Lesson 1.6 Vocabulary: Accessing Health Services

Healthcare

1.  Medical care that works to prevent and treat health conditions.

Diagnosis

The identification of a disease, disorder, or health condition

Treatment

Medical care provided to manage or cure a health condition.

Rehabilitation

Care that helps a person recover abilities or improve functioning after an illness or injury.

Prevention

1. Actions taken to stop health conditions from developing.

Health education

1.  Information and instruction that help people make informed health decisions.

Medical research

1. The scientific study of health conditions, treatments, and methods of prevention.

Primary care physician (PCP)

1.  A healthcare professional who provides routine checkups, screenings, treatments, prescriptions, and preventive services.

Specialist

1.  A healthcare professional with additional training in treating certain diseases or disorders.

Inpatient facility

1. A healthcare facility where patients stay while receiving treatment.

Outpatient facility

1. A healthcare facility that patients visit for treatment and leave afterward.

Health insurance

1. A plan that helps pay for healthcare costs.

Health maintenance organization (HMO)

1.  A type of health insurance plan that generally uses a specific network of healthcare providers.

Preferred provider organization (PPO)

1.  A type of health insurance plan that offers more flexibility when choosing providers but may cost more.

Premium

1. The amount regularly paid to maintain health insurance coverage.

Deductible

1. The amount a person pays for healthcare before the insurance plan begins paying its share.

Copayment

1.  A set amount a patient pays when receiving a healthcare service or medication.

HIPAA

1.  The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, which protects patients’ private health information.

Consent

 Permission given by a patient before treatment occurs or health information is shared.

Minor

1.  A person who has not reached the legal age of adulthood. A minor’s healthcare rights depend on state law.