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

accountable care organization

A health provider-led organization designed to manage a patient’s full continuum of care and be responsible for the overall costs and quality of care for a defined population. Multiple forms of ACOs are possible, including large integrated delivery systems,...

activities of daily living

An index or scale that measures a patient’s degree of independence in bathing, dressing, using the toilet, eating and transferring (moving from a bed to a chair, for example). ADL is used to determine need for long-term services and supports, and eligibility for...

acute care

Medical services provided to treat an illness or injury, usually for a short time. (Contrast with chronic care.)