A B C D E F G H I J L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y

interoperability

The ability to exchange and use information; usually in a large heterogeneous network made up of several local networks. Interoperability is an issue with electronic medical records held by different providers.

Investigational New Drug

If a drug is successful in the initial stage of the FDA approval process (the preclinical phase, usually 3-4 years), its developer will submit an application to the FDA as an IND and will enter the clinical phase of the drug approval process.

joint commission

A national private, nonprofit organization that accredits health care organizations and agencies and sets guidelines for these facilities.

lock-in

The period of time an individual is required to, or agrees to, remain registered with a particular provider or group of providers, or remain enrolled in a particular health care plan.

Long-Term Care Partnership Program

A program that combines private LTC insurance with special access to Medicaid. This program encourages qualified individuals to purchase a limited, and therefore more affordable, amount of LTC insurance coverage, with the assurance that they could receive additional...