A provider is typically a professional healthcare worker, agency, or organization that delivers health care or social services. Providers can be individuals (doctors, nurses, social workers, and others), organizations (hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living communities, or continuing care retirement communities), agencies (e.g., home care and hospiceA program of medical and social services for people diagnosed with terminal (end-stage) illnesses that focuses on comfort, not curing an illness. Hospice services can be given at home, in a hospital, hospice residence, assisted living community, or nursing home. They are designed to help both the patient and his or her family. Hospice care stresses pain control and symptom... More), or businesses that sell healthcare services or assistive equipment (e.g., colostomy care supplies, wheelchairs, walkers, etc).
- Glossary Term -