and application to individual cases of an artificial substitute for a missing body part, such as an arm or leg, eye or tooth, used for functional or cosmetic reasons, or both.

An Occupational Therapy assistant: provides medically prescribed occupational therapy services under the supervision of a registered occupational therapist to promote rehabilitation of patients in the hospital, home, schools and other settings; has completed a 2-year associate degree or one of the limited number of certificate programs; has met the qualifications as determined by the representative assembly and thus is entitled to use the term Certified occupational therapy assistant.

An individual skilled in the practice, making, use and application to individual cases of an orthopedic appliance or apparatus used to support, align, prevent or correct deformities or to improve the function of movable parts of the body.

(1)Physical therapist assistants are skilled health care providers who are graduates of a physical therapist assistant associate degree program accredited by an agency recognized by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education or Council on Postsecondary Accreditation, who assists the physical therapist in providing physical therapy. The supervising physical therapist is directly responsible for the actions of the physical therapist assistant. The PTA performs physical therapy procedures and related tasks that have been selected and delegated by the supervising physical therapist. Duties of the PTA include assisting the physical therapist in implementing treatment programs, training patients in exercised and activities of daily living, conducting treatments, and reporting to the physical therapist on the patient's responses. In addition to direct patient care, the PTA may also perform such functions as patient transport, and clinic or equipment preparation and maintenance. Currently more than half of all states require PTAs to be licensed, registered or certified. (2) An individual who works under the supervision of a physical therapist to assist him or her in providing physical therapy services. A physical therapy assistant may, for instance, help patients follow an appropriate exercise program that will increase their strength, endurance, coordination, and range of motion and train patients to perform activities of daily life.

A health care practitioner who trains or retrains individuals disabled by disease or injury to help them attain their maximum functional capacity.

The dance therapist, sometimes called a movement therapist, focuses on rhythmic body movements as a medium of physical and psychological change. Dance therapy is practiced more often with mental health patients than with physically disabled patients. A master's degree is required by the American Dance Therapy Association to award the credentials Dance Therapist Registered (DTR).

An individual trained in the manipulation of tissues (as by rubbing, stroking, kneading, or tapping) with the hand or an instrument for remedial or hygienic purposes.

A recreation therapist uses recreational activities for intervention in some physical, social or emotional behavior to bring about a desired change in that behavior and promote the growth and development of the patient.

The music therapist works with patients with a broad variety of diagnoses and therapeutic goals. The interventions may involve musical performance with instruments, voice or body movements; listening to music; or attending musical events.

An individual who is trained and qualified in the techniques and procedures for assessment and treatment of diseases of the lungs and airways such as pneumonia, cancer, pleurisy, asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and other disorders. Therapy involves assessment of lung functions, assisting the patient in therapeutic exercise and monitoring mechanical assistance to ventilation.

A provider trained and educated in the applied science of medically prescribed therapeutic exercise, education and adapted physical activities designed to improve the quality of line and health of adults and children by developing physical fitness, increasing mobility and independence, and improving psychosocial behavior. The kinesiotherapist seeks a coach-player relationship in which he/she helps the patient/client reach the goal of becoming an independent, self-sustaining person. Kinesiotherapists, as compared with physical therapists, put more emphasis on geriatric care, reconditioning and fitness, and psychiatric care. A large percentage of kinesiotherapists practice in Veterans Administration hospitals.

A provider who renders services to improve communicative skills of people with language, speech and hearing impairments.

(1) A specialist in evaluation, habilitation and rehabilitation of those whose communication disorders center in whole or in part in hearing function. Audiologists are autonomous professionals who identify, assess, and manage disorders of the auditory, balance and other neural systems. Audiologists provide audiological (aural) rehabilitation to children and adults across the entire age span. Audiologists select, fit and dispense amplification systems such as hearing aids and related devices. (2) An audiologist is a person qualified by a master's degree in audiology, licensed by the state, where applicable, and practicing within the scope of that license. Audiologists evaluate and treat patients with impaired hearing. They plan, direct and conduct rehabilitative programs with audiotry substitutional devises (hearing aids) and other therapy.

An individual who has knowledge of specific techniques, instruments, and equipment required in performing specific cardiovascular/peripheral vascular diagnostic procedures.

General classification identifying individuals who are trained on a specific piece of equipment or technical procedure.

A speech pathologist is a person qualified by a master's degree in speech-language pathology, and where applicable, licensed by the state and practicing within the scope of the license. Also, known as speech therapist, a speech pathologist evaluates patients with language and speech impairments or disorders, whether arising from physiological and neurological disturbances, defective articulation or foreign dialects, and conducts remedial programs designed to restore or improve their communication efficacy. Speech pathologists assess and treat persons with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders.

An audiologist/hearing aid fitter is the professional who specializes in evaluating and treating people with hearing loss, conducts a wide variety of tests to determine the exact nature of an individual's hearing problem, presents a variety of treatment options to patients, dispenses and fits hearing aids, administers tests of balance to evaluate dizziness and provides hearing rehabilitation training. This classification should be used where individuals are licensed as "audiologist-hearing aid fitters" as opposed to states that license individuals as "audiologists".

Individuals who test hearing for the selection, adaptation, fitting, adjusting, servicing, and sale of hearing aids. Hearing Instrument Specialist is a designation provided individuals who qualify by the National Hearing Aid Society.

A non-facility provider that renders outpatient outreach services that are not provided at a specific location. The licensure or registration is assigned to the agency rather than to the individual practitioners as would be the case in a group practice.

A non-facility provider that renders outpatient outreach services that are not provided at a specific location. The licensure or registration is assigned to the agency rather than to the individual practitioners as would be the case in a group practice.

A facility or distinct part of one used for the diagnosis and treatment of outpatients. "Clinic/center" is irregularly defined, either including or excluding physician's offices and allied health professionals, sometimes being limited to organizations serving specialized treatment requirements or distinct patient/client groups (e.g., radiology, poor, public health).

A practice setting where radiology services (diagnostic or therapeutic) are provided (X12N 261QR0200N)

(X12N 261QD0000N)

(X12N 261QP3300N)

(X12N 261QP2300N)

(X12N 261QP1100N)

(X12N 261QX0203N)

An acute care institution that provides medical, surgical, or psychiatric care and treatment for the sick or the injured.

(1) A hospital including a physical plant and personnel that provides multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment for diseases that have one or more of the following characteristics: is permanent; leaves residual disability; is caused by nonreversible pathological alteration; requires special training of the patient for rehabilitation; and/or may be expected to require a long period of supervision or care. In addition, patients require the safety, security, and shelter of these specialized inpatient or partial hospitalization settings. (2) A hospital that provides medical and skilled nursing services to patients with long-term illnesses who are not in an acute phase but who require an intensity of services not available in nursing homes

(X12N 282N00000N)

A health care facility operated by the Department of Defense or other military operation.

(X12N 283X00000N)

Healthcare facility that cares for patients with psychiatric illness(s).

The section of a health care facility for providing rapid treatment to victims of sudden illness or trauma.

A specialty unit in hospital that focuses on chronic respirator patients and pulmonary failure

(X12N 273R00000N)

(X12N 261QA1200N)

A room or building equipped for scientific experimentation, research, testing, or clinical studies of materials, fluids, or tissues obtained from patients.

(1) A clinical laboratory is a facility for the biological, microbiological, serological, chemical, immunohematological, hematological, biophysical, cytological, pathological, or other examination of materials derived from the human body for the purpose of providing information for the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of any disease or impairment of, human beings. These examinations also include procedures to determine, measure, or otherwise describe the presence or absence of various substances or organisms in the body. Facilities only collecting or preparing specimens (or both) or only serving as a mailing service and not performing testing are not considered clinical laboratories. (2) Any facility that examines materials from the human body for purposes of providing information for the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of any disease or impairment of, or the assessment of, the health of human beings. Typical divisions of a clinical laboratory include hematology, cytology, bacteriology, histology, biochemistry, medical toxicology, and serology.

A commercial laboratory specializing in the construction of dental appliances that conform to a dentist's specifications including the construction of dentures (complete or partial), orthodontic appliances, bridgework, crowns, and inlays.

A laboratory that operates independently of a hospital and physician's office to furnish physiological diagnostic services (e.g. EEG's , EKG's, scans, etc.). Facilities offering ONLY physiological services are not certified as independent laboratories. If an independent laboratory offers physiological services IN ADDITION to clinical laboratory services, they are surveyed only for compliance with the clinical laboratory regulations because there are no health and safety regulations for physiological services.

(1) An EPO is a form of PPO, in which patients must visit a caregiver that is specified on its panel of providers (is a participating provider). If a visit to an outside(not participating) provider is made the EPO offers very limited or no coverage for the medical service; (2) While similar to a PPO in that an EPO allows patients to go outside the network for care, if they do so in an EPO, they are required to pay the entire cost of care. An EPO differs from an HMO in that EPO physicians do not receive capitation but instead are reimbursed only for actual services provided; (3) An organization identical to a preferred provider organization except that persons enrolled in the plan are eligible to receive benefits only when they use the services of the contracting providers. No benefits are available when non-contracting providers are used, except in certain emergency situations.

(1) A form of health insurance in which its members prepay a premium for the HMO's health services which generally include inpatient and ambulatory care. For the patient, an HMO means reduced out-of-pocket costs (i.e. no deductible), no paperwork (i.e. insurance forms), and only a small copayment for each office visit to cover the paperwork handled by the HMO; (2) A organization of health care personnel and facilities that provides a comprehensive range of health services to an enrolled population for a fixed sum of money paid in advance for a specified period of time. These health services include a wide variety of medical treatments and consults, inpatient and outpatient hospitalization, home health service, ambulance service, and sometimes dental and pharmacy services. The HMO may be organized as a group model, an individual practice association (IPA), a network model or a staff model.

A group of physicians and/or hospitals who contract with an employer to provide services to their employees. In a PPO, the patient may got to the physician of his/her choice, even if that physician does not participate in the PPO, but the patient receives care at a lower benefit level.

This product may also be called an open-ended HMO and offers a transition product incorporating features of both HMOs and PPOs. Beneficiaries are enrolled in an HMO but have the option to go outside the networks for an additional cost.

(X12N 314000000N)

(X12N 324500000N)

A provider, other than a pharmacy, who supplies healthcare related products. The term supplier also includes pharmacies.

A supplier of medical equipment such as respirators, wheelchairs, home dialysis systems, or monitoring systems, that are prescribed by a physician for a patient's use in the home and that are usable for an extended period of time.

An institution (organization or distinct part thereof) that performs, or is responsible for the performance of, the collection, processing, storage and/or issuance of human blood and blood components, intended for transfusion. The institution may also collect, process, and/or distribute human tissue, including bone marrow and peripheral blood progenitor cells, intended for transplantation.

An eye bank procures and distributes eyes for transplant, education and research. To promote patient safety, donated eyes and donor medial histories are evaluated based on strict Eye Bank Association of America Medical Standards.

An organization that provides spectacles, contact lenses, and other vision enhancement devices prescribed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

The manufacture and/or sale of electronic hearing aids, their component parts, and related products and services on a national basis.

Home-delivered meals are those services or activities designed to prepare and deliver one or more meals a day to an individual's residence in order to prevent institutionalization, malnutrition, and feelings of isolation. Component services or activities may include the cost of personnel, equipment, and food; assessment of nutritional and dietary needs; nutritional education and counseling; socialization services; and information and referral.

A facility used by pharmacists for the compounding and dispensing of medicinal preparations (drug store). A pharmacy is a facility whose primary function is to store, prepare and legally dispense prescription drugs through a licensed pharmacist. It meets any licensing or certification standards set forth by the jurisdiction where it is located.

An organization which supplies or vends orthopedic appliances or apparatuses and artificial body parts used to support, align, prevent, or correct deformities or to replace or improve function of body parts.

A federally designated organization that works with hospital personnel in retrieval of organs for transplantation. The federal government designates an OPO's service area and the hospitals with which an OPO is to establish working relationships.

A supplier of diagnostic x-ray services furnished in a place or residence used as the patient's home or, in certain circumstances, in an institution, where the institution cannot bill for the services. Portable x-ray services include: (1) skeletal films involving arms and legs, pelvis, vertebral column, and skull; (2) chest films which do not involve the use of contrast media (except routine screening procedures and tests in connection with routine physical examinations); and (3) abdominal films which do not involve the use of contrast media. Procedures and examinations which are excluded from portable x-ray services include the following: (1) procedures involving fluoroscopy;(2) procedures involving the use of contrast media; (3) procedures requiring the administration of a substance to the patient or injection of a substance into the patient and/or special manipulation of the patient; (4) procedures which require special medical skill or knowledge possessed by a doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathy or which require that medical judgment be exercised; (5) procedures requiring special technical competency and/or special equipment or materials; (6) routine screening procedures; and (7) procedures which are not of a diagnostic nature.

A provider who moves a patient, tissue specimen or equipment from one location to another.

An emergency vehicle used for transporting patients to a health care facility after injury or illness. Types of ambulances used in the United States include ground (surface) ambulance, rotor-wing (helicopter), and fixed-wing aircraft (airplane).

A land vehicle with a capacity to meet special height, clearance, access, and seating, for the conveyance of persons in non-emergency situations. The vehicle may or may not be required to meet local county or state regulations.

A land commercial vehicle used for the transporting of persons in non-emergency situations. The vehicle meets local, county or state regulations set forth by the jurisdictions where it is located.