Preferred provider organization
A preferred provider organization is a subscription-based medical care arrangement. A membership allows a substantial discount below the regularly charged rates of the designated professionals partnered with the organization. Preferred provider organizations themselves earn money by charging an access fee to the insurance company for the use of their network (unlike the usual insurance with premiums and corresponding payments paid either in full or partially by the insurance provider to the medical doctor). They negotiate with providers to set fee schedules, and handle disputes between insurers and providers. PPOs can also contract with one another to strengthen their position in certain geographic areas without forming new relationships directly with providers. This will be mutually beneficial in theory, as be billed at a reduced rate when its insureds utilize the services of the "preferred" provider and the provider will see an increase in its business as almost all insureds in the organization will use only providers who are members. PPOs have gained popularity because, although they tend to have slightly higher premiums than HMOs and other more restrictive plans, they offer patients more flexibility overall.
Lead petty officer
A leading petty officer or LPO is a title given to the senior petty officer in the pay grades of E4-E6 in the United States Navy and Coast Guard. A LPO is the chief petty officer's "go-to person" for the lead of the division and to help with administrative tasks. While most often the leading petty officer is the senior ranking petty officer, this is not always the case. The LPO is chosen by the "leading chief petty officer" or LCPO (grade E7 or above) for his or her demonstrated leadership abilities and knowledge in the job or rating.