Here are definitions of some of the terms that are used throughout the site.

Day Treatment Center (Mental Health): An outpatient psychiatric facility which is licensed to provide outpatient care and treatment of mental or nervous disorders or substance abuse under the supervision of physicians.

Deductible: The amount of loss or expense for covered services that must be incurred by an insured before an insurer will assume any liability for all or part of the remaining cost of covered services.

Important Information: Please be aware that some services and supplies received by members in an office setting or in connection with an office visit are in fact provided by hospital-owned or operated practices. These services and supplies may be subject to your deductible and coinsurance. Prior to scheduling an appointment, please confirm with your provider whether the practice is hospital-owned or whether any services are hospital-based and may be subject to deductible and coinsurance.

Deductible amount: The amount your policy requires you to pay for services before it will assume any liability for all or part of the remaining cost of covered services.

Dental Care: Covered services which are necessary and appropriate for the treatment of teeth, gums and supporting structures.

Dermabrasion: Dermabrasion is a mechanical vs. chemical approach to reducing fine lines, wrinkles and acne scarring. A medical device is used to "sand" the skin. Dermabrasion is not used as often as chemical peels or laser resurfacing, yet some doctors have a preference for dermabrasion when dealing with uneven skin such as acne scarring or raised scars.

Dependent: Person (spouse or child) other than the subscriber who is covered in the subscriber's benefit certificate. Also called a "Member" or "Beneficiary".

Diagnostic Tests: Tests and procedures ordered by a physician to determine if the patient has a certain condition or disease based upon specific signs or symptoms demonstrated by the patient. Such diagnostic tools include radiology, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, laboratory, pathology services or tests.

Disease Management Programs (Health Management Programs): Educational programs designed for individuals with chronic diseases designed to help maintain high quality of life and prevent future need for medical resources by using an integrated, comprehensive approach to health care coordinate with the individual's physician. Pharmaceutical care, continuous quality improvement, practice guidelines, and case management all play key roles in this effort.

Distribution: Money you withdraw from your health savings accout (HSA). Withdrawals can be made in a variety of ways, including by using your HSA debit card or checkbook.

Doctor: A doctor of medicine, a doctor of osteopathy, licensed to practice medicine or surgery by the Board of Medical Examiners in the state of practice, a doctor of dentistry, a doctor of podiatry, a doctor of chiropractic, a doctor of optometry, or a doctor of psychology who must be licensed or certified in the state of practice and has a doctorate degree in psychology and at least two years clinical experience in a recognized health setting or has met the standards of the National Register of Health Services Providers in Psychology. All of the above must be duly licensed to practice by the state in which any service is performed.

Doctor Charges: Total doctor charges divided by total cases. If multiple doctors were involved in a case, total doctor charges includes all services billed by all doctors.

Drug Formulary: A list of preferred pharmaceutical products that health plans, working with pharmacists and physicians, have developed to encourage greater efficiency in the dispensing of prescription drugs without sacrificing quality.

Durable Medical Equipment (DME): Items designated by BCBSNC which can withstand repeated use, are used primarily to serve a medical purpose, are not useful to a person in the absence of illness, injury or disease, and are appropriate for use in the patient's home.