Audit trail The chronological set of records that provide evidence of system activity. Data are collected about every system event and used to facilitate the determination of security violations.
Backup The process of ensuring that a copy of all software and data is maintained for use should the primary source become compromised.
Batch processing The collection of computer tasks to run at one time, such as at night.
Chart conversion The process of deciding and implementing the means to get data from paper-based charts into a new EHR such as by abstraction or scanning. Decisions relate to what charts will be converted and for how long paper charts will be retained and retrieved for patient care.
Client / server A computer architecture in which multiple clients (computers) that help users capture and view data are connected to other computers (servers) that hold the application software and use it to process data sent to the servers from the clients.
Clinical decision support (CDS) the use of automated rules based on clinical evidence to converge information and provide knowledge to the clinician at the point of care to assist in health care delivery.
Code A representation; in computers, instructions written to perform an action.
Computer-based patient record (CPR) A term used to describe electronically maintained information about an individual’s lifetime health status and health care that resides in a system designed to support users by providing accessibility to complete and accurate data, alerts, reminders, clinical decision support systems, links to medical knowledge, and other aids.
Computerized provider order entry (CPOE) A system typically deployed in hospitals or large practices wherein the provider directly e4nters orders for distribution to various operational systems or departments for their action. CPOE systems are most effective when coupled with clinical decision support to ensure complete, accurate, and legible orders.
Continuum of care The full range of health care services from lowest to highest intensity.
Database A collection of data structured in logical relationships. Flat-file databases allow users to work with only one data table or set of fields at a time, whereas relational and other newer types of databases compensate for this.
Database administrator (DBA) An individual who knows DBMS software and can maintain a database structure for optimal performance. This includes managing both data files and indexes to data, data dictionaries, and other attributes of a DBMS (known as metadata, or data about data.)
Database management system (DBMS) Computer software that manages a database.
Data dictionary A set of terms and their meanings within a database.
Data Encryption Standard (DES) An encryption algorithm adopted as the federal standard for the protection of sensitive unclassified information and used extensively for the protection of commercial data as well.
Data mining The process used to query and analyze a data warehouse for trends.
DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) Standard protocol for exchanging medical images among computer systems.
Electronic data interchange (EDI) The transfer of data between different “trading partners” using network transaction standards from the ANSI Accredited Standards Committee (ASC) X12.
Electronic health record (EHR) The current term used to refer to computerization of health record content and associated processes.
Electronic medical record (EMR) A term that may be treated synonymously with computer-based patient record and/or electronic health record; refers to an electronic health record in a physician office setting or a computerized system of files (often scanned via a document imaging system).
Electronic prescribing (e-prescribing) A system that supports the creation and transmission of complete accurate and legible prescriptions and associated transactions )e.g., refill requests and approvals) between a provider and a pharmacy.
Explanation of Benefits (EOB) Also called remittance advice, this is information returned to a provider describing the payments a health plan will make based on a patient’s benefits.
Firewall A computer that controls access to an Internet-connected network.
FTP (file transfer protocol) Communications protocol that enables users to copy files among computers.
Go-Live The act of turning over activities to the new system.
Graphical User interface (GUI) A style of screen interaction with a computer in which typed commands are replaced by manipulations of pictures (icons), buttons, and menus via a navigational device.
Hard-coded Referring to the fact that a screen displays certain content in accordance with software instructions that cannot be manipulated by the user for purposes of changing the content.
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) Law passed by congress in 1996 to provide continuous insurance coverage and reduce insurance fraud and abuse. The Administrative Simplification section requires adoption of standards for claims and other financial and administrative transactions, code sets, identifiers, privacy, and security.
Health Level Seven (HL7) An ANSI-accredited standards development organization created in the 1980s to develop standards for healthcare computer applications to share data. (see www.hl7.org)
HEDIS (Health Plan Employer Data and Information Set) A group of performance measures that assesses the results that health plans actually achieve; developed by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), which provides an accreditation service for managed care organizations.
HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) A standard way of displaying information that allows the user to launch from an icon or word in one document to another document or Web site that has been programmatically linked to it.
HTTP (Hypertext Transport Protocol) The communications protocol that enables use of linking text from one location to information at another location (often on the web).
Information Technology (IT) The broad subject concerned with all aspects of managing and processing information using computers and associated tools.
Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) A network system that transmits voice, data and signaling digitally and with significantly increased bandwidth compared to traditional T1 lines.
Internet A worldwide network of interconnected computers to which anyone with a connection may attach and navigate. A portion is called the World Wide Web (WWW), which is a resource that connects large databases and servers to provide electronic mail, education, research, and business.
Intranet A private Internet network that has its servers located inside a firewall, or security barrier, so that the general public cannot gain access to them.
Legacy system Refers to a computer system that utilizes older technology but may still perform optimally. Legacy systems are affectionately referred to as “systems that work.”
Local area network (LAN) A collection of computers connected to one another in a small area (such as an office or building) in order for users to share programs and devices, such as printers.
Mainframe A computer architecture built with a single central processing unit (CPU) to which terminals and / or personal computers (PCs) are connected. All processing takes place in the CPU, and the terminals serve only to capture and retrieve data. Mainframe systems tend to be considered legacy systems, as they are now being replaced by computers in a client/server architecture or by PCs connected to one another through a network.
Medical Record The compilation of all documentation concerning a person’s health care in a given health care organization; also called a patient record, a health record, or chart.
Networking The use of specific technology to connect disparate systems so they may share information
Personal digital assistant (PDA) Small computer, often used for personal schedule management and as an address book, although functions have recently been expanded to E/M coding, e-prescribing, and other documentation aids. Many PDAs have wireless connectivity to a practice’s network.
Personal health record (PHR) the maintenance of a health record by a patient, integrating information from various providers and self reported information.
Random access memory (RAM) Also called “main memory,: it is the most common form of internal storage in personal computers, printers, and other electronic devices from which data can be accessed randomly.
Read only memory (ROM) Special storage component of computers used to store programs that boot the computer (i.e., turn it on) and perform diagnostics.
Regional health information organization (RHIO) Groups of hospitals, physician practices, and other health-related organization s in a geographic location or region of the country that is interconnected and would collectively form a RHIN.
Request for proposal (RFP) A document in which the practice asks vendors to supply information about their company and products, usually distributed to a small number of vendors for comparison purposes.
Service level agreement A part of a contract for services such as maintenance agreements or outsourced services, that the company contracted with will provide a specified level of service or the contract is subject to being nullified.
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) The multifaceted protocol suite, or open standard not owned by or proprietary to any company, on which the Internet runs.
Telemedicine Telecommunication system that links health care organizations and patients from diverse geographic locations and transmits text and images for medical consultation and treatment.
T1 A digital phone line that can carry data at speeds of up to 1.544 megabits per second.
Turnkey product A computer application that may be purchased from a vendor and installed without modification or further development by the user organization.
Unique Physician Identification Number (UPIN) An identification number assigned to all physicians who bill Medicare. In 2007 the UPIN will be replaced by the National Provider Identifier which was required by the HIPAA legislation for all health care providers to use with all health plans.
Virtual private network (VPN) A network established over a carrier’s digital phone lines and dedicated solely to connecting several specific client sites.
Wireless The transmission of data across infrared or radio waves rather than a hardwire cable or telephone line.