Medical and Healthcare Terminology: Accreditation, Certification, and Patient Care

Accreditation

process by which an educational program is evaluated and then recognized as having met certain predetermined standards of education

administrative

of or relating to or responsible for administration

Certification

A process in which a person, an institution, or a program is evaluated and recognized as meeting certain predetermined standards to provide safe and ethical care.

clinical

relating to the observation and treatment of actual patients rather than theoretical or laboratory studies

Concierge Medicine

relationship between a patient and a primary care physician in which the patient pays an annual fee or retainer

Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

required to renew licenses or maintain certification or registration in many states

Inpatient

person who enters a health care setting for a stay ranging from 24 hours to many years

laboratory

a workplace for the conduct of scientific research

medical assistant

helps physicians examine and treat patients and performs tasks to keep offices running smoothly

Multidisciplinary

Professionals work independently but recognize and value contributions of other team members. Roles are strictly defined.

multiskilled healthcare professional (MSHP)

A healthcare team member who has been cross-trained to handle many different duties.

outpatient

a patient who receives medical treatment without being admitted to a hospital.

Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH)

A model of primary care that provides comprehensive and timely care to patients, while emphasizing teamwork and patient involvement.

Practicum

A course that includes job-related activities and stresses the practical application of theory in a field of study.

Recertification

action or process of being certified again

Scope of Practice

a set of regulations and ethical considerations that define the scope, or extent and limits, of the EMT's job

Self Boundaries

The limits set on the relationships between health care professionals and their patients.

specialty

something that someone does particularly well or gives extra attention to

Telemedicine

healthcare services provided from a distant place