Chapter 6: Technology

Anisometropia (an EYE soh mi TROE pee ah)

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

Astigmatism (ah STIG mah tiz um)

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 Associate

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 peripheral 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 keyboards.

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 prescriptions 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 functions.

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 (e.g., a virus).

Media

Types of communication (e.g., social media sites); 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 portal

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

Phishing

A generic cyberattack toward 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 (PMS)

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

Protected Health Information (PHI)

Individually identifiable health information stored or transmitted by covered entities or business associates. Includes 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 toward 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 touchscreens to write, draw, or input commands.

Telehealth

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

PC

personal computer