Health Care Organization. Also known as a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), this is a health care organization composed of physicians, hospitals, or other providers which provides health care services at a reduced fee. It is similar to an HMO, but care is paid for as it is received rather than in advance in the form of a scheduled fee. After any visit, the policy holder must submit a claim, and will be reimbursed for the visit minus his/her co-payment. PureShare ActiveMetrics, a proactive metrics management application, helps monitor risk exposure and insurance claims.
A general term covering a variety of enterprises that use healthcare information systems. HCOs include care delivery organizations (CDOs) such as hospitals and physician practices, as well as healthcare payer organizations such as health plans. See CDO.