third party (redirected from third-party administrator)

third party,

n the party to a dental benefits contract that may collect premiums, assume financial risk, pay claims, and provide other administrative services. Also called
administrative agent carriers, insurers, or
underwriters.

third-party administrator (TPA),

n claims payer who assumes responsibility for administering health benefit plans without assuming any financial risk. Some commercial insurance carriers and Blue Cross/Blue Shield plans also have TPA operations to accommodate self-funded employers seeking administrative services only (ASO) contracts.

third-party payer,

n an organization other than the patient (first party) or health care provider (second party) involved in the financing of personal health services.

third-party payment,

n payment for services by someone other than the beneficiary (e.g., when an employer or union makes such payment).

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third party

Managed care A person or organization ancillary to the doctor-patient 'dyad', that participates in financing the services rendered–eg, a health insurance carrier, or administrates processing and paying claims for health services provided–eg, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Medicare