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Glossary
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Here are definitions of some of the terms that are used throughout the site.
Base HSA contribution: The lesser of your deductible or the maximum HSA contribution allowed by law.
BCBSNC Provider Number: The BCBSNC group or entity provider number under which claims are filed to BCBSNC.
Beneficiary: A person who is eligible to receive insurance benefits.
Benefit: Payments provided for covered services under the terms of the policy. The benefits may be paid to the insured or, on his behalf, to the medical provider. Benefit design includes the types of benefits offered, limits e.g., number of visits, percentage paid or dollar maximums applied, subscriber responsibility (cost sharing components), subscriber incentives to use network providers.
Benefit Period: The specified period of time during which charges for covered services provided to a member must be incurred in order to be eligible for payment. A typical benefits period is a calendar year.
Beta Carotene: Member of the family of compounds called "carotenoids," which give orange and yellow fruits and vegetables their characteristic color. It is one of several forms of yellow pigments that the body can convert into Vitamin A. Beta Carotene is also found in dark green leafy vegetables.
Billed Charges: Total hospital and/ or doctor charges billed by the provider. Charges represent the gross billed or retail price of services. Charges do not necessarily represent the amount paid by the member or the amount collected by the provider.
Biofeedback: A training technique to consciously regulate normal body functions such as heart rate, breathing, brain activity levels and body temperature. This technique helps to change physical responses to stress as well as enhance overall health. Training is guided by both a trained practitioner and simple electronic devices that monitor body functions and provide feedback.
Birthing Center: A facility that allows mothers to give birth in a home-like setting.
Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery): Blepharoplasty is the procedure to remove excess skin from the upper lids and to remove fat, or reposition fat from the lower lids. Upper and lower lid surgery can be performed together or separately. There are several techniques that doctors use when dealing with lower eyelid surgery. It is important to understand the varying surgical options.
BlueCard Program: A BCBSA program that links participating health care providers and the independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans across the country and abroad with a single electronic process for professional, outpatient and inpatient claims processing and reimbursement. The program allows members obtaining health care services while out of town to receive the same benefits of their Blue Cross plan and access out-of-town providers' savings. In most cases, providers bill claims directly to their local Plans without requiring up-front payment from the member.
Board Certified Surgeon: A board certified surgeon is someone who has completed the required course of study, including an accredited residency in a particular field and has successfully passed the examination given by the certifying board.
Board Certification With Expiration Date: Designates a physician who has completed training and passed qualifying exams in his/her specialty area. How information is collected: Via a verification service (boardcertifieddocs.com) approved by ABMS. When is the information updated: At time or recredentialing or if notified by the provider and subsequent verification. Limitations: Certification may change in the interim between credentialing cycles.
Botox: Botox is most often used to soften and relax forehead/scowl lines as well as crows feet around the eye area. Botox is an injectable substance that is a medical grade form of the botulinum toxin A. Botox has been used for years to treat muscle twitches, and has recently come into favor for creating a more youthful rested look when used on the upper third of the face. Botox is not always permanent and may have to be repeated for ongoing and optimal results.
Brand Name Drug: A prescription drug that has been patented and is only available through one manufacturer.
Breast Enlargement (Augmentation Mammaplasty): Breast implants are placed either above or below the pectoral (chest) muscle to enhance the bust area. There are many surgical options for this procedure, including, placement, shape, volume, type of fill and surface texture of the implant as well as where the incisions are made to place the implants. A thorough evaluation by the surgeon and knowledge of surgical options are key in the satisfaction of this procedure.
Breast Lift (Mastopexy): Aging, weight gain-loss or nursing can cause drooping or sagging breasts. Mastopexy is a way to re-suspend breasts that have lost their original shape and have become pendulous. A breast lift changes the shape of the breast, not the volume and lifts the nipple to the level of the crease underneath the breasts. Often, a breast augmentation (implants) can be offered in conjunction with a breast lift if there is a not adequate breast tissue
Breast Reconstruction: Reconstruction of the breast or breasts after breast cancer surgery is an option many women choose. There are several approaches for breast reconstruction including the use of implants or tissue donated from other parts of the body such as abdomen, thighs, hips and-or buttocks. The nipple and areola are also reconstructed usually in a separate operation or may be cosmetically tattooed to match the other or original breasts.
Breast Reduction (Mammaplasty): This procedure is performed to reduce the shape and volume of the breast. The nipple/areola usually are repositioned as large breasts tend to be more "ptotic" (drooping). For those considering this surgery there is a high satisfaction rate due to the emotional and sometimes physical discomfort that large breasts and early development can cause.
Breast Reduction in Men (Gynecomastia): Male breast reduction is often addressed with a combination of liposuction and surgical removal of breast tissue. Enlarged breasts on men can be caused by medications, excess body fat or linked to marijuana use.
Brow Lift: The brow lift or forehead lift addresses a drooping or "ptotic" forehead. There are two common techniques used for this procedure. A "coronal" brow lift incision is placed ear to ear across the top of the forehead. The excess tissue is removed and the brow is pulled up and sutured into the new lifted position. The "endoscopic" brow lift is performed with tiny incisions (approximately 4-6) that are placed at the hairline, and the brow is lifted and affixed to underlying tissue. This is often done in conjunction with eyelid surgery to produce a refreshed and youthful result on the top third of the face.
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