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Connecting California CalRHIO provides stakeholders with many of the common elements required for building and running a secure, integrated regional health information organization. |
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RHIO Glossary
3G (third-generation) network:
Advanced cellular network supporting data transfer speeds from 144kbps to 2Mbps (theoretically). Cellular carriers hope to use 3G service to deliver advanced features such as Web browsing and streaming video.802.11b:
A wireless networking standard ratified by the IEEE in late 1999 and supported by the largest wireless local area network (WLAN) vendors. Also known as Wi-Fi.access point:
Radio-based device that provides users of wireless devices with access to a local area network (LAN).administrative simplification:
Title II, Subtitle F, of HIPAA which authorizes HHS to: (1) adopt standards for transactions and code sets that are used to exchange health data; (2) adopt standard identifiers for health plans, health care providers, employers, and individuals for use on standard transactions; and (3) adopt standards to protect the security and privacy of personally identifiable health information.Administrative Simplification Compliance Act:
This Act (Public Law 107-105) provides a one-year extension to HIPAA "covered entities" (except small health plans, which already have until October 16, 2003) to meet HIPAA electronic and code set transaction requirements. Also, allows the Secretary of HHS to exclude providers from Medicare if they are not compliant with the HIPAA electronic and code set transaction requirements and to prohibit Medicare payment of paper claims received after October 16, 2003, except under certain situations.AMA (American Medical Association):
a professional organization for physicians. The AMA is the secretariat of the NUCC, which has a formal consultative role under HIPAA. The AMA also maintains the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) medical code set.AMIA (American Medical Informatics Association):
The first professional group to issue guidelines for physician-patient e-mail.AMR (ambulatory medical record):
see EHCRanonymizer or web anonymizer:
This privacy service lets a user visit Web sites while preventing those sites from gathering information about the user (including IP address, browser and operating system identification, and cookie-stored data) or which sites he has visited.ANSI (American National Standards Institute):
the U.S. standards organization that establishes procedures for the development and coordination of voluntary American National Standards.ANSI X12:
see Standardsarchitecture:
The structure of an information system and how its pieces communicate and work together. Also see client/server and tiered architecture.ASP (application service provider):
A vendor that deploys, hosts, and manages access to software applications for multiple parties from a central facility. The ASP charges a subscription fee to users of the applications, which are delivered over the Internet or other public or private networks.ASTM CCR:
see StandardsBA (business associate):
A person or organization that performs a function or activity on behalf of a covered entity, but is not part of the covered entity's workforce. A business associate can also be a covered entity in its own right. bandwidth:
A measure of how much information can be transmitted at once through a communication medium, such as a telephone line, fiber-optic cable, or radio frequency.beaming:
Transfer of data or software programs between devices, such as PDAs, personal computers and printers, using either infrared or radio-wave transmission.bioinformatics:
The science of developing and using computer databases and algorithms to hasten and improve biological and pharmaceutical research. biometric authentication:
Technology that identifies a person through recognition of unique physical characteristics, such as retina or iris patterns, face shape, voice patterns or fingerprints.blanket coerced consent:
What the health plans make people sign at the start of the year as a condition of being in the plan--its NOT informed consent, because it says that you agree to release ALL past and future medical records (that is the blanket part) to the health plan or insurer if they request them, as a condition of being covered by the plan (that is the coercion part). Bluetooth:
A protocol designed for short-range wireless communication or networking among a variety of devices. Somewhat similar to, but distinct from, 802.11b.broadband:
A medium that can carry multiple signals, or channels of information, at the same time without interference. Broadband Internet connections enable high-resolution videoconferencing and other applications that require rapid, synchronous exchange of data.browser:
A software program that interprets documents written in HTML, the primary programming language of the Web. A browser such as Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Explorer is required to experience the photos, video, and sound elements on a Web page and assists in quick, easy travel around the Web.business relationships:
The term agent is often used to describe a person or organization that assumes some of the responsibilities of another one. This term has been avoided in the final rules so that a more HIPAA-specific meaning could be used for business associate. C+/C++:
C is an established programming language found in many operating systems, including UNIX. C++, a daughter program based on objects, is quickly becoming a favored programming language as object-oriented technology gains popularity. Also see Java.case management:
Assignment of a nurse or other professional to assist identified patients through an episode of care. In the context of disease management, the case manager provides education, support and outreach to patients, in some cases including home visits and assistance arranging for needed medical and community services.CCR (continuity of care record):
XML document standard that functions as an ongoing record of a patient's care. Currently under development by several health care organizations.CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention):
The federal agency charged with protecting the health and safety of U.S. citizens, both at home and abroad. Oversees the development and application of programs for disease prevention and control, environmental health, and health promotion and education.CEN:
see Standardscentralized architecture:
see RHIO ArchitecturesCHI (Consolidated Health Informatics Initiative):
one of the 24 Presidential eGovernment initiatives with the goal of adopting vocabulary and messaging standards to facilitate communication of clinical information across the federal health enterprise. CHI now falls under FHA.client:
In a computer network, a workstation that retrieves information from a server.client/server:
A network system in which a dedicated computer (server) handles some data storage and processing tasks for applications used on personal computers or workstations (clients), which tap the server's shared files and processing power as needed. Also see distributed computing.CME (continuing medical education ):
Educational activities designed to maintain or increase the knowledge and skills that physicians, nurses and other clinicians use in their professional activities.CMR (Computerized Medical Records):
see EHCRCMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services):
The federal agency that administers Medicare, Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). CMS, which was formerly known as HCFA, is part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). CMS is responsible for oversight of HIPAA administrative simplification transaction and code sets, health identifiers, and security standards. Community Health Record System:
Information from different RHIO Participants is combined and integrated into a single record to form a Community Health Record System.coordination of benefits:
Process for determining the respective responsibilities of two or more health plans that have some financial responsibility for a medical claim. Also called cross-over.CPOE (computerized physician order entry):
Refers to computer-based systems that automate and standardize the clinical ordering process in order to eliminate illegible, incomplete and confusing orders. CPOE systems typically require physicians to enter information into predefined fields by typing or making selections from on-screen menus. CPOE systems often incorporate, or integrate with, decision support systems.CPT (current procedural terminology):
A medical code set of physician and other services, maintained and copyrighted by the American Medical Association (AMA), and adopted by the Secretary of HHS as the standard for reporting physician and other services on standard transactions.CRM (Customer Relationship Management):
Information systems and software that enable an organization to manage customers in an organized way with the objective of building better customer relationships.data entry:
The transcription of information from the original source into a machine-readable form. Although keyboard entry is the most familiar, other fast-growing methods include scanners and speech recognition.data mapping:
The process of matching one set of data elements or individual code values to their closest equivalents in another set of them. This is sometimes called a cross-walk.data mining:
Analyzing information in a database using tools that look for trends or anomalies without knowledge of the data's meaning. Mining a clinical database may produce new insights on outcomes, alternate treatments, or effects of treatment on different races and genders.data repository:
A database acting as an information storage facility. Although often used synonymously with data warehouse, a repository does not have the analysis or querying capabilities of a warehouse.data synchronization/data syncing:
The process of sending updates between a mobile computing device and a personal computer or application server in order to keep both sets of files synchronized. Sometimes called "hot syncing." Sometimes spelled "synch."data warehouse:
A large database that stores information like a data repository but goes a step further, allowing users to access data to perform research-oriented analysis.data warehouse silo system:
The RHIO holds each RHIO Participant's information in separate silos, but pulls information from applicable silos when information about a particular patient is requested. This is a 'hub and spoke' arrangement.database:
An aggregation of records or other data that is updateable. Databases are used to manage and archive large amounts of information. Also see relational database.database server:
A computer that stores data centrally for network users. It often uses client/server software to distribute the processing of data among itself and other workstations on the network.decision support application:
A computer program that analyzes data and presents the information so that clinicians can make medical decisions more easily. Typical tasks of a decision support system include data storage, data analysis, predictive modeling, and risk-adjusted comparison of actual outcomes with predicted outcomes.DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine):
see Standardsdigital certificate:
An electronic "certificate" (actually a unique number) that establishes a user's identity when conducting business or other "secure" transactions on a network such as the Internet. See also electronic certificate.digital divide:
A phrase coined to describe the gap between people who have access to modern information technology, particularly computers and the Internet, and those who lack such access--or the skills to exploit it.direct data entry:
Under HIPAA, this is the direct entry of data that is immediately transmitted into a health plan's computer.disease management:
A coordinated and proactive approach to managing care and support for patients with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, congestive heart failure, asthma, HIV/AIDS, and cancer. See also e-disease management.distributed computing:
A system in which computational and storage tasks are distributed among multiple computers rather than being performed exclusively by a central computer. Often used to overcome the limitations of a single computer or to exploit the unused computing power of a group of computers. Client/server systems are one type of distributed computing. See also P2P.DSL (digital subscriber line):
A technology for delivering high-bandwidth Internet service over ordinary copper telephone lines. DSS (Decision-Support System):
Computer tools or applications to assist physicians in clinical decisions by providing evidence-based knowledge in the context of patient-specific data. Examples include drug interaction alerts at the time medication is prescribed and reminders for specific guideline-based interventions during the care of patients with chronic disease. Information should be presented in a patient-centric view of individual care and also in a population or aggregate view to support population management and quality improvement.e-commerce:
Transactions, such as buying and selling of goods, conducted via the Internet or other network.E-counseling:
Psychological therapy conducted over the Internet, via e-mail, text chats, videoconferencing or other online communication methods. See also e-therapy.e-detailing:
The use of the Internet and related technologies to perform detailing educational/sales presentations traditionally made by pharmaceutical sales reps to clinicians to promote prescribing of a company's drugs.e-disease management:
The use of Web-based technology in support of disease management to provide patient-clinician communication, patient access to information, and patient self-management. See also disease management.e-encounter:
A type of physician-patient electronic communication that is a two-way exchange of clinical information revolving around a particular clinical question or problem specific to the patient. It may be initiated by either the patient or the caregiver. e-prescribing:
Practice in which drug prescriptions are entered into an automated data entry system (handheld, PC, or other), rather than handwriting them on paper. The prescriptions can then be printed for the patient or sent to a pharmacy via the Internet or other network.EDC (electronic data capture):
The use of electronic technology to gather and collect data, esp. in the context of clinical trials. Allows data to be aggregated, sorted, shared, and searched more easily than paper-based records. May be Web-based, use handheld computers, etc.EDI (electronic data interchange):
A direct exchange of data between two computers via the Internet or other network, using shared data formats and standards.EDI translator:
A software tool for accepting an EDI transmission and converting the data into another format, or for converting a non-EDI data file into an EDI format for transmission.effective date:
Under HIPAA, this is the date that a final rule is effective, which is usually 60 days after it is published in the Federal Register.EHCR: 5 levels of an Electronic HealthCare Record (EHCR):
EHR (electronic health record):
Health records kept in electronic form, as opposed to health records kept on paper.electronic certificate:
A unique number that establishes a user's identity when conducting business or other "secure" transactions on a network such as the Internet. See also digital certificate.electronic data interchange:
Refers to the exchange of routine business transactions from one computer to another in a standard format, using standard communications protocols.electronic media claims:
A flat file format used to transmit or transport claims.electronic remittance advice:
Any of several electronic formats for explaining the payments of health care claims.employer identifier:
A standard adopted by the Secretary of HHS to identify employers in standard transactions. The IRS' EIN is the adopted standard.EMR (electronic medical record):
A computerized medical record similar in structure, scope, and information content to a paper-based record. Capable of capturing, processing and storing information, and interoperable with other related systems, such as billing and administrative applications.
Also see EHCRencryption:
Translation of data into a code in order to keep the information secure from anyone but the intended recipient.enterprise architecture:
A strategic resource that aligns business and technology, leverages shared assets, builds internal and external partnerships, and optimizes the value of information technology services.enterprise-wide network:
A network in which all computers in the various facilities of an organization (e.g. a health care system) are connected.EPR (Electronic Patient Record):
see EHCReRx:
Electronic Prescribing, a type of computer technology whereby physicians use handheld or personal computer devices to review drug and formulary coverage and to transmit prescriptions to a printer or to a local pharmacy. E-prescribing software can be integrated into existing clinical information systems to allow physician access to patient specific information to screen for drug interactions and allergies.ethernet:
Probably the most commonly used standard for local area network (LAN) architecture. It supports data transfer rates of up to 10 megabits per second, although newer systems, called Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet, support transfer rates of 100 Mbps and 1 gigabit (1,000 megabits) per second, respectively.extranet:
An intranet that allows specified levels of access to authorized, external users.fat client:
In a client/server system, a client that performs most of the necessary data processing itself, rather than relying on the server.FCC (Federal Communications Commission):
The federal agency charged with regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable. The FCC's jurisdiction covers the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. possessions.federated architecture:
see RHIO ArchitecturesFHA (Federal Health Architecture):
a collaborative body composed of several Federal departments and agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Department of Defense (DOD), and the Department of Energy (DOE). FHA provides a framework for linking health business processes to technology solutions and standards, and for demonstrating how these solutions achieve improved health performance outcomes.file server:
A computer dedicated to managing the flow of information among networked computers and used as a storage location for data and applications shared by network users.firewall:
A security device situated between a private network and outside networks like the Internet. The firewall screens all information that attempts to enter or leave the private network, allowing or denying access or exchange based on pre-set access rules.formulary:
A list of medications (both generic and brand names) that are covered by a specific health insurance plan or pharmacy benefit manager (PBM), used to encourage utilization of more cost-effective drugs. Hospitals sometimes use formularies of their own, for the same reason.GPS (global positioning system):
A collection of satellites that continuously transmit their positions, allowing GPS receivers to pinpoint their own geographic positions by triangulation. Used in navigation, vehicle location and similar technologies.group health plan:
A health plan that provides health coverage to employees, former employees, and their families, and is supported by an employer or employee organization.GUI (graphical user interface):
An interface that allows a person to operate a software program using visual images (called icons), drop-down menu choices, and tool bars, rather than complex keystrokes and text commands. The most common manipulating device is a mouse.HAN (Health Action Network):
Communication system used by the CDC to exchange disease information with state and local health departments.handheld:
A portable computer that is small enough to hold in one's hand. Used to refer to a variety of devices ranging from personal data assistants, such as Palm and Visor models, to more powerful devices that offer many of the capabilities of desktop or laptop computers. Handhelds are used in clinical practice for such tasks as ordering prescriptions, accessing patients' medical records and documenting patient encounters.HCFA (Health Care Financing Administration):
The former name for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the federal agency that administers Medicare, Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).HCO (health care organization):
Can refer to a hospital or provider group, as well as an HMO or other payer organization.health care clearinghouse:
A public or private entity that processes or facilitates the processing of nonstandard data elements of health information into standard data elements.HHS (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; also DHHS):
The principal U.S. agency responsible for protecting the health of citizens. HHS is responsible for more than 300 services, including overseeing medical and social science research, preventing outbreaks of infectious disease, assuring food and drug safety, and providing financial assistance for low-income families. CMS is overseen by HHS.HIE:
Health Information Exchange is a term commonly used to describe a RHIO. The notion of HIE is the precursor to RHIO and is used interchangeably when discussing RHIOs.HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996):
A federal law intended to improve the portability of health insurance and simplify health care administration. HIPAA sets standards for electronic transmission of claims-related information and for ensuring the security and privacy of all individually identifiable health information.HIT (Health Information Technology):
the application of information processing involving both computer hardware and software that deals with the storage, retrieval, sharing, and use of health care information, data, and knowledge for communication and decision making.HL7 (Health Level 7):
see StandardsHMO (health maintenance organization):
A health maintenance organization (HMO) contracts with doctors, hospitals, and health care providers to provide medical care to a group of consumers. Generally, HMOs will not pay for your care unless you receive it from one of their health care providers. The HMO usually receives a fixed amount of money per patient for each enrollee. Enrollees of the HMO generally do not have any significant out-of-pocket expenses.host:
A computer that acts as a source of information or provides functionality for multiple terminals, peripherals, and/or users.HTML (Hypertext Markup Language):
The basic programming language for sites on the World Wide Web. This "skeleton" of code surrounds blocks of text and/or images and contains all the necessary commands and display instructions. A Web browser program is needed to interpret HTML and depict it as a graphical display on a computer screen.HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol):
A language protocol used in communication among Web sites. When http appears as part of a Web site URL, it indicates to Web browsers, "HTML spoken here."hybrid architecture:
see RHIO ArchitecturesICD 9-CM (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification):
developed in the United States to provide a way to classify morbidity data for indexing of medical records, medical case reviews, and ambulatory and other medical care programs, as well as for basic health statistics. It is based on the World Health Organization (WHO) international ICD-9. A new version modified for U.S. clinical care (ICD-10-CM), based on a tenth revision by the WHO, has not yet been adopted by the U.S. healthcare industry.IDCOP (Idealized Design of the Clinical Office Practice):
A collaborative initiative, sponsored by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, aimed at comprehensive redesign of the office system. IDCOP designs, tests, and deploys new models of office-based practices - including e-communication practices - to improve performance, clinical outcomes, work satisfaction and cost-effectiveness.IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering):
A professional association that develops and promotes standards. The IEEE 802 standards are focused on communication protocols for wireless local area networks (WLANs).Informatics or Information Science:
the study of information. It is often, though not exclusively, studied as a branch of Computer Science and Information Technology (IT) and is related to database, ontology and software engineering. Informatics is primarily concerned with the structure, creation, management, storage, retrieval, dissemination and transfer of information. Informatics also includes studying the application of information in organizations, on its usage and the interaction between people, organizations and information systems. informed consent:
Informed consent is a process of information exchange that may include, in addition to reading and signing the informed consent documents, subject recruitment materials, verbal instructions, question/answer sessions and measures of subject understanding. The clinical investigator is responsible for ensuring that informed consent is obtained from each research subject before that subject participates in the research study.Internet:
A publicly accessible, global network connecting millions of computers. The Internet carries data for applications such as e-mail, instant messaging and teleconferencing, in addition to the billions of documents and images that make up the World Wide Web. Although the terms Internet and Web are often used interchangeably, they are not synonymous. See also World Wide Web.Internet privacy:
Within the context of the Internet, the right to privacy is still being defined. Generally, it involves a person's right to control what information about himself is revealed and to whom, as well as what others may do with that information. It's not the same thing as secrecy, but the distinction is sometimes murky. Privacy isn't an absolute right, since it's often trumped by laws and overriding social needs. For example, law enforcement officials may obtain warrants that allow them to intercept communications or search physical areas, activities that otherwise would be forbidden. interoperability:
HIMSS' definition of interoperability is "ability of health information systems to work together within and across organizational boundaries in order to advance the effective delivery of healthcare for individuals and communities." For further information, visit HIMSS Interoperability Definition and Background (PDF).intranet:
An internal network that looks and acts like the World Wide Web. Intranets allow companies to take advantage of Web-based technology and create a private means of sharing data and applications among their networked users.ISO:
see StandardsISP (Internet service provider):
A company that provides users with access to the Internet and the World Wide Web. Users connect to the ISP through ordinary telephone lines (dial-up connections) or through faster connections such as DSL, cable or fiber-optic lines. Although some ISPs charge by the hour, most offer monthly or yearly rates.Java:
A platform-independent, object-oriented programming language developed by Sun Microsystems and modeled on the programming language C++. Java applets--miniature applications designed to run within another program--now are popular features of Web sites.LAN (local area network):
A network consisting of computers that are located in relatively close physical proximity to each other and are connected by wire cables, fiber optic lines, or other physical means. See also WLAN.Leapfrog Group:
A group of Fortune 500 companies and other large health care purchasers founded with the goal of leveraging employer purchasing power to initiate improvements in the safety and value of U.S. health care. Leapfrog advocates the implementation of CPOE, as part of its larger patient-safety initiative.legacy system:
An existing IT system or application, often built around a mainframe computer, which generally has been in place for a long time and represents a significant investment. Compatibility with legacy systems is often a major issue when considering new applications.LHII (Local Health Information Infrastructure):
LHII, a term used synonymously with RHIO, was originally used by the Office of the National Coordinator of Health Information Technology to describe the regional efforts that will eventually be linked together to form NHII.LOINC (Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes):
Standard code set covering medical terms, procedures and diagnoses maintained by Regenstrief. Adopted by the largest commercial laboratories and most Federal agencies (CDC, DOD, HCFA)master patient index:
A database program that collects a patient's various hospital identification numbers, e.g. from the blood lab, radiology department, and admissions, and keeps them under a single, enterprise-wide identification number.MCO (managed care organizations):
Managed care organizations have arrangements with doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers for their services. These doctors, hospitals, and health care providers form a network. Examples of managed care organizations include: Health MaintenanceOrganizations (HMOs) and Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs)medical privacy:
As explained in the original HIPAA health privacy rule, the right of individuals to medical privacy means the right "to determine for themselves when, how, and to what extent information about them is communicated." mosaic effect:
When combinations of data tidbits produce a picture that wasn't apparent from the individual pieces. MPI (master patient index):
A database program that collects a patient's various hospital identification numbers, e.g. from the blood lab, radiology department, and admissions, and keeps them under a single, enterprise-wide identification number.National Council for Prescription Drug Programs:
An ANSI-accredited group that maintains a number of standard formats for use by the retail pharmacy industry, some of which have been adopted as HIPAA standards.national provider identifier:
A system for uniquely identifying all providers of health care services, supplies, and equipment. A term proposed by the Secretary of HHS as the standard identifier for health care providers.national standard format:
Generically, this applies to any nationally standardized data format, but it is often used in a more limited way to designate the Professional EMC NSF, a 320-byte flat file record format used to submit professional claims.NEDSS (National Electronic Disease Surveillance System):
The CDC's electronic network for disease reporting that links the agency with state public health departments.network:
A general term for terminals, processors, and devices linked either by cable or wireless technology. Peripherals, applications and data can be shared by network users.NHII (National Health Information Infrastructure):
NHII is often used synonymously with NHIN. NHII came before NHIN and is an acronym that encompasses all of the necessary components needed to make electronic health records interoperable. NHIN, as the name suggests, refers to both the physical and notional network needed for interoperability to occur.NHIN (National Health Information Network):
The name of the federal government's program to implement a national interoperable system for sharing electronic medical records or EMRs (AKA electronic health records or EHRs). NHIN describes the technologies, standards, laws, policies, programs and practices that enable health information to be shared among health decision makers, including consumers and patients, to promote improvements in health and healthcare. The development of a vision for the NHII began more than a decade ago with publication of an Institute of Medicine report, The Computer-Based Patient Record. The path to a national network of healthcare information is through the successful establishment of Regional Health Information Organizations (RHIO).NPlanID (National Plan ID):
A term used by CMS for a proposed standard identifier for health plans. CMS had previously used the terms PayerID and PlanID for the health plan identifier.NPP (Notice of Privacy Practices or Privacy Notice):
HIPAA requires all covered entities to give patients a notice of their privacy practices, which must include how information about how their medical records will be shared. NPR (notice of proposed rulemaking):
A document that describes and explains regulations that the Federal Government proposes to adopt at some future date, and invites interested parties to submit comments related to them. These comments can then be used in developing a final regulation.ONC (Office of the National Coordinator of Health Information Technology):
Previously referred to as ONCHIT, ONC provides leadership for the development and nationwide implementation of an interoperable health information technology infrastructure to improve the quality and efficiency of health care and the ability of consumers to manage their care and safety.open source:
Software in which the source code is available free to users, who can read and modify the code.opt-in/opt-out:
An important distinction in the privacy debate concerns the terms under which e-mail marketers (legitimate ones, not spammers that ignore ethical and legal concerns) can contact users, and how users can add or remove themselves from databases.P2P (peer-to-peer):
1. A network structure in which the computers share processing and storage tasks as equivalent members of the network. Different from a client/server network, in which computers are assigned specific roles. 2. A general term for popular file-sharing systems like gnutella, in which there is no central repository of files. Instead, files can be stored on and retrieved from any user's computer. See also distributed computing.P3P (Platform for Privacy Preferences Project):
This is a standard XML format adopted by the World Wide Web Consortium for Web sites to use to encode their privacy policies. PDA (personal data assistant):
A handheld computer that offers relatively limited functionality and computing power. Often used primarily as organizers, but some PDAs offer wireless e-mail and Internet access. Increasingly used in clinical practice for applications such as taking patient notes and ordering prescriptions.PHI (personal health information):
A person's identifiable medical or health records.PHR (personal health record):
Electronic patient medical information stored for subsequent direct access by the patient. Content may be entered by the patient or transferred from an existing electronic record, or a combination of both. Also known as a personal medical record (PMR).PKI (public key infrastructure):
A system that uses electronic certificates and various authorities (servers that validate certificates, registrations, etc.) to authenticate each entity in an online transaction.plan sponsor:
An entity that sponsors a health plan. This can be an employer, a union, or some other entity.PMR (personal medical record):
n stored for subsequent direct access by the patient. Content may be entered by the patient or transferred from an existing electronic record, or a combination of both. Also known as a personal health record (PHR).pointer system:
The RHIO identifies where each patient's information is located and serves as a master patient index. All RHIO Participants interact with each other to exchange information, although an intermediary may facilitate the exchange of information.portal:
A Web site that offers a range of resources, such as e-mail, chat boards, search engines, content and online shopping.PPOs (preferred provider organizations):
Preferred provider organizations have contracts with doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers and have negotiated certain fees. As long as you get your care from these providers, you will only have to make your co-payment. If you go to a provider outside of the PPO, your care may still be covered, but you may have to pay more.privacy policy:
Most Web sites have a page describing in detail the site's privacy practices and what the site's owners will do with any information they collect.pseudonymity:
Pseudonymity is the ability to prove a consistent identity without revealing one's actual name, instead using an alias or pseudonym.relational database:
A database in which all information is arranged in tables containing redefined fields. Changing a field in one record automatically changes the same field in all related records, allowing for easy global database management. Using SQL, reports and comparisons can be generated by selecting fields of interest from the original database.RFID (radio frequency identification):
Technology that uses tiny chips and antennas to track products and store product information. Now on the verge of becoming a widespread supply chain tool, RFID tags are becoming smaller and cheaper, and privacy concerns are being raised. It may not be long before such tags are built into individual items (such as clothing), not just shipping pallets, allowing an unprecedented amount of automated monitoring of people's habits, behaviors and locations. RHIO:
A Regional Health Information Organization (RHIO) is a multi-stakeholder organization that enables the exchange and use of health information, in a secure manner, for the purpose of promoting the improvement of health quality, safety and efficiency. Officials from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services see RHIOs as the building blocks for the national health information network (NHIN). When complete the NHIN will provide universal access to electronic health records. Experts maintain that RHIOs will help eliminate some administrative costs associated with paper-based patient records, provide quick access to automated test results and offer a consolidated view of a patient's history.RHIO Architectures:
Centralized architecture is an approach to RHIO data sharing and inter-change of electronic information emphasizing full control over data sharing through a centralized repository. Components in a centralized architecture refer to the Central Data Repository (CDR) and the requestor. The CDR authenticates the requestor through a technological means, authorizes the transaction and records it for audit and reporting purposes. Federated architecture (decentralized) is an approach to the coordinated sharing and interchange of electronic information emphasizing partial, controlled sharing among autonomous databases within a RHIO. In a federated architecture, independent databases (decentralized) are connected to share and exchange information. Components in a federated architecture represent the various users, applications, workstations, main frames and other stakeholder components in a RHIO. Each component controls its interactions with other components by means of an export schema and an import schema. The export schema specifies the information that a component will share with other components, while the import schema specifies the non-local information that a component wishes to manipulate. The federated architecture provides a means to share data and transactions using messaging services, combine information from several components and coordinate activities among autonomous components. Hybrid architecture as the name suggests, is a combination of the two architecture types where various data transactions occur based on a decentralized or centralized method. For instance, a RHIO may have pharmacy transactions occurring within a federated model while lab data is shared through a centralized database. The providers in a hybrid architecture may decide to share patient data through a CDR or peer to peer. right to privacy:
The right to privacy is the claim of individuals, groups or institutions to determine for themselves when, how, and to what extent information about them is communicated. scalability:
The ability to add users and increase the capabilities of an application without having to making significant changes to the application software or the system on which it runs.SCHIP (State Children's Health Insurance Program):
Created by Title XXI of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, SCHIP was designed to enable states to initiate and expand child health assistance to uninsured, low-income children.self-insured:
An individual or organization that assumes the financial risk of paying for health care.server:
A networked computer that manages a specific set of network resources. A server may manage network traffic or peripheral use, store files, or run applications for users at other computers on the network.service level agreement:
A contract between a service provider and a user that specifies the level of service expected during a contract term. Service level agreements determine how performance will be measured and, in the event of underperformance, how the penalties will be calculated and paid.service oriented architecture (SOA):
SOA is an architectural style whose goal is to achieve loose coupling among interacting software agents. A service is a unit of work done by a service provider to achieve desired end results for a service consumer. Both provider and consumer are roles played by software agents on behalf of their owners. The idea of SOA departs significantly from that of object oriented programming, which strongly suggests that you should bind data and its processing together. So, in object oriented programming style, every CD would come with its own player and they are not supposed to be separated. This sounds odd, but it's the way we have built many software systems.small health plan:
Under HIPAA, this is a health plan with annual receipts of $5 million or less.smart card:
An electronic device about the size of a credit card that contains electronic memory and, increasingly, an embedded microchip. The cards are used to store data--in a health care context, this is often personal health information. The data can be accessed using a smart card reader: a device into which the card is inserted. Smart cards are not the same as magnetic stripe cards, such as most credit cards; smart cards typically can store more information.sniffer:
A program that monitors and analyzes the flow of information on a network, searching for bottlenecks and problems. Network managers use sniffer programs to monitor traffic flow and keep data moving efficiently. A sniffer can also be used legitimately or illegitimately to capture data transmitted over a network.SNO (Sub Network Organization):
another term for "RHIO,” this describes an organization that supports data exchange, that is subordinate to a larger national health information network, and that is not necessarily confined to a specific region.SNOMED (Systemized NOmenclature of MEDicine):
refers to both the code set used in structured clinical knowledge environments and the organization which owns the code set. SNOMED is a division of the College of American Pathologists. SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol):
a distributed message processing solution used extensively to transport data between different and incompatible computer systems. spyware:
Any technology that aids in gathering information about persons or organizations without their knowledge. SQL (Structured Query Language):
A standard command language used to interact with a database.standard transaction:
A standard transaction means the transmission of information between two parties to carry out financial or administrative activities related to health care, including health care claims, health care payment and remittance advice, coordination of benefits, health care claim status, enrollment and disenrollment in a health plan, eligibility for a health plan, health plan premium payments, referral certification and authorization, first report of injury, and health claims attachments.Standards:
Though there are few standards for modern day EMR systems as a whole, there are many standards relating to specific aspects of EHRs/EMRs. These include:
strategic national implementation process:
A national WEDI effort for helping the health care industry identify and resolve HIPAA implementation issues. subscription-based model:
A business model based on a monthly fee charged for the use of equipment, software, services or content, or some combination of those. Used by many vendors, such as providers of e-prescribing systems. See also transaction-based model.supply chain management:
Coordinating the movement of goods, from the initial customer order to final delivery of products. Includes management of raw materials, supply, production and distribution, taking into account quality, cost, customer satisfaction and production speed. The Internet is frequently touted as a tool for improving the efficiency of supply chain management.T1, T3, T4:
Types of transmission lines in the T-carrier telecommunications system that are often used to provide Internet access to larger organizations. T1 lines can transmit about 1.5 Mbps of data. A T3 line contains 28 T1 lines together and can transmit about 45 times the data of a single T1, enough for full-motion video. Six T3 lines make one T4 line, capable of transmitting about 274 Mbps.tablet computer:
A flat-panel laptop that uses a stylus pen or touch-screen, rather than a keyboard, for entry of data and commands.telehealth:
The use of telecommunications and information technology to deliver health services and transmit health information over distance. Sometimes called telemedicine.telemedicine:
The use of telecommunications and information technology to deliver health services and transmit health information over distance. Sometimes called telehealth.thin client:
In a client/server system, a client with little processing or data storage capability that primarily relies on a central server to perform those functions.total cost of ownership:
A long-term view of all costs associated with a specific technology investment. Costs include that of acquiring, installing, using, maintaining, changing, and disposing of a technology during its useful life.TPA (third party administrator):
Business associate that performs claims administration and related business functions for a self-insured entity.transaction-based model:
A business model based on service fees charged for each transaction conducted using the vendor's equipment, software, services or network. Used by some e-health vendors, including providers of e-prescribing systems. See also subscription-based model.UI (user interface):
The part of an application that allows the user to access the application and manipulate its functionality. It can include menus, forms, command buttons, etc.United Nations rules for electronic data interchange for administration, commerce, and transport:
An international EDI format. Interactive X12 transactions use the EDIFACT message syntax.URAC (American Accreditation HealthCare Commission, f/k/a Utilization Review Accreditation Commission):
A not-for-profit organization that performs quality accreditation for the managed care industry. URAC also launched a Web site accreditation program in 2001 to establish quality standards for health sites on the Internet, and an Information Technology Advisory Committee to address other quality issues related to health care information technology.URL (uniform resource locator):
A Web address. Each Web page has a unique URL.value-added network:
A vendor of EDI data communications and translation services.VPN (virtual private network):
A network that uses public connections, such as the Internet, to link users but relies on encryption and other security measures to ensure that only authorized users can access the network.WAN (wide area network):
A computer network that covers a large physical area. A WAN usually consists of multiple local area networks (LANs).WAP (wireless application protocol):
A proposed standard for delivering content to mobile wireless devices such as cellular phones and handhelds.Web anonymizer or anonymizer:
This privacy service lets a user visit Web sites while preventing those sites from gathering information about the user (including IP address, browser and operating system identification, and cookie-stored data) or which sites he has visited.Web beacons, also called Web bugs:
Pixel tags or clear GIFs, these file objects (typically a single transparent pixel invisible to the user) are used along with cookies to help track the behavior of Web site visitors.Web master:
The person responsible for operating/maintaining a particular Web site or Web page.Web ring:
A group of Web sites on related topics that are linked to each other in a loop, allowing a user to take a circular "tour" within a specific subject area.Web server:
A networked computer that stores and transmits documents and other data to Web browsers via HTTP, an Internet data transfer protocol.Web site:
A group of related files, including text, graphics, and hypertext links, on the World Wide Web. Accessed by typing its URL, a site usually includes layers of supporting pages as well as a home page.Web-enabled:
Refers to software applications that can be used directly through the Web. Web-enabled applications are often used to collect information from, or make functionality available to, geographically dispersed users (e.g. disease surveillance systems).WEP (wired equivalent privacy):
A security protocol for wireless local area networks (WLANs) using the 802.11b standard.Wi-Fi:
Another name for 802.11b , a wireless networking standard ratified by the IEEE in late 1999 and supported by the largest wireless local area network (WLAN) vendors. Wi-Fi is short for wireless fidelity.wireless Internet:
Wireless mobile computing that uses the Internet as part of the underlying network communication infrastructure. Sometimes called wireless Web.wireless LAN adapter:
Component attached to or integrated into a handheld device that transmits data wirelessly between the device and a local area network (LAN) access point.WLAN (wireless local area network):
A LAN that uses radio frequency technology to transmit data over relatively short distances. It can replace or extend a wired LAN.WML (wireless markup language):
Web development language that allows Web sites to format content to fit the small screens and limited storage and processing capabilities of mobile devices.World Wide Web:
An international group of databases within the Internet containing billions of documents that are formatted in HTML and link to other documents and files. Although the terms Internet and Web are often used interchangeably, they are not synonymous. See also Internet.XML:
eXtensible Markup Language (XML) is a general-purpose markup language adaptable to many different kinds of data. XML is used extensively in modern solutions to transfer health data between different and incompatible computer systems. |
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