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

Ear Pinning (Otoplasty): Otoplasty is performed to correct or "pin-back" protruding ears. This is one of the few surgeries that can be performed on children before they enter school, in an effort to avoid teasing and ridicule. As one of the most satisfying procedures, there is a dramatic improvement in the appearance of the patient.

Effective Date: The date on which coverage for a member begins.

Electro-acupuncture: An Oriental medicine technique which uses mild, low-voltage electric stimulation of acupuncture points.

Eligibility: The provisions of the group policy or insurance contract that state requirements that applicants must satisfy to become insured with respect to themselves or their dependents.

Eligible Employee: An eligible employee is any employee who:

• Works 30 or more hours per week on a year round basis
• Has annual reporting of FICA withholdings by means of a W2
• Is listed on the group's wage and tax statement

Emergency: The sudden or unexpected onset of a condition of such severity that a prudent layperson, who possesses an average knowledge of health and medicine, could reasonably expect the absence of immediate medical attention to result in any of the following: placing the health of an individual or with respect to a pregnant woman, the health of the pregnant woman or her unborn child in serious jeopardy, serious physical impairment to bodily functions, serious dysfunction of any bodily organ or part or death. Heart attacks, strokes, uncontrolled bleeding, poisonings, major burns, prolonged loss of consciousness, spinal injuries, shock, and other severe, acute conditions are examples of emergencies.

Emergency Care: Care for the sudden or unexpected onset of a condition of such severity that a prudent layperson, who possesses an average knowledge of health and medicine, could reasonably expect the absence of immediate medical attention to result in any of the following: placing the health of an individual or with respect to a pregnant woman, the health of the pregnant woman or her unborn child in serious jeopardy, serious physical impairment to bodily functions, serious dysfunction of any bodily organ or part or death. Heart attacks, strokes, uncontrolled bleeding, poisonings, major burns, prolonged loss of consciousness, spinal injuries, shock, and other severe, acute conditions are examples of emergencies.

Endoscopic Procedures: An endoscope is a medical video scope, which allows the surgeon to view inside the body through very small, limited incisions during surgery. An example of a cosmetic surgery procedure that can be performed endoscopically is a forehead or brow lift. This approach helps minimize scarring.

Enrollee: An individual who is enrolled and eligible for coverage under a health plan contract. Also called "Member".

Exclusions: Specific circumstances, conditions or services that are not covered under the benefit agreement. It is very important to consult the benefit contract to understand what services are not covered benefits.

Experimental Procedures: See Investigational Procedures.

Expiration Date: The date indicated in an insurance contract as the date coverage expires.

Explanation of Benefits (EOB): A statement to the subscriber that explains the action taken on each claim.