Key insurance terms that start with "U"

The process your insurance company uses to review whether a health care service is medically necessary and appropriate. Your insurance company may require prior authorization and may deny claims if they determine a service isn't necessary. You can appeal a utilization review decision.

Medical care for illnesses or injuries that need prompt attention but aren't life-threatening. Urgent care clinics handle minor injuries, infections, and acute conditions. They're faster and cheaper than emergency rooms for non-emergency issues. Check your plan's coverage for urgent care.

A measurement of what a health care service typically costs in your geographic area. Your insurance company uses UCR to determine the allowed amount for out-of-network providers. If a doctor charges more than the UCR amount, you may pay the difference through balance billing.