Glossary

Job-Lock

Laws have now been enacted by congress which include continuance of benefits (COBRA) and other requirements which eliminate pre-existing clauses for those individuals who change coverage plans but have maintained continuance of coverage overall. The inability of individuals to change jobs because they would lose crucial health benefits.

Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)

Formerly called JCAH, or Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals, this is the peer review organization which provides the primary review of hospitals and healthcare providers. Many insurance companies require providers to have this accreditation in order to seek 3rd party payment, although, many small hospitals cannot afford the cost of accreditation. JCAHO usually surveys organizations once every 3 years, sending in a medical and administrative team to review policies, patient records, professional credentialing procedures, governance and quality improvement programs. JCAHO revises its “standards” annually.