Chapter 2: Communication Terms and Definitions

Learning Objectives

-Document medical information using approved medical terminology.

-Communicate with other health care professionals using medical terminology.

-Adhere to HIPAA regulations regarding protected health information (PHI).

-Reinforce patient understanding of medical information.

-Observe the chain of command in a health care setting.

-Report abnormal patient values to appropriate health care providers.

-Conduct written communication with patients and other health care professionals.

-Conduct communication with patients and fellow health care professionals using information technology.

-Explain general office procedures to patients.

-Modify communication with patients based on special considerations.

-Locate community resources and information for patients/employers.

caregiver

person delegated to provide care for a partially dependent patient

community services

A service or activity performed by a group of people for the benefit of the public; may be a non-profit organization

electronic communication

Methods of communication via digital methods such as fax, email, voicemail, or by computer

Electronic Health Record

systematic collection of a patient's health care and treatment in a digital format

Electronic Medical Record

systemic collection of a patient's health care and treatment in a digital format in the physician's office or medical facility

EMS

Emergency Medical Service; organization that provides acute medical care out of the hospital and may provide transport to patients in medical crisis

dementia

a loss of brain function

fax

Facsimile, the machine or the method by which a scanned printed material is transported via telephone transmission

form letter

a document with information that can be tailored to individual needs

geriatric

relating to elderly patients, determined by age and patient's profile

HIPAA

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act; a law that governs the sharing or disclosure of patient information

office manager

person responsible for day-to-day operation of a company

pediatric

relating to patients from birth to the age of maturity

practice management software

software that stores patient info for use in billing, scheduling, patient calls, and registration

prefix

first part of a word

root

central part of a word

suffix

word ending

subordinate

person under the authority of another person

supervisor

Person that is in charge of a particular department or facility