Payer
Payer
Payer (/peɪər/), from the French word payer meaning "to pay", is a term used in the healthcare industry to refer to entities (other than the patient) that finance or reimburse the cost of health services. In most cases, this term refers to insurance companies, managed care organizations, and government programs that pay for healthcare services on behalf of patients.
Etymology
The term payer originates from the French verb payer, which means "to pay". It was adopted into the English language in the 14th century and has been used in the context of healthcare to denote the party responsible for paying for medical services.
Related Terms
- Health Insurance: A type of insurance coverage that pays for medical and surgical expenses incurred by the insured. Health insurance can reimburse the insured for expenses incurred from illness or injury, or pay the care provider directly.
- Managed Care: A system of healthcare delivery that aims to provide healthcare services in a cost-effective manner. Managed care programs are typically run by Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs).
- Medicare: A federal program that provides health coverage if you are 65 or older or have a severe disability, no matter your income.
- Medicaid: A state and federal program that provides health coverage if you have a very low income.
- Third-Party Administrator (TPA): A third-party administrator is an organization that processes insurance claims or certain aspects of employee benefit plans for a separate entity.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Payer
- Wikipedia's article - Payer
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