Healthcare Systems

Clinics

A group of doctors who share a facility and provide specialty care.

Behavioral Health Facilities

Specialized diagnostic and treatment centers organized to serve the needs of patients with mental health and substance use and abuse disorders.

Healthcare System

An organized, regulated entity providing healthcare services to meet a specific need in a specific patient population.

Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

Legislation requiring healthcare entities to protect the privacy of patient care information and medical records content, and provide for easier acquisition of health insurance.

Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs)

Multiple providers and facilities aligned with a specific insurance carrier to encourage preventive healthcare using cost incentives.

Hospitals

Organized and managed entities providing staff, training, supplies, drugs, and support for coordinated provision of services such as patient care for acute and chronic illnesses.

Insurance Companies/Plans

Entities that provide coverage of hospital/medical expenses to subscribers who pay premiums for specific healthcare expense coverage.

Laboratories

Facilities that perform diagnostic tests.

Licensure

A process by which a government agency authorizes individuals and care provision organizations to work in a given occupation or provide healthcare services.

Long Term Care Facilities

Provide extended care, nursing home, and assisted living services for the elderly and disabled including nursing care and rehabilitation therapies.

Medicare

Insurance provided by federal funding for healthcare for individuals older than 65 years, managed by CMS.

Medicaid

Insurance provided by federal funding to the states for care management for low-income individuals.

Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)

A network of providers and facilities identified in an insurance plan that the insured must utilize to avoid a cost penalty.