CNA Practical Words

Providers

People or organizations that provide health care including, clinics, agencies, doctors, and nurses.

Facilities

Places where care is delivered or administered, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and treatment centers.

Payers

People or organization paying for healthcare services.

Long-Term Care (LTC)

Long-term care facilities for people who need 24-hr skilled care.

Skilled Care

Medically necessary care given by a skilled nurse or therapist

Length of stay

The number of days a person stays in healthcare facility.

Terminal Illness

An illness that will eventual cause death

Chronic illnesses

The conditions last a long period of time, even a lifetime.

Home Health Care

Home care, is provided in a person’s home.

Diagnoses

Medical conditions determined by a doctor.

Subacute Care

Care given in hospitals or long-term care facilities. It is used for people who need less care than for an acute illness, but more care than for a chronic illness.

Outpatient Care

Given to people who have had treatments, procedure, or surgeries and need short-term skilled care.

Rehabilitation

Care given by specialist and professionals.

Hospice Care

Given in facilities or homes for people who have approximately six months or less to live.

Health Maintenance Organization (HMOs)

A form of health insurance in which the cost of care is covered only when a person uses a particular doctor or group of doctors except in a care of emergency.

Preferred Provider Organization (PPOs)

A form of health insurance in which patients are encouraged to receive care from a network of approved providers, but can see other providers at an additional cost.

Policy

A course of action that should be taken every time a certain situation occurs.

Procedure

Method, or way of doing something.

Joint Commission

Independent not-for-profit organization that evaluates and accredits healthcare organization.

Medicare

A federal health insurance program that was established for people aged 65 or older, any age with permanent kidney failure and certain disabilities.

Medicaid

Medical assistance program for people who have a low income, as well as for people for who have a low income, as well as for people with disabilities.

Culture Change

A term for the process of transforming services for elders so that they are based on the values and practices of the person receiving care.

Person-centered Care

Emphasizes the individuality of the person who needs care, and reconizes and develops the person’s capabilities.

Trauma-Informed Care

An approach to patient care that recognizes that people may have experienced trauma in their lives. Trauma can come from witnessing or experiencing abuse or neglect, violence, prison, or military combat. Unstable home environments, poverty, and discrimination can also cause trauma, as can a life-threatening illness or negative experiences in a medical setting.