Current method of paying physicians under Medicare. Similar to the Usual, Customary, and Reasonable system used by private insurers. The amount of loss or expense that must be incurred by an insured or otherwise covered individual before an insurer will assume any liability for all or part of the remaining cost of covered services. Dementia A brain disorder of unknown cause, characterized by insidious onset and progressive, irreversible loss of intellectual function. Alzheimer s Disease is the most common form of dementia and, together with other dementias, is a major cause of disability among the elderly.
Devolution describes the dismantling or reduction of government supported social services.
DRGs are the case-mix measure used in Medicare's prospective payment system. Digital divide The disparity between those who have access to technology and those who do not. Any limitation of physical, mental, or social activity of an individual as compared with other individuals of similar age, sex, and occupation. Frequently refers to limitation of a person's usual or major activities, most commonly vocational. Public programs often provide benefits for specific disabilities, such as total and permanent.