Last Edit: 7/15/2025
Designations are intended to capture more information about the type of actions, accreditations, service, location, and/or program an Account Type and/or Account Subtype participates in. This field is a multi-select field that allows for more than one choice to be selected. This assist you in being able to segment information stored in Salesforce to support enhanced reporting and communications that may be needed at a more granular or targeted level.
Designation Definitions
| Accountable Care Organizations | An Accountable Care Organization (ACO) is a group of doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers who work together to improve the quality and experience of care for patients. ACOs place financial responsibility on providers to control costs while promoting clinical excellence |
| Acute Care | Provides medical treatment for a short duration to address sudden or severe medical conditions, injuries, or illnesses. Acute care settings, such as hospitals or emergency departments, focus on stabilizing patients, diagnosing their conditions, and providing immediate medical intervention to address urgent healthcare needs. |
| Ambulatory Surgical Centers | Performs surgical procedures on an outpatient basis, meaning patients undergo surgery and are discharged home on the same day, without requiring an overnight hospital stay. Ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) are equipped to perform a variety of minor and intermediate surgical procedures in a convenient, cost-effective, and efficient manner. |
| Cancer | |
| COBRA Facility | A healthcare facility that provides services covered under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). COBRA allows eligible individuals to continue receiving group health insurance coverage, typically for a limited period, after experiencing a qualifying event such as job loss or reduction in work hours. |
| Critical Access | A designation for certain rural hospitals in the United States that meet specific criteria set by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) receive enhanced reimbursement rates and regulatory flexibility to ensure access to essential healthcare services in rural communities with limited access to medical care. |
| Designated AIDS Center | A designated AIDS center is a specialized healthcare facility that focuses on providing comprehensive medical care, treatment, and support services to individuals living with HIV/AIDS. These centers typically offer a multidisciplinary approach to HIV/AIDS care, including medical management, antiretroviral therapy, counseling, social services, and coordination of specialized care for HIV-related complications. |
| Diagnostic and Treatment Center Extension Clinic | A diagnostic and treatment center extension clinic is a satellite clinic or outpatient facility affiliated with a larger diagnostic and treatment center. These extension clinics provide a range of diagnostic, treatment, and preventive healthcare services to patients in underserved or remote areas, often focusing on specific medical specialties or health needs. |
| Drug Treatment Center | A drug treatment center is a healthcare facility that specializes in providing medical and therapeutic interventions for individuals struggling with substance abuse or addiction. These centers offer a variety of services, including detoxification, medication-assisted treatment, counseling, behavioral therapy, support groups, and relapse prevention programs, to help individuals achieve recovery and sobriety. |
| Emergency Department | An emergency department (ED), also known as an emergency room (ER), is a medical facility within a hospital or healthcare facility that provides immediate medical care and treatment to patients with acute injuries, illnesses, or medical emergencies. Emergency departments are staffed by healthcare professionals trained in emergency medicine and equipped to handle a wide range of urgent medical conditions, from minor injuries and illnesses to life-threatening emergencies. |
| Emergency Department Approved for Pediatric Critical Care Center | An emergency department approved for pediatric critical care center is an ED that has been designated and equipped to provide specialized emergency care to critically ill or injured pediatric patients. These EDs have pediatric-specific resources, equipment, and expertise to manage complex medical emergencies in children, ensuring timely and appropriate treatment for pediatric patients in critical condition. |
| Emergency Department Approved for Pediatrics | An emergency department approved for pediatrics is an ED that has been specially designated and equipped to provide emergency care to pediatric patients. These EDs have staff trained in pediatric emergency medicine and facilities tailored to the unique needs of children, including pediatric-sized equipment, child-friendly environments, and protocols for managing pediatric medical emergencies. |
| Extension Clinic | An extension clinic is a healthcare facility that operates as an extension or satellite of a larger medical institution, such as a hospital, clinic, or diagnostic and treatment center. Extension clinics provide a range of healthcare services, including primary care, specialty care, diagnostic testing, and preventive services, to patients in outlying or underserved areas, offering increased access to healthcare closer to where patients live or work. |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | General medical and surgical refers to a category of hospitals or healthcare facilities that provide a broad range of medical and surgical services to patients. These facilities offer comprehensive medical care, including diagnostic testing, treatment, surgery, and specialty care, to address a wide spectrum of medical conditions and healthcare needs within the community. |
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Hospital Based Renal Dialysis Facility |
A Hospital Based Renal Dialysis Facility is a hospital-owned and hospital-administered End-Stage Renal Dialysis (ESRD) facility that is not located on the campus of the hospital. It provides renal dialysis services and support systems within the healthcare setting. |
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Hospital Based Satellite Renal Dialysis Facility |
A Hospital Based Satellite Renal Dialysis Facility is a hospital-owned and hospital-administered End-Stage Renal Dialysis (ESRD) facility that is not located on the campus of the hospital. It can be situated on the hospital site/campus or as a stand-alone unit within a community setting. These facilities provide renal dialysis services in a healthcare setting. |
| Hospital Unit of an Institution | A hospital unit of an institution refers to a specialized area or department within a larger institutional setting, such as a university, correctional facility, or residential care facility, that provides hospital-level medical care and services to patients. These units may offer acute care, rehabilitation, psychiatric care, or other specialized medical services within the institutional setting. |
| Indian Health Services Hospital | The Indian Health Service (IHS) is an operating division (OPDIV) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). IHS is responsible for providing direct medical and public health services to members of federally recognized Native American Tribes and Alaska Native people. |
| Inpatient | Inpatient care refers to medical treatment or services provided to patients who require admission to a hospital or other healthcare facility for an overnight stay or longer duration. Inpatient care often involves more intensive monitoring, treatment, and management of medical conditions compared to outpatient care. |
| Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) | The Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) is a Medicare program that pays hospitals a set rate for each inpatient stay |
| Licensed Agency | A licensed agency in healthcare is an organization or facility that has obtained the necessary licenses or permits from relevant regulatory authorities to operate legally within a specific jurisdiction. These licenses typically ensure that the agency meets certain standards of care, safety, and competence in delivering healthcare services. |
| Long-Term Acute Care Hospital | Long-term acute care (LTAC) refers to a level of medical care provided to patients with complex medical needs who require an extended period of acute care services beyond what is typically provided in a traditional acute care hospital. LTAC facilities specialize in managing and treating patients with severe injuries, chronic illnesses, or complex medical conditions who require prolonged hospitalization and intensive medical interventions. |
| Magnet Recognition Program | Magnet recognition is an award granted by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to hospitals and healthcare organizations that demonstrate excellence in nursing practice, patient care, and nursing leadership. Magnet recognition signifies that a healthcare institution has met rigorous standards for nursing excellence and quality patient outcomes, including nursing professionalism, evidence-based practice, and patient-centered care. |
| Medicare Certified | This refers to healthcare providers or facilities that meet the requirements set forth by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to participate in the Medicare program. Medicare certification ensures that providers meet certain standards of quality and safety in delivering healthcare services to Medicare beneficiaries. |
| Non-Designated AIDS Center | A non-designated AIDS center refers to a healthcare facility or organization that provides medical care, treatment, and support services to individuals living with HIV/AIDS but does not hold a formal designation as a specialized AIDS center. Non-designated AIDS centers may offer a range of HIV/AIDS-related services, including medical management, counseling, social services, and support groups, to help individuals living with HIV/AIDS manage their condition and improve their quality of life. |
| Outpatient | Outpatient care refers to medical treatment or services provided to patients who do not require admission to a hospital or other healthcare facility and can be treated, monitored, or managed without an overnight stay. Outpatient services can include consultations, diagnostic tests, minor procedures, and therapies provided in clinics, medical offices, or outpatient departments of hospitals. |
| PACE Program | PACE stands for Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. It is a Medicare and Medicaid program designed to provide comprehensive medical and social services to certain frail, elderly individuals who are eligible for nursing home care but prefer to remain living in their communities. |
| Palliative Care | Palliative care is an interdisciplinary medical caregiving approach aimed at optimizing quality of life and mitigating suffering among people with serious, complex, and often terminal illnesses. |
| Pediatric | Refers to hospitals or medical centers specializing in pediatric care. These facilities are designed and staffed to provide comprehensive medical services tailored to the unique needs of children and adolescents, including pediatric medical and surgical care, pediatric emergency services, neonatal intensive care, and specialty pediatric programs. |
| Perinatal Unit | Perinatal care involves medical and supportive services provided to pregnant individuals and newborns to ensure a healthy pregnancy, safe delivery, and optimal health outcomes for both mother and baby. |
| Primary Care Practice | A primary care practice serves as the initial point of contact for patients, providing comprehensive and continuous health services. It focuses on preventive care, managing common illnesses, and coordinating specialized care when needed. Primary care practices are often located in the community and aim to build lasting relationships with patients. |
| Psychiatric | Psychiatric refers to the branch of medicine specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of mental illness, emotional disorders, and behavioral health conditions. Psychiatric services may include psychiatric evaluation, medication management, psychotherapy, crisis intervention, and support services provided by psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric nurses, and other mental health professionals. |
| Rehabilitation | Rehabilitation refers to a specialized area of healthcare focused on helping individuals recover and regain function following illness, injury, surgery, or disability. Rehabilitation services may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, vocational rehabilitation, and other interventions aimed at restoring independence, mobility, and quality of life for patients with physical or cognitive impairments. |
| Rural | In a healthcare context, rural refers to areas that are sparsely populated and typically located outside urban or metropolitan areas. Rural healthcare settings often face challenges such as limited access to healthcare facilities, healthcare providers, and specialized services, as well as issues related to transportation and infrastructure. |
| Rural Emergency Hospital | Rural emergency hospital (REH) is a new Medicare provider designation established by Congress through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. REHs are meant to reinforce access to outpatient medical services and reduce health disparities in areas that may not be able to sustain a full-service hospital. |
| Special Needs Plan | A special needs plan (SNP) is a type of Medicare Advantage plan designed to provide comprehensive healthcare coverage and support services to individuals with specific chronic conditions, disabilities, or special healthcare needs. SNPs tailor their benefits, care management, and provider networks to meet the unique needs of eligible individuals, such as those with chronic medical conditions, dual eligibility for Medicare and Medicaid, or residing in long-term care facilities. |
| Specialty | In healthcare, specialty refers to a specific area of medical practice or expertise focused on diagnosing, treating, and managing particular diseases, conditions, or organ systems. Medical specialties encompass a wide range of disciplines, such as cardiology, oncology, neurology, orthopedics, dermatology, gastroenterology, and many others, each requiring specialized training, skills, and knowledge to provide specialized care to patients with specific healthcare needs. |
| Stroke - Acute Ready | A healthcare facility, typically a hospital or stroke center, that is equipped and prepared to provide immediate medical care and interventions for patients experiencing an acute stroke. These facilities have specialized protocols, trained personnel, and resources available to quickly diagnose and treat strokes, including administering clot-busting medications (thrombolytics) and providing rapid access to advanced imaging and intervention procedures, such as thrombectomy. |
| Stroke - Comprehensive Center | A specialized healthcare facility that offers a comprehensive range of stroke care services, including prevention, acute treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing management of stroke survivors. These centers typically have dedicated stroke teams, advanced imaging capabilities, specialized rehabilitation programs, and access to neurology and neurosurgery expertise to provide high-quality, multidisciplinary care to stroke patients at all stages of their recovery journey. |
| Stroke - Primary Center | A healthcare facility that serves as the initial point of contact for patients experiencing stroke symptoms or seeking stroke-related care. These centers play a critical role in the early identification, triage, and initial management of stroke patients, including performing rapid assessments, initiating appropriate treatment protocols, and facilitating timely transfer to higher-level stroke centers, if needed, for specialized care and interventions. |
| Substance Use | Provides treatment for harmful or problematic use of alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription medications, or other substances that negatively impact an individual's physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. Substance abuse can lead to addiction, dependence, tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and a range of adverse health consequences, including organ damage, mental health disorders, social and legal problems, and increased risk of overdose and death. |
| Surgical Center | Provides medical procedures, treatments, or interventions that involve the use of surgical techniques to diagnose, treat, or manage diseases, injuries, or conditions within the body. Surgical procedures may be performed for various purposes, including removing tumors, repairing injuries, correcting deformities, alleviating symptoms, restoring function, and improving overall health outcomes. Surgical specialties encompass a wide range of disciplines, such as general surgery, orthopedic surgery, cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, and plastic surgery, each focusing on specific areas of surgical expertise and patient care. |
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Transplant Center |
A Transplant Center is a health care facility that has an established transplant program, including organ transplants for end-stage organ disease such as marrow or cord blood transplants. It performs organ donation recovery operations or transplantation of organs recovered from a living organ donor. |
| Urban | Urban areas are densely populated regions characterized by the presence of cities or large towns. Urban healthcare settings tend to have greater access to healthcare facilities, providers, and services compared to rural areas. However, they may also face challenges such as higher healthcare costs, overcrowding, and disparities in access to care based on socioeconomic factors. |
| Urgent Care Center | A healthcare facility that provides walk-in, extended-hour medical care for non-life-threatening illnesses, injuries, and urgent medical conditions that require prompt attention but do not necessitate emergency department visits. Urgent care centers offer a convenient alternative to traditional primary care providers and emergency rooms, providing timely access to medical evaluations, diagnostic testing, minor procedures, and treatment for a wide range of acute health concerns, including infections, sprains, fractures, and minor injuries. |