Independent Medical Examination (IME) is an objective medical exam used to resolve questions regarding a medical condition. It is most often ordered by an insurance company but may also be requested by a judge or other qualified individual. Although the intention of this exam may be to procure a neutral evaluation of a patient's medical condition, multiple opportunities exist for bias or error to creep into the record.

Lawsuit Trial is the culmination of pretrial efforts that do not result in a settlement. Over 95 percent of all medical malpractice lawsuits are settled before this stage. In general, plaintiffs are favored when a case proceeds to trial, as financial settlements awarded are often less generous than those offered to defendants before a matter culminates in the courtroom.

PA is the acronym for post-acute care, in reference to the rehabilitation or palliative services patients receive after a hospital stay.

LTC is the acronym for long-term care, in reference to the medical and personal care patients receive in a facility specialized to provide such services. Long-term care may occur in a skilled nursing facility (SNF), nursing home, or in the community.

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