Glossary

AI

In healthcare, artificial intelligence and machine learning can support clinical decision-making, monitor patient health, and manage large volumes of health data.

API

Application Programming Interface is a set of tools and protocols that allow different software applications to communicate with each other, facilitating data exchange and integration between healthcare systems.

Audit Trail

A record of all access and actions taken on data within a system, used to track compliance and identify potential security breaches.

Automation

In healthcare, automation is the use of technology to perform routine and repetitive tasks in healthcare settings, reducing the need for manual intervention.

BAA

Business Associate Agreement (BAA), is a contract between a HIPAA-covered entity and a third party that handles PHI, ensuring that the third party complies with HIPAA regulations.

C-CDA

Consolidated Clinical Document Architecture (C-CDA) is a standardized format for the exchange of healthcare information between different systems, developed by Health Level Seven International (HL7). The C-CDA format consolidates several types of clinical documents into a single, consistent structure, making it easier for healthcare providers to share and interpret patient information. This standard is widely used for sharing clinical summaries, discharge summaries, consultation notes, and other types of patient records, ensuring that the information is structured in a way that can be understood and used across various healthcare platforms.

Cloud Computing

The use of cloud-based systems to store, manage, and process health information, offering flexibility and scalability while maintaining compliance with regulations.

Compliance Monitoring

The ongoing process of ensuring that a healthcare organization adheres to relevant laws, regulations, and policies, particularly regarding HIPAA.

Data Encryption

The process of converting information or data into a code, especially to prevent unauthorized access to PHI.

Data Warehouse

In healthcare, this could represent a centralized repository for storing large volumes of healthcare data from various sources, used to support reporting, analysis, and decision-making.

De-identification

The process of removing personal identifiers from PHI, making it impossible to trace back to an individual, used to protect patient privacy.

Direct Address

A Direct address is needed to exchange health information using Direct Secure Messaging. Direct addresses look similar to an e-mail address. Like e-mail addresses, Direct addresses can be issued to individuals or to organizations, departments, or specific devices.

Direct Secure Messaging

A protocol used for secure, encrypted email communication between healthcare providers, allowing for the safe transmission of sensitive health information.

Document Workflow

The sequence of processes through which a document passes, including creation, review, approval, and storage, often used in healthcare settings to manage patient records and other critical information.

EHI

Electronic Health Information (EHI) includes any information that is created, stored, or transmitted in an electronic format and relates to the health of an individual. EHI includes a wide range of data such as medical records, treatment histories, lab results, and billing information. It is used by healthcare providers, patients, and payers to ensure accurate and efficient care. EHI is subject to regulations like HIPAA to protect patient privacy and security while facilitating the exchange of health information between authorized parties.

EHR

Electronic Health Record (EHR) is a digital version of a patient’s paper chart, EHRs are real-time, patient-centered records that make information available instantly and securely to authorized users.

EMR

Electronic Medical Record (EMR) is a digital version of the paper charts in a clinician's office, containing the medical and treatment history of patients within one practice, distinct from EHRs which are designed to be shared across practices.

FHIR

Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources is a standard for exchanging healthcare information electronically, designed to enable the seamless sharing of data between different healthcare systems and applications.

HIPAA

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a U.S. law designed to protect patient health information and ensure privacy and security in healthcare.

HISP

Health Information Service Providers (HISPs) are services that enable the secure exchange of health information between healthcare providers, organizations, and patients. HISPs act as intermediaries, facilitating Direct Secure Messaging and ensuring that electronic health information is transmitted safely and in compliance with regulatory standards such as HIPAA. They play a crucial role in supporting interoperability between different healthcare systems.

Information Blocking

In healthcare IT, information blocking refers to practices by healthcare providers, technology developers, or networks that unreasonably limit or prevent the access, exchange, or use of electronic health information (EHI). These practices can hinder the flow of information that is crucial for patient care, coordination, and health outcomes. The 21st Century Cures Act addresses information blocking by making it illegal, except in certain situations where restrictions are necessary to protect patient privacy or safety. The goal is to promote transparency, interoperability, and patient access to their own health data.

Interoperability

The ability of different health information systems and software applications to communicate, exchange, and use data cohesively within and across organizational boundaries.

MFA

Multi-Factor Authentication: An additional layer of security used to ensure that users accessing sensitive health information are who they say they are, beyond just a password.

MIPS

Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) is a program established by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that determines Medicare payment adjustments for healthcare providers based on their performance in four key areas: quality, cost, improvement activities, and promoting interoperability.

Medical Data Integration

The process of combining data from different sources into a unified view, often used in health tech to create comprehensive patient records.

PHI

Protected Health Information (PHI) is any information in a medical record that can be used to identify an individual and that was created, used, or disclosed in the course of providing a health care service.

Patient Consent

The process by which a patient gives permission for their health information to be used or disclosed, a key requirement under HIPAA.

QPP

Quality Payment Program (QPP) is designed to encourage healthcare providers to deliver high-quality, cost-effective care. Providers are scored on their performance in these areas, and their score determines whether they receive a positive, negative, or neutral adjustment to their Medicare payments.

RBAC

Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) is a method of regulating access to computer or network resources based on the roles of individual users within an organization, crucial for maintaining HIPAA compliance.

Secure File Transfer

A method of transferring files securely over a network, ensuring that sensitive health information is protected during transmission.

Telehealth

The use of digital communication technologies, such as computers and mobile devices, to access healthcare services remotely and manage your healthcare.