Glossary Flashcards
account number
The number assigned to a patient to reference the care of that patient for the current visit. The account number is sometimes referred to as an encounter number, accession number, or registration number in different information systems.
active directory (AD)
The Microsoft database managed by the domain controller that system administrators use to control access to the Windows domain. Active directory contains information about users, groups of users, computers on the domain, organizational units, and configuration data.
active server pages (ASP or ASP.NET)
A server-side, HTML-embedded scripting language used to create dynamic web pages. ASP is provided by Microsoft.
acuity
The level of severity of an affliction.
acute care
Care that is given short term and for severe afflictions. For example, a patient experiencing a heart attack goes to an acute care facility.
ad hoc
A network that is wireless, decentralized, temporary, and a peer-to-peer connection.
Adobe Flash
A plug-in or add-on to a browser used to add multimedia graphics to web pages.
adult day care facility
A facility that offers medical and nursing supervision of adults. Patients cannot be at one of these facilities for longer than 12 hours in one day.
advanced encryption standard (AES)
An encryption cipher that uses a block length of 128 bits. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) adopted AES as an encryption standard.
ambulatory care facility
A facility used for outpatient services. Basically, if patient care takes less than 24 hours, the patient goes to an ambulatory care facility rather than a hospital.
ambulatory surgery center
A facility used for surgical procedures in outpatient services.
anesthesiologist
A physician who is trained in anesthesia and perioperative medicine. Anesthesia means to block sensation to prevent a patient from feeling pain; for example, during a surgery.
antispyware
A program designed to prevent spyware from being installed on a computer
application program interface (API)
A segment of programming code that can be used by many programs. An API can be a routine, protocol, or tool used to build a software application.
application service provider (ASP)
A vendor that offers an IS provided remotely.
assisted living residence
A facility that offers an apartment-style living situation for patients or residents who need assistance in daily activities. Most assisted living residences have different levels of assistance. A resident might live independently where help is available only if needed, or a resident lives in an apartment, but almost everything is done for the resident.
audit trail
A record of activity in an IS. Audit trails typically record the activity along with a time and date stamp and the username performing the activity.
automated dispensing cabinet (ADC)
An electronic cabinet with drawers containing medications that are placed throughout the hospital for convenient access by healthcare providers to quickly administer medicines.
badge
A card with a magnetic strip or chip that identifies the person assigned to the card.
billing and coding software
Software that receives data from a patient’s EHR/EMR, converts the data into billable items, and submits the bill to the insurance company for reimbursement.
biometric scanner
A device used to identify a person based on biological data.
birth center
A facility that offers services for prenatal and labor and delivery low-risk patients. This can be a department of a hospital or a separate facility.
blood pressure cuff
A device used to measure blood pressure. Also called BP cuff, vitals cuff, or sphygmomanometer.
blood work
Examination of a blood sample to test for certain diseases, medications, or other data.
Bluetooth
A wireless communication protocol used to connect personal devices over short distances.
break the glass access
A username and password reserved for emergency use to access patient information.
business associate agreement (BAA)
A contract used between healthcare entities and third parties to establish a mutual understanding of safeguards of e-PHI.
card or badge scanner
A device used for security and convenience that scans a card or badge to transfer data or detect identity.
change advisory board (CAB)
The board within an IT company that decides if a change management request is a benefit to the company or a liability. Also called a governance board.
change management
A process to define a change needed, the steps to take to complete it, the results of the change, and the time frame for completion. Also called change control.
chief complaint
The primary reason a person goes to the ED.
client-server architecture
A network architecture in which client computers rely on services or resources provided by a server computer.
clinical department
A department in a healthcare facility that offers specific medical services for patient care, treatment, or diagnosis. Sometimes called ancillary departments.
clinical IS
An information system directly related to the care of patients. Examples are the information systems for radiology, lab, surgery, pharmacy, and order entry.
cloud computing
Applications and data stored on remote computers on the Internet made available through a browser.
code blue
A code usually used to indicate a patient is in critical condition and requires immediate intervention.
coding
When a patient goes into cardiac arrest where the heart stops beating. Sometimes referred to as code blue.
cold feed
The real-time transfer of data from a source IS to a destination IS that does not receive acknowledgment of receipt of data. The data transfer is not guaranteed in a cold feed. Other data transfers require a receipt of data acknowledgment, called an ACK message, that guarantees the data was received.
communications protocol
The format and rules for exchanging digital messages between information systems.
computed tomography (CT)
Imaging that uses X-rays along with computing algorithms. A patient lies down in a CT machine while the CT machine rotates around the patient producing cross-sectional images (tomography) of the patient’s body.
computerized physician order entry (CPOE)
An order entry system designed specifically for doctors’ use.
consultation
When a doctor seeks the expertise of another doctor in a specialized field.
continuity of care document (CCD)
A version of a patient’s record for transferring relevant data. A CCD is easily read by both a person or an IS.
continuity of care record (CCR)
A collection of CCDs
controlled substance
A drug or substance regulated by the government.
covered entity
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is designed to protect health information used by health insurance plan providers, healthcare clearinghouses, and healthcare providers. These three entities are classified as covered entities. Basically, a covered entity is anyone or any organization required to submit to HIPAA rules.
current procedural terminology (CPT)
Coding system maintained by the American Medical Association (AMA) to represent procedures or treatments offered by healthcare providers.
dashboard
An application’s graphic user interface (GUI) that provides status information at a quick glance and commands to manage the application.
data encryption standard (DES)
An outdated block cipher that uses a 64-bit cipher block and a 56-bit key.
database administrator (DBA)
The HIT personnel responsible for the management of the databases in the information systems used in a facility.
default gateway
The IP address of a router that should receive all requests for communication with computers outside the local network.
dental assistant (DA)
A healthcare provider who helps a dentist perform procedures and prepare patients for dental procedures.
dermatology
The study of the skin and its conditions, including scalp, hair, and nails.
desktop support technician
The HIT personnel responsible for the support of computers and certain peripheral devices in the facility.
dictation
A typed transcript of a recorded healthcare provider’s oral report of patient care as spoken into a voice recorder.
digital imaging and communication in medicine (DICOM)
The healthcare industry standard for medical digital imaging. DICOM is designed specifically for image handling, storing, printing, or transmitting. The file extension for this format is .dcm.
discretionary access control (DAC)
A security mechanism where a user has control to grant access to resources owned by the user account.
disk image
The contents of a hard drive including configuration settings and applications stored so the contents can be replicated to another computer.
document scanner
A device used to scan paper documents into an electronic image or document.
domain controller
The server that administers the user account information, authenticates usernames and passwords, and enforces security policy.
domain name service (DNS)
A service that resolves domain names into the IP address that the network uses to reach the correct computer on the network.
dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP)
The service running on a router or other network device that automatically assigns an IP address to a computer or device when it joins the network.
dynamic IP address
An IP address assigned by DHCP
electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)
A test that indicates problems with the electrical activity of the heart.
electroencephalogram (EEG)
A test that measures the frequency of brain waves.
electronic health record (EHR)
Information about a patient’s care and health collected and stored electronically. This record is not limited to the visits at only one hospital but is a collection of all visits at all hospitals. The term EHR is sometimes used interchangeably with electronic medical record (EMR), although the two terms are not exactly the same.
electronic MAR (eMAR)
The medication administration record (MAR) recorded electronically using hand-held scanners at several locations from the pharmacy to the patient bedside.
electronic medical record (EMR)
Information about a patient’s care and health that was previously captured on paper forms and charts, collected from all visits at one hospital and stored in an EMR IS. The term EMR is sometimes used interchangeably with Electronic Health Record (EHR), although the two terms are not exactly the same.
electronic protected health information (e-PHI)
HIPAA protects the electronic information that can be used to identify an individual. e-PHI is information created, used, or disclosed about a patient while providing healthcare.
eligible provider
Hospitals or professionals participating in incentive programs must meet meaningful use criteria to be eligible to receive incentive money.
emergency department (ED)
The department in a healthcare facility that treats patients with acute and sudden afflictions. The ED is often referred to as the emergency room (ER) by nonmedical people, but in the healthcare world, it is called the ED.
emergency department IS (EDIS)
The information system that manages patient flow, orders, patient history, record healthcare providers’ notes on the patient’s visit, and more in the ED. The stage of a patient’s visit to the ED, who is caring for the patient, and other information are displayed on the tracking board from the EDIS for convenient reference to a healthcare provider’s current caseload.
e-prescribing software
Software used by physicians to electronically write prescriptions for patients.
evaluation and management (E/M) codes
Subcategory of CPT codes that are used to describe the level of care provided to a patient
examination
When a healthcare provider evaluates a patient and his medical conditions. This might include tests for a complete understanding of the cause of the symptoms. Also called exam.
extensible markup language (XML)
A markup language used to write a new markup language. Using XML, you can create your own HTML tags.
fetal monitor
A device used to monitor a baby before birth, usually recording the baby’s heartbeat.
fiber optic
Strings of glass or plastic in a cable where data is sent as pulses of light. Also called fiber.
file transfer protocol (FTP)
A method to communicate over a network electronically. This communication method enables documents to be placed on and copied from a remote server. FTP is great for sharing large files with other people who also have access to the FTP server.
file transfer protocol (FTP)
A protocol standard for exchanging files over the Internet or an intranet.
gastroenterology
The study of the digestive system and its disorders.
general acute care hospital
A facility that offers diagnosis, treatment, or care for patients in a variety of specialties. Patient care is uniquely approached and not all patients are there for the same type of care.
glucose monitor
A device used to measure the amount of glucose in a blood sample.
governance board
See change advisory board (CAB).
graphics interchange format (GIF)
An image file format that supports data compression and animation. GIF supports only 256 colors, so some quality is lost on colored images. The file extension for this format is .gif.
hacker
An individual who maliciously attempts to access electronic information he is not authorized to view.
health information exchange (HIE)
Sharing of patient information among multiple providers. These providers do not need to work in the same hospital to have access to patient information. Currently, this is typically done for hospitals in close geographic locations, but the goal is to make HIE nationwide.
Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act
An act of the U.S. congress enacted as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. Its purpose is to promote the meaningful use of technology in healthcare so that technology ultimately results in improved healthcare for the patient.
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
A law created in 1996 to provide a standard set of rules that all covered entities must follow to protect patient health information and to help healthcare providers transition from paper to electronic health records.
Health Level 7 (HL7)
The standard protocol of formatting a message for healthcare interfacing. HL7 is ANSI certified. HL7 operates at the seventh or application layer of the OSI communication model.
healthcare clearinghouse
A business that receives healthcare information and translates that information into a standardized format to be sent to a health plan provider. A healthcare clearinghouse is sometimes called a billing service. Basically, a healthcare clearinghouse is a middle person that processes healthcare information.
healthcare IT (HIT)
The personnel, equipment, and procedures that provide and support the computer systems used in the healthcare environment
healthcare provider
A qualified person or facility that provides healthcare to patients; for example, a doctor, nurse, or hospital.
heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit
Equipment designed to regulate temperature and humidity
home health agency
An organization that offers preventative, rehabilitation, and therapeutic care to patients in their homes.
hospice agency
An organization that offers medical, nursing, social work, and counseling to terminally ill patients in their homes or as an inpatient hospice service at a facility.
hospital information system (HIS)
The primary information system used to manage data flow and maintain databases in a hospital. An HIS usually manages patient administration and order entry. HIS is sometimes called a healthcare information system (HIS).
hot swappable
A device or piece of equipment that does not require a reboot to establish a connection and function.
hypertext markup language (HTML)
A common markup language used for developing web pages.
hypertext preprocessor (PHP)
An open source, server-side, HTML embedded scripting language used to create dynamic web pages.
hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP)
An application protocol that defines how data is sent to and from a web server on the web.
hypertext transfer protocol secure (HTTPS)
A secure version of HTTP that encrypts data sent to and from a web server.
ICD-10
HIPAA mandated a standard electronic format for provider and diagnostic codes. The new standard is intended to grow with the functional needs of the healthcare industry.
ICD-9
HIPAA mandated a standard format for electronic provider and diagnostic codes. The current standard has limitations that restrict the full use of EMR/EHR software.
IEEE 1394
A standard for a hot-swappable port generally used for transferring multimedia data. Also called Firewire.
information system (IS)
A computerized system used to facilitate the functions of an organization. An IS is a group of components that collect, process, store, and communicate information
infrastructure
A centralized network. Devices connect to an access point to join the network.
Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS)
A service that hosts hardware remotely needed for cloud computing. Organizations are allowed to use the hardware to host operating systems and software belonging to the organization.
inpatient
A patient admitted to a healthcare facility who stays longer than 24 hours by a doctor’s order.
instant messaging (IM)
A method to communicate over a network electronically in real time. Typed messages are immediately viewable by the recipient. IMs are not secured and are sent as plain text.
interface engine
An application that serves as a communications hub and offers services to the messages as they travel through a network. These services include but are not limited to forwarding, filtering, translation, and queue management.
interface
The connection between two information systems for the purpose of exchanging data.
intermediate distribution frame (IDF)
A cable rack that connects and manages wiring used for telecommunication between the MDF and devices such as computers or network printers. IDFs are usually found on each floor of a building in a data closet.
Internet modem
A device used to convert the signal from the ISP to Ethernet used by the router and local network.
Internet protocol (IP)
A protocol used in TCP/IP networks at the network layer of the OSI model. IP is responsible for finding the best path to a destination and breaking down messages into packets small enough to travel through the network and reassembling the packets when received.
Internet service provider (ISP)
An organization that provides access to the Internet.
intranet
The private network that is secured within a facility. All intranets use the TCP/IP suite of protocols also used on the Internet.
IP address
The address used to identify a computer or other device on a TCP/IP network. A TCP/IP version 4 IP address has 32 bits, and a TCP/IP version 6 address has 128 bits.
ipconfig
A command used in the command prompt window to display the TCP/IP network configuration values.
joint photographic experts group (JPEG)
An image file format that supports data compression. JPEG supports up to 16 million colors, but when compressed, the image loses clarity and sharpness. JPEG is generally used on the Internet. The file extension for this format is .jpg.
key fob
A device synched with a network authentication service that provides a code used to log in to a network or other system.
lab IS (LIS)
The information system responsible for orders, charging, and results of laboratory tests.
layer 2 tunneling protocol (L2TP)
A fully encrypted tunneling protocol used to create a VPN connection.
legal health record
Health organizations must retain a health record of patients for use by the patient or legal services.
licensed practical nurse (LPN)
A healthcare provider who completed an LPN program and passed a state exam. An LPN typically assists an RN and provides bedside care. Sometimes called a licensed vocational nurse (LVN).
local area network (LAN)
A small network of computers or other connected devices covering a small area such as a home, business, school, or airport.
lock
When a Windows user is logged on to a computer, but needs to walk away for a moment and does not want to close all programs running to log off, the user can simply lock the computer pressing the Windows key+L. This user’s password or a computer administrator’s username and password is required to unlock the computer.
long-term care
Ongoing treatment or care. For example, a patient with Alzheimer’s goes to a long-term care facility.
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Imaging that uses strong magnetic fields and radio signals to create an image of a patient’s body. A patient lies down in an MRI machine and must remain still for extended periods of time in a noisy, cramped space.
main distribution frame (MDF)
A cable rack that connects and manages wiring used for telecommunication between a service provider and intermediate distribution frames (IDFs). The MDF connects private or public lines coming into a facility with the networking devices in the facility.
mainframe
A large-scale computer that supports many users and client computers.
malicious software
Any program unknowingly transmitted to a computer or network designed to cause damage. Also called malware.
malware
See malicious software
mandatory access control (MAC)
A security mechanism where a user can only gain access to a resource if the security or system administrator grants the access.
master patient index (MPI)
The database of all MRNs and account numbers. This centralized database is responsible to prevent duplication of MRNs and account numbers.
meaningful use
The goals of meaningful use are to help healthcare providers know more about their patients, make better decisions, and save money by using HIT in a meaningful way.
media access control (MAC) filtering
The method to secure a network by limiting which devices are allowed to connect to a network based on a list of MAC addresses kept by the wireless access points.
medical assistant (MA)
A healthcare provider or administrator who is not certified and works under direct supervision of a licensed healthcare provider or office manager.
medical doctor (MD)
A physician who is licensed and trained to practice medicine without supervision.
medical image
Visuals made of body parts, tissues, or organs for clinical study, treatment, or diagnosis.
medical record number (MRN
The number assigned to a patient to reference the care of that patient for all visits at one particular hospital. An MRN is unique to a patient within a hospital’s network.
medical records office
The administrative office that stores and archives patients’ medical records.
medication administration record (MAR)
The legal record of medication consumption in a hospital. The MAR tracks all medications in the hospital. Sometimes called drug charts.
memorandum of understanding (MOU)
Contracts are sometimes necessary within an organization between departments or personnel for mutual understanding of the safeguards of e-PHI.
message
The information sent from one system to another.
metadata
Data about data. In imaging, metadata tags files with keywords to easily search for the file.
national drug code identifier (NDCID)
A code assigned to each drug used by the FDA to maintain a list of drugs being produced.
network address translation (NAT)
A router or other gateway device substitutes its own IP address for the IP address of computers behind the firewall that it is protecting.
network administrator
The HIT personnel responsible for maintaining the integrity of the network.
network attached storage (NAS)
A storage device connected directly to the network.
node
A connection point to an IS.
nuclear stress test
A test using both two PET scans and a vascular stress test to test how well the blood flows through the heart of a patient.
nurse practitioner (NP)
A healthcare provider who is a registered nurse who has completed graduate-level education and training. Dependent on state laws, some NPs can work without the supervision of a physician.
nursing home
A facility that provides a residence for disabled and elderly patients who need medical supervision or ongoing nursing care. Patients in a nursing home do not need the level of care required to be admitted into an acute care hospital.
nursing unit clerk (NUC)
An employee of a hospital who assists the healthcare providers in a unit with clerical work. Sometimes called a health unit coordinator (HUC).
office manager
An employee of a physician’s office who facilitates the operations of the office.
oncology
Field of medicine dealing with cancer or tumors.
Open Systems Interconnection model (OSI model)
A description of all communication on a network expressed as seven layers.
operating room (OR)
A room in a hospital equipped for performing surgical procedures.
operative record
A complete and detailed accounting of the surgical case happenings from preoperative through postoperative phases. This document is written to be used for legal reference if ever needed.
ophthalmology
The study of the eye and its diseases.
optical character recognition (OCR)
A technology that translates printed lettering into pure text that can be searched and manipulated on a computer.
order entry
A component of an HIS where healthcare providers enter orders for patient care. Orders can be for procedures, imaging, or maybe tests. Order entry is sometimes written as OE but still read as “order entry.”
outpatient
A patient who is scheduled for medical treatment, care, or a service. The patient’s stay in the healthcare facility lasts less than 24 hours unless being observed. Ambulatory facilities are specifically for outpatient services.
parallel communication
A process of sending data several bits at a time through several streams simultaneously.
patient care technician (PCT)
A healthcare provider who works directly under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider.
patient census
A recording of the number of patients with the location, registration status, and other data about the patient in a healthcare facility. Patient census usually applies to inpatients or occupied beds.
perioperative IS
The information system that manages patients in surgery. The perioperative IS starts with scheduling for surgery through discharge or transfer out of surgery. The perioperative IS works largely independent from other information systems because there is rarely a need for interaction with the other clinical departments.
pharmacy IS
The information system used by the pharmacy. The pharmacy IS supports but is not limited to order entry, management, dispensing of medications, monitoring, reporting, and charging.
phishing
A form of social engineering in which an attacker tricks or manipulates a user to give out sensitive data or into allowing unauthorized programs onto the computer or network.
phone switch
A server used to route telephone calls in a facility
physician assistant (PA)
A healthcare provider who is licensed and trained to practice medicine under the direct supervision of a physician.
physician portal
A user interface that accesses the HIS or EHR/EMR. The physician portal is where doctors go to view patient records, add notes, and electronically sign off on charts.
picture archiving and communication system (PACS)
An information system designed to store and retrieve different formats of medical imaging in one location, as well as communicate PACS images to other information systems.
ping
A command used in the command prompt window to send a request to another device to find out if the two devices can communicate on the network.
Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS)
A service that hosts hardware and operating systems remotely needed for cloud computing. Organizations are allowed to use the hardware and operating system to host the software belonging to the organization.
point-to-point connection
A one-to-one interface between two information systems. Point-to-point connections require the IS at each end of the connection to guarantee the delivery and interpretation of the data.
port forwarding
Communication from outside the network is allowed past the firewall only to a specific computer and port.
port
A number assigned to a client or server application that serves as an address to the application, which the OS uses to get network communication to the correct application. Common port assignments are designated by TCP/IP. Also called a port number or port address.
portable document format (PDF)
A widely used file format developed by Adobe Systems used to present digital documents in a printable view on a monitor. PDF files can be viewed using Adobe Acrobat software or many other PDF viewers or editors made by many software companies. The file extension for this format is .pdf.
portable X-ray machine
A mobile X-ray machine that is small enough to be rolled to a patient’s room or taken to a patient’s house.
practice management software
Software used in small- to medium-sized medical offices for both clinical and business needs
practice manager (PM)
An employee of a medical practice who facilitates the operations of the practice.
pretty good privacy (PGP)
An encryption method designed for signing and encrypting e-mail, which uses both symmetric and asymmetric encryption.
primary care facility
A facility that contains the private practice of a doctor where a patient receives preventive, diagnostic, treatment, and management services. When a person has an annual checkup, he schedules an appointment with his primary care provider (PCP), such as a family doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.
primary care physician (PCP)
A doctor who has an ongoing relationship with a patient and provides primary care for that patient.
print server
A server that connects computers and other devices on a network with printers on the same network. Also called printer server.
privacy screen
A clear film or acrylic filter placed in front of a monitor to decrease the viewing angle of the monitor.
private branch exchange (PBX)
A private telephone system. Switches are housed within a facility to provide greater control over the phone system. With a switch, the facility can customize phone routing and assign extensions.
private health record
A health record created and maintained by an individual. Sometimes called a personal health record (PHR).
project manager
The individual who oversees an implementation project, such as installing an EHR/EMR IS in a hospital.
psychiatric hospital
A facility that specializes in the care of patients with mental illness. Services include diagnosis, treatment, care, and rehabilitation. This can be on an inpatient or outpatient basis.
public health record
Researchers need access to health records to analyze data. For this reason a public health record is made available for the collection of public health data in an anonymous manner.
radio frequency identification (RFID)
A technology that uses radio frequency to track or locate a transponder, or tag
radiology IS (RIS)
The information system responsible for orders, charging, and results of medical imaging.
rapid response
A code used when a patient is about to go into a code blue.
referral
When a doctor refers a patient to go see a specialist.
registered nurse (RN)
A healthcare provider who has completed a nursing school program and passed the national licensing exam.
registration
The administrative office that maintains a patient census of the facility through patient admissions, transfers, and discharges.
rehabilitation hospital or center
A facility that offers care for patients with ongoing recovery from a disability. This can include medical, psychiatric, or physical therapy.
remote authentication dial-in user service (RADIUS)
A protocol and system used to authenticate access to a network. User passwords to the network are sent over the network encrypted using the RADIUS encryption standard.
remote desktop connection (RDC)
A remote connection used to view another computer’s desktop in a window. RDC was created by Microsoft.
remote desktop protocol (RDP)
A protocol developed by Microsoft and used with the Remote Desktop Connection utility that allows a user to connect to a remote computer over a network.
risk management
The proactive approach to preventing lawsuits and liability issues due to medical errors.
role-based access control (RBAC)
The assignment of access to information systems based on job title and not individual evaluation for need of access.
router
A network device that separates one network from another. The router logically and physically belongs to both networks.
scheduling software
Software used to schedule services offered that might include features that can reserve rooms, procedures, and personnel based on the type of procedure or service.
screensaver
When a computer is idle for a set time, an image appears on the screen until the mouse is moved or a key is pressed on the keyboard.
secure chat
A method to communicate over a network electronically in real time. Typed messages are immediately viewable by the recipient. Secure chat sessions are encrypted.
secure FTP
A secure form of FTP that encrypts both commands and data. Sometimes called SSH FTP because secure FTP uses SSH to secure the transfer.
secure shell (SSH)
An encrypted tunneling protocol used by client/server applications to connect a remote client to a server. The protocol is designed to ensure confidentiality and integrity of data over an unsecured network
secure socket layer (SSL)
A handshake between a web server and a browser to establish a secure connection.
security administrator
The HIT personnel responsible for securing data in the facility.
security officer
The hospital employee responsible for determining policies necessary to ensure security of PHI. The security officer is also responsible for ensuring that the hospital staff complies with these policies.
sensitivity label
A classification of how confidential a patient’s information is above and beyond HIPAA regulations.
serial communication
A process of sending data one bit at a time through a single stream.
service set identifier (SSID)
The name assigned to a wireless access point.
service-level agreement (SLA)
Contracts used between healthcare entities and third parties to establish how e-PHI is shared and used. An SLA also establishes expectations of service provided.
signature pad
A device used to transfer written signatures into an electronic image.
single sign-on (SSO)
A program that enables a user to enter a username and password once to log in to multiple information systems.
small computer system interface (SCSI)
A standard for a hot-swappable port and storage devices that use these ports. SCSI connections are usually found on servers and are used by hard drives and optical drives.
social engineering
A malicious attack using social skills directed at a person who has access to sensitive data.
Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)
A software delivery method where the hardware hosting the software is housed remotely and organizations are allowed to access the software and that functions as a web-based service.
solutions
Products or programs offered by vendors to provide an answer to a need.
spam
Unsolicited contact that you did not ask for and don’t want and might come from an attacker.
spyware
A type of malware designed to secretly collect information on a computer or network.
stat
Derived from the Latin word statim, which means immediately. It is often used in the medical environment to expedite something.
static IP address
An IP address manually assigned to a computer or device. A static IP address does not change automatically.
storage area network (SAN)
An independent network separate from the normal LAN designed for data storage.
structured query language (SQL)
A programming language used to manage data stored in databases.
subnet mask
A series of 1s and 0s that determine which part of an IP address identifies the local network and which part identifies the host.
superbill
An itemized form used by healthcare providers to indicate services rendered. The superbill is the primary source for creating a claim to be submitted to the payer.
surgical summary report
A brief accounting of the surgical case report for immediate referral during the postoperative phase.
switch
A device with multiple network ports for connecting devices such as computers, printers, or servers.
system administrator
The HIT personnel responsible for the overall health of the information systems in the facility.
systemized nomenclature of medicine—clinical terms (SNOMED-CT)
A medical terminology standard used internationally to create consistency in keywords in medical documentation. SNOMED-CT technology translates several ways to describe the same medical term into a single code.
tagged image file format (TIFF)
A widely supported image file format. TIFF images can be any resolution, color, or grayscale. The file extension for this format is .tif or .tiff.
TCP/IP
A suite of protocols used for communication on the Internet or an intranet.
terminal emulator
A connection to a mainframe computer that holds all the data being accessed. A terminal emulator typically looks like a command prompt window.
terminal services
Applications or even the entire desktop are made available to a user from a remote server. Only user interaction is presented at the client machine and all other processing takes place at the server. Also called remote desktop service.
thread
The interface pipeline that connects two information systems.
time lockout
The capability of software to limit to certain hours of the day and week when users can log in.
T-line
A type of data transmission technology that uses fiber optic cabling. A T1-line transmits up to 1.544 mbps (megabits per second). A T3-line transmits up to 45 mbps.
tracert
The trace route command is used to trace the path a connection takes to reach a target host
tracking board
A display showing the patients in the ED, where they are, and who is caring for them. Because the tracking board contains confidential information, it is for the use of the ED staff only and is primarily kept out of view of the waiting area and patients.
transmission control protocol (TCP)
A protocol used in TCP/IP networks at the transport layer of the OSI model. TCP is responsible for guaranteeing data is received and in the correct order.
triage
The assessment of the level of care a patient needs when she arrives at the hospital used to determine the priority of the patient for being seen by a physician.
triple data encryption standard (3DES)
An encryption similar to DES but uses a key that can be three times the size, at a 168-bit key.
ultrasound
An imaging process that uses sound waves to create a picture of soft tissues inside the body
uninterrupted power supply (UPS)
A device connected to a computer to provide power for a few minutes in case the power to the facility goes out. These few minutes give the user enough time to save work and log out.
unit assistant (UA)
An employee of the hospital who facilitates the function of a unit in a hospital.
universal serial bus (USB)
A standard for a hot-swappable port. USB standard 2.0 (Hi-Speed USB) is approximately 40 times faster than original USB. USB standard 3.0 (SuperSpeed USB) is approximately 10 times faster than USB 2.0.
vascular stress test
A physical test using an EKG that determines the capability of veins to return blood from the lower limbs to the heart.
Version 5010
HIPAA mandated a standard format for electronic claims transactions. This standard was updated to grow with the functional needs of the healthcare industry.
virtual private network (VPN)
The secure and private networking of computers through the Internet.
virtualization
One physical machine hosts multiple activities normally implemented on individual machines.
virus definitions
The unique identifiers of a computer virus that antivirus software uses to detect threats and eliminate them. Also called virus signature.
vitals cuff
See blood pressure cuff.
voice over Internet protocol (VoIP)
A method of communication using IP networks such as the Internet. VoIP operates at the application or seventh layer of the OSI reference model.
waiver of liability
A contract used to protect healthcare entities from being inappropriately responsible or sued for harm or debt.
wide area network (WAN)
A network that covers a large area. WANs are used to connect networks together such as when facilities or doctor’s offices connect to the Internet.
Wi-Fi protected access (WPA)
A security protocol used on a wireless LAN that uses TKIP for encryption.
Wi-Fi protected access 2 (WPA2)
A security protocol used on a wireless LAN that uses AES for encryption. WPA2 is currently the preferred encryption standard for a wireless LAN.
wired equivalent privacy (WEP)
A security protocol used on a wireless LAN that uses a static encryption key.
wireless access point (WAP or AP)
A device that enables a wireless computer, printer, or other device to connect to a network.
wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi)
The wireless standards used for local networks as defined by the IEEE 802.11 specifications.
