Glossary

Healthcare Cost & Procedure Glossary

Definitions for 110 terms covering cash-pay procedures, insurance, financing, compounding pharmacy, FDA regulatory categories, and clinical concepts.

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3-Tesla (3T) MRI: A high-field-strength MRI scanner producing more detailed images than older 1.5T scanners. Most premium consumer full-body MRI providers use 3T.
503A compounding: A pharmacy designation for compounded medications prepared for individual patients. BPC-157 was removed from 503A eligibility in 2023.
503A pharmacy: A licensed compounding pharmacy that prepares custom medications for individual patients under valid prescription. 503A pharmacies are subject to USP compounding standards but not the full pharmaceutical manufacturing oversight applied to commercial products. Many GLP-1 weight loss medications and TRT prescriptions are filled through 503A pharmacies.
503B outsourcing facility: A pharmacy designation for compounded medications prepared in larger batches with stricter regulatory oversight. Also cannot compound BPC-157.

A

ABHRS: American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery. The US specialty board certifying hair restoration surgeons after fellowship training and examination.
Abutment: The connector piece that screws into the implant post and provides the platform on which the visible crown is placed.
ACR (American College of Radiology) accreditation: A voluntary accreditation program certifying imaging centers meet specific quality standards.
AEO (Answer Engine Optimization): Content optimization for AI-powered search assistants (ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, Google AI Overviews) that synthesize answers from web sources. Emphasizes structured data, clear factual statements, and citation-friendly formatting.
Agatston score: A separate scoring system used for coronary calcium scans (a different imaging test) rather than full-body MRI.
All-on-4: A full-arch implant restoration technique using four implants per jaw to support a complete bridge of teeth. The two posterior implants are angled to maximize bone engagement.
All-on-6: A variant using six implants per jaw instead of four, providing additional load distribution. Often preferred for the upper jaw or patients with heavy bite forces.
Allograft / Autograft: Allograft is donor bone (typically from a tissue bank). Autograft is bone taken from elsewhere in the patient body. Both are used for bone grafting; autograft has slightly better integration.
AMH (Anti-Mullerian Hormone): A blood marker of ovarian reserve. Lower values indicate fewer eggs remaining.
Anastrozole: An aromatase inhibitor that reduces testosterone-to-estradiol conversion. Used in low doses on TRT for patients with symptomatic elevated estradiol.
Angiogenesis: Formation of new blood vessels. BPC-157 is thought to promote angiogenesis, which is one proposed mechanism for tissue healing effects.
Antagonist protocol: A common IVF stimulation protocol using GnRH antagonist medications to prevent premature ovulation.
API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient): The active substance in a medication. For semaglutide, only FDA-approved API is acceptable; salt forms (acetate, sodium) are not FDA-approved.

B

Beta hCG: Blood test measuring human chorionic gonadotropin, the pregnancy hormone. Used to confirm pregnancy 9-11 days after embryo transfer.
Blastocyst: A 5-6 day-old embryo with approximately 100-200 cells, organized into inner cell mass and trophectoderm.
BMI (Body Mass Index): Weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. BMI 40+ alone, or BMI 35+ with comorbidity, are the standard insurance criteria for bariatric surgery.
Bone graft: Material (synthetic, donor, or autologous) added to the jaw to build up bone volume when there is insufficient natural bone to support an implant.
BPC-157: Body Protection Compound 157, a 15-amino-acid pentadecapeptide derived from a gastric protein. Investigational peptide marketed for tissue healing.

C

Cash-pay healthcare: Medical care paid out-of-pocket rather than through health insurance. Includes elective procedures (cosmetic surgery, fertility), procedures with limited insurance coverage (dental, hearing), and wellness/optimization services (peptides, longevity protocols, hormone optimization).
CBCT (Cone Beam CT): A specialized 3D imaging modality that produces a three-dimensional view of the jaw, used for precise implant planning.
Compounded medication: A custom-prepared medication made by a licensed pharmacy. 503A pharmacies prepare individualized prescriptions; 503B outsourcing facilities prepare larger batches.
Contrast (gadolinium): An injectable substance that highlights blood vessels and tissues. Most consumer full-body MRIs are non-contrast, avoiding gadolinium-related concerns.
Conversion procedure: A second surgery to convert a sleeve to a more aggressive procedure (gastric bypass or duodenal switch) for patients with inadequate weight loss, severe reflux, or weight regain.
Corneal topography: An imaging test that maps the surface curvature of the cornea, used to evaluate refractive surgery candidacy.
Cypionate / Enanthate: Long-acting testosterone esters used for weekly or twice-weekly injection. Functionally equivalent; cypionate is the most common formulation in the United States.

D

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI): An MRI sequence that is particularly sensitive to cancer and inflammation. Often included in full-body MRI protocols.
Dissociation: The altered state of consciousness experienced during ketamine infusion. Sense of detachment from body, altered time perception, sometimes visual phenomena. Considered an expected effect, not a side effect.
Donor area: The back and sides of the scalp where hair is genetically resistant to androgenetic alopecia. Grafts are extracted from this area for transplantation to balding regions.
Dumping syndrome: A constellation of symptoms (nausea, sweating, palpitations, diarrhea) that occurs when food moves too quickly through the digestive tract. More common after gastric bypass than sleeve, but can occur after sleeve.

E

Ectasia: A rare progressive corneal weakening that can occur after LASIK. Modern corneal screening has reduced ectasia risk to under 0.04 percent.
Edentulous: Without natural teeth. Most All-on-4 patients are either fully edentulous or have remaining teeth that need to be removed before treatment.
Enclomiphene: A selective estrogen receptor modulator that stimulates the bodys own testosterone production. An alternative to TRT for younger patients who want to preserve fertility.
Enhancement: A second LASIK procedure performed to correct residual refractive error after the primary procedure. Affects 5-10 percent of patients within 5 years.
Estradiol (E2): The primary form of estrogen. Some testosterone is converted to estradiol via the aromatase enzyme. Both too low and too high estradiol cause symptoms; sensitive-assay measurement is the standard.
Excess weight loss (EWL): A standard bariatric outcome measure: percent of excess weight lost. Sleeve gastrectomy typically produces 55-65% EWL at 1 year. For a 270-pound patient with ideal weight of 150 (120 lbs excess), 60% EWL = 72 lbs lost.
Excimer laser: A type of ultraviolet laser used in refractive surgery to reshape the cornea by precisely removing tissue.

F

False positive: A test result suggesting disease that is not actually present, often leading to additional workup that has its own costs and risks.
FDA shortage list: A registry of medications in short supply. While on the list, 503A pharmacies can legally compound the medication. Semaglutide and tirzepatide were removed from the shortage list in 2025.
Femtosecond laser: An ultra-fast pulsed laser used to create a corneal flap (in LASIK) or lenticule (in SMILE).
Follicular unit: A natural grouping of 1-4 hair follicles that emerges from the scalp as a single unit. FUE extracts and transplants these natural groupings, mimicking how hair naturally grows.
Food noise: Colloquial term for constant background thinking about food. Significantly reduced on GLP-1 medications, a frequently-reported subjective effect.
Free testosterone: The biologically active fraction of testosterone not bound to proteins. Often a better indicator of clinical effect than total testosterone alone.
FSA (Flexible Spending Account): An employer-sponsored tax-advantaged account for medical expenses. 2026 contribution limit: $3,200. Use-it-or-lose-it rules apply (small carryover allowed). Eligible for use on many cash-pay medical procedures.

G

Ghrelin: The "hunger hormone" produced primarily by the stomach. Sleeve gastrectomy removes the portion of stomach that produces most ghrelin, contributing to appetite suppression after surgery beyond just restriction.
GIP (Glucose-dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide): A second incretin hormone. Tirzepatide is a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist; semaglutide acts only on GLP-1.
GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1): A natural hormone produced by the gut after eating that signals fullness and regulates blood sugar. Semaglutide and tirzepatide are synthetic analogs.
Graft survival: The percentage of transplanted grafts that successfully establish and grow. Modern FUE in skilled hands achieves 85-95% graft survival.

H

Hairline design: The artistic and surgical planning of the new hairline location, density, and angle. Conservative natural hairlines age better than aggressive low ones. Most important aesthetic factor in transplant outcome.
HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin): A hormone that mimics LH and stimulates the testes to produce testosterone and maintain sperm production. Used alongside TRT for fertility preservation.
Hematocrit: The percentage of red blood cells in the blood. TRT commonly elevates hematocrit; values above 52-54% require dose reduction or therapeutic phlebotomy.
HSA (Health Savings Account): A tax-advantaged savings account for medical expenses available to individuals with high-deductible health plans. 2026 contribution limits: $4,300 individual / $8,550 family. Funds roll over indefinitely. Eligible for use on many cash-pay medical procedures.
Hybrid prosthesis: A removable-but-typically-fixed full-arch prosthesis combining acrylic teeth on a metal or titanium framework, attached to implants with screws.
Hypogonadism: Clinical condition characterized by low testosterone production. Primary hypogonadism originates in the testes; secondary hypogonadism originates in the pituitary or hypothalamus.

I

ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection): A laboratory technique where a single sperm is injected directly into each egg. Used for low sperm count, motility, or prior fertilization failure.
Immediate load: A protocol in which a temporary functional prosthesis is placed on the implants the same day as surgery, before full osseointegration has occurred. Standard in modern All-on-4 cases.
Immediate-load implant: A protocol in which a temporary crown is placed on the implant the same day as surgery, before full osseointegration has occurred. Not all cases qualify.
Incidental finding: An abnormality detected on imaging that is unrelated to any symptom the patient was investigating. Common on full-body MRI; most are benign.
Induction series: The initial protocol of 6 ketamine infusions over 2-3 weeks designed to produce maximum antidepressant response. Standard before transitioning to maintenance protocol.
IVF (in-vitro fertilization): Eggs and sperm are combined in a laboratory to create embryos, which are then transferred to the uterus.

K

KAP (Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy): Integration of psychotherapy sessions before, during, or after ketamine treatment to maximize therapeutic outcomes. Adds substantial cost but improves long-term durability for some patients.

L

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis): A refractive surgery using two lasers: a femtosecond laser to create a corneal flap, and an excimer laser to reshape the underlying cornea.
Lean mass preservation: Maintaining muscle tissue during weight loss. Critical for metabolic health and long-term weight management. Requires resistance training and adequate protein.

M

MBSAQIP: Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program. The US bariatric quality accreditation administered jointly by ACS and ASMBS. Quality bariatric facilities are MBSAQIP-accredited.
Medical tourism: Travel to another country to receive medical care, typically motivated by lower cost or faster access. Common destinations for US patients: Mexico (dental, bariatric, cosmetic), Spain (IVF), Turkey (hair transplant), Costa Rica (dental, cosmetic).
Monolithic zirconia: A single-piece zirconia full-arch prosthesis. The most durable and aesthetic material option, typically lasting 20-25+ years.

N

NMDA receptor: N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor. The glutamate receptor that ketamine modulates, distinct from the monoamine systems targeted by SSRIs and SNRIs. The mechanism explains ketamine's rapid onset.
Norwood scale: The standard classification for male pattern baldness, grading from 1 (no hair loss) to 7 (extensive baldness). Norwood pattern determines graft count needed and treatment approach.

O

OHSS (Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome): Excessive ovarian response to stimulation. Modern protocols have substantially reduced severe OHSS risk.
Osseointegration: The biological process by which the titanium implant surface fuses with the surrounding jawbone, typically over 3-6 months. Successful osseointegration is essential for long-term implant stability.

P

Pachymetry: A measurement of corneal thickness, used to ensure adequate residual stromal bed after LASIK.
Patient financing: Specialized credit products for medical procedures. Major providers in 2026: CareCredit (broad acceptance), Alphaeon Credit (aesthetic focus), Proceed Finance (longer terms for large procedures). APR ranges 0% promotional to 26.99% standard.
Pentadecapeptide: A peptide consisting of 15 amino acids. BPC-157 is a pentadecapeptide derived from a sequence in human gastric juice.
Peri-implantitis: Inflammatory disease affecting the soft and hard tissues around an implant, analogous to gum disease around natural teeth. The most common long-term complication of dental implants.
PGT-A (preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy): Testing embryos for chromosomal abnormalities before transfer. Improves implantation rates per transfer but does not improve cumulative live birth rates.
PHQ-9: Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Standard nine-item depression severity scale used to track ketamine response. Score 0-27, with 10+ indicating moderate depression.
Pre-op liquid diet: Two-week (sometimes longer) high-protein liquid diet required before bariatric surgery. Purpose: shrink the liver to make surgery safer. Compliance is critical.
Presbyopia: Age-related loss of near focusing ability, typically beginning around age 40. Not corrected by standard LASIK; PresbyLASIK or monovision can address this.
Prior authorization: A requirement that an insurance plan approve a medication or procedure in advance before agreeing to cover it. Common for GLP-1 medications, IVF, bariatric surgery, and TRT.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): A surface ablation procedure that removes the corneal surface layer (epithelium) and reshapes the cornea with an excimer laser.
Provisional / Temporary prosthesis: The initial fixed bridge placed the day of surgery, used during the 3-6 month osseointegration phase before the permanent prosthesis is fabricated.
Punch size: The diameter of the FUE extraction tool, typically 0.7mm to 1.0mm. Smaller punches leave less visible scarring but require more skill and time. Larger punches are faster but leave more visible scarring.

R

Radiologist: A physician specializing in interpreting medical images. Full-body MRI interpretation should be performed by a board-certified radiologist.
Recipient area: The balding or thinning area where grafts are implanted. Hairline, frontal forelock, and crown are the most-treated recipient areas.
REMS: Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy. The FDA program governing Spravato administration, requiring monitored clinic settings and 2-hour post-administration observation.
Research peptide: A peptide sold labeled "for research use only, not for human consumption." Not subject to pharmaceutical purity standards.

S

Salt form: BPC-157 can be supplied as the free acid or as a salt (sodium, acetate, arginate). FDA reclassification covers all salt forms.
SART: Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology. The clinical society that publishes US IVF clinic outcome data.
Scanxiety: Informal term for the anxiety experienced while waiting for medical imaging results.
SET (single embryo transfer): Transfer of only one embryo per cycle. The current standard for younger patients with good-quality embryos to reduce multiple pregnancy risk.
SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin): A protein that binds testosterone in the blood. Elevated SHBG reduces free testosterone availability.
Shock loss: Temporary shedding of native (non-transplanted) hair in the recipient area within 1-3 months of surgery. Reversible, with regrowth within 6-12 months. Affects 5-10% of patients.
Sinus lift: A surgical procedure that raises the floor of the maxillary sinus to create more vertical bone height for upper-jaw implants. Required when the sinus floor sits too close to the planned implant site.
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction): A flapless refractive surgery using only a femtosecond laser to create and remove a small lenticule of corneal tissue through a tiny incision.
Spravato: Esketamine nasal spray, the FDA-approved version of ketamine for treatment-resistant depression and major depression with acute suicidal ideation. Same mechanism as IV ketamine; different administration route.
Staple line leak: The most serious early complication of sleeve gastrectomy. Occurs when the stomach staple line does not heal properly, allowing gastric contents to leak into the abdomen. Requires emergency intervention.
Subcutaneous injection: Injection under the skin into the fatty tissue, the most common BPC-157 administration route.

T

Telehealth: Healthcare provided remotely via video consultation. Common for hormone optimization (TRT, BHRT), weight loss medications (GLP-1s), mental health, and dermatology. Regulatory rules vary by state and medication class.
Titration: Gradual dose increase to allow the body to acclimate to the medication, minimize side effects, and reach the target maintenance dose.
Topography-guided LASIK: A LASIK variant that uses corneal topography to guide laser treatment, particularly useful for irregular astigmatism.
Total testosterone: The total amount of testosterone in the blood, including both bound (to SHBG and albumin) and free fractions. The most common diagnostic measurement.
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD): Depression that has not responded to at least 2 adequate trials of antidepressants from different classes. The primary indication for ketamine therapy.
Trigger shot: Final injection (hCG or Lupron) given 36 hours before egg retrieval to trigger final egg maturation and release.

V

Vitrification: Modern flash-freezing technique for eggs and embryos. Substantially better post-thaw survival than older slow-freeze methods.

W

Wavefront-guided LASIK: A LASIK variant that uses detailed measurements of light traveling through the eye to customize the laser treatment for higher-order aberrations.
Whole-body MRI / Full-body MRI: A non-contrast MRI imaging protocol covering the brain, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and spine in a single session.

Z

Zygomatic implant: An extra-long implant anchored in the zygomatic bone (cheekbone) rather than the maxilla. Used for patients with severe upper-jaw bone loss.