Introduction to Practice Management and Electronic Medical Records

patient education

application within an electronic health record that provides access to a comprehensive list of patient education material that is provided to educate or instruct a patient based on the patient’s condition and treatment options

electronic health record

a platform that can be accessed, managed and consulted across more than one health care organization; refers to the shared information from all clinicians involved in a patient’s care

HIPAA

abbreviation for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996; United States legislation that assures patient privacy ad security provisions for medical information

electronic medical record

used to record patient health information in a digital format that allows the provider(s) to track a patient’s health over time, improving the quality of care

practice management

software used for administrative and billing tasks, such as scheduling appointments, generating reports, and billing insurance providers and patients

reference sheet

shows all patients scheduled for an office visit for a specified time period

patient portal

a secure online website that provides patients with 24 hour access to their medical information; details on office visits, procedures, or medications; communication with staff and providers; methods to request or schedule appointments online; or other types of patient interaction with the clinic through an internet connection

secondary insurance

when a patient has more than one insurance coverage, the secondary is the one that pays after the primary has paid its portion, according to the benefits available under the secondary plan

encounter form

also known as superbill, a charge ticket, or visit/fee slip; contains all of the information insurance companies require in order to consider a claim for payment

remittance advice (RA)

also known as an Explanation of Benefits (EOB). A document that provides details on claims billed to the insurance, and how the claims were paid, including information on allowables, deductibles, adjustments, and the net payment. The RA or EOB may be accompanied by a payment in the form of a check or may refer to an electronic funds transfer (EFT).