Technology

Chapter 6

anisometropoia

A condition in which the refraction (focus) is different in both eyes

astigmatism

Inability of the cornea to focus, causing blurred vision

boot

the process of starting or restarting a computer when the operating system is loaded

business associates

A person or business that provides a service to a covered entity that involves access to protected health information (PHI). Examples include legal, billing, and management services; accreditation agencies; consulting firms; and claims processing organizations.

claim

An itemized statement of services and costs from a healthcare facility submitted to the health (insurance) plan for payment

computer network

A system that links personal computers and peripherals devices to share information and resources

covered entity

A healthcare facility, healthcare provider, pharmacy, health (insurance) plan, or claims clearinghouse that transmits protected health information electronically.

decryption

The computer process of changing encrypted text to readable or plain text after a user enters a secret key or password

docking station

Also known as a universal port replicator, this hardware device allows a laptop to connect with other devices, turning it into a desktop computer

dongle

A small hardware device that connects to a computer device and allows access to wireless devices, such as headsets, mice, and keyboard

downtime

The interval of time during which something, such as hardware or software, is not functioning

drive

A computer device that reads data from and may write data to a storage medium

electronic health record (EHR)

An electronic record that conforms to nationally recognized standards and contains health-related information about a specific patient. It can be created, managed, and consulted by authorized clinicians and staff from more than one healthcare organization

electronic medical record (EMR)

An electronic record of health-related information about an individual that can be created, gathered, managed, and accessed by authorized clinicians and staff members within a single healthcare organization. An EMR is an electronic version of a paper record.

electronic transaction

The electronic exchange of information between two agencies to accomplish financial or administrative healthcare activities

e-prescribing

The use of electronic software to communicate with pharmacies and send prescribing information. It takes the place of writing a prescription by hand and giving it to a patient; most new or refill prescription can be submitted electronically, cutting down on fraud and errors

Ethernet

A communication system for connecting several computers so information can be shared

file

A collection of data or program records stored as a unit with a specific name

hackers

Unauthorized users who attempt to break into computer networks

hardware

Physical equipment of the computer system required for communication and data processing

hyperopia

farsightedness

interface

An interconnection between systems

intranet

A private computer network that can only be accessed by authorized people (e.g., employees of the facility that owns the network)

malware

Malicious software designed to damage or disrupt a system or gain unauthorized access.

media

types of communication (e.g., social media site); with computers, the term refers to data storage devices.

modem

peripheral computer hardware that connects to the router to provide internet access to the network or computer

myopia

nearsightedness

no-show

to fail to keep an appointment without giving advance notice

operating system

software; it acts as the computer’s software administrator by managing, integrating, and controlling application software and hardware. Windows is an example.

output device

computer hardware that displays the processed data from the computer (e.g., monitors and printers)

patient portals

a secure online website that gives patients 24-hour access to personal health information using a username and password

phishing

a generic cyberattack towards many individuals or organizations with the intent to steal confidential data or install malware on the user’s device

point-of-care

something designed to be used at or near where the patient is seen; point-of-care tools and apps are resources for the provider to use when working directly with the patient

practice management software

a type of software that allows the user to enter demographic information, schedule appointments, maintain lists of insurance payers, perform billing tasks, and generates reports

protected health information (PHI)

Individually identifiable health information stored or transmitted by covered entities or business associates. Include verbal, paper, or electronic information

revenue

money collected for providing a product or service

secondary storage devices

media (e.g., jump drive, flash drive, hard drive) capable of permanently storing data until they are replaced or deleted by the user

server

computer hardware and software that perform data analysis, storage, and archiving; accepts and responds to requests from devices (clients) made over a network. Also called a database server or data server

software

a set of electronic instructions to operate and perform different computer tasks

spear phishing

a customized cyberattack towards an individual or organization with the intent to steal confidential data or install malware on the user’s device

spoof

to assume or mimic the identity of another user to gain access to a computer system

stylus

a pen-shaped device with a variety of tips that is used on a touchscreen to write, draw, or input commands

telehealth

refers to remote clinical services and nonclinical services, such as provider training, meetings, and continuing education

EHR

electronic health record

PC

personal computer

ADF

automatic document feeder

NPP

notice of privacy practices

LCD

liquid crystal display monitor

CPU

central processing unit

ROM

read only memory; range of motion

RAM

random access memory used for temporary data storage in computers.

HDD

hard disk drive

USB

universal serial bus

RW

read/write

TB

terabyte; total bilirubin; tuberculosis

LAN

local area network

WAN

wide area network

ISP

internet service provider

DSL

digital subscriber line