Glossary

  • Compliance & Security
  • Core System Terms
  • Miscellaneous
  • Patient Engagement & Communication
  • Scheduling & Billing
  • Therapy-Specific Terms

Compliance & Security

Protected Health Information (PHI)

Any information about health status, healthcare services, or payment for healthcare that is linked to an individual.

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

An additional layer of security requiring users to verify their identity through two different methods.

HITECH

Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act for digital records security.

Data Encryption

A method of securing data by converting it into a code to prevent unauthorized access.

HIPAA Compliance

Adherence to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, which establishes standards for protecting patient health information.

Access Logs

Detailed records of who accessed a system, what actions were performed, and when, for security monitoring.

Audit Trails

Records that log user activity and data interactions within a system for accountability and compliance.

Compliance Documentation

Documents and processes maintained to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements.

Core System Terms

Electronic Health Records /EHR

A comprehensive digital record of a patient's health information that is designed to be shared across different healthcare organizations. It contains the same data as an EMR but also facilitates coordination by providing access to authorized users across various care settings.

Electronic Medical Records /EMR

A digital version of a patient's paper chart, typically used within a single healthcare provider's office. It includes medical history, diagnoses, treatment plans, and test results but is limited in its ability to be shared outside the originating practice.

User Authentication

The process of verifying the identity of a user attempting to access a system, typically through passwords, biometrics, or other secure means.

Business metrics

Business metrics are quantifiable measures used to track, assess, and evaluate the performance and success of a business. These metrics may include key indicators such as revenue growth, appointment adherence rates, patient retention, billing efficiency, and collection rates. By analyzing these metrics, therapists and practice managers can make data-driven decisions to optimize their operations and improve overall practice performance.

Documentation

Documentation refers to the detailed, accurate, and organized recording of patient information, clinical interactions, and services provided within a practice management setting. This includes creating and maintaining SOAP (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan) notes, treatment plans, progress notes, and discharge summaries. Proper documentation is crucial not only for continuity of patient care but also to meet regulatory compliance and insurance requirements. Insurers often mandate comprehensive documentation to process and reimburse claims, and specific criteria can vary across different providers. Accurate documentation ensures transparency, enhances operational efficiency, and supports legal and ethical standards in healthcare practices.

Telemedicine Integration

The ability for practice management software to integrate with telemedicine platforms, allowing for virtual appointments and consultations.

Cloud-Based Software

Software hosted on remote servers and accessed over the internet, providing scalability, accessibility, and real-time updates.

EHR Integration

The seamless connection between Electronic Health Records and other software systems.

Scheduling Software

Tools designed to streamline appointment booking and management for practices.

Custom Templates

Pre-designed formats that can be tailored to meet specific medical documentation or workflow needs.

Miscellaneous

API (Application Programming Interface)

A set of tools and protocols that allow different software programs to communicate with one another.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Healthcare

The application of AI technologies to analyze data, diagnose conditions, and optimize patient care.

Customer Support & Ticketing

Systems designed to handle user inquiries, issues, and service requests efficiently.

Machine Learning (ML) in Healthcare

A subset of AI that uses algorithms to identify patterns and make data-driven predictions or decisions in healthcare.

Mobile App Compatibility

Ensuring that software can be accessed and used effectively on mobile devices.

Single Sign-On (SSO)

A secure authentication process that allows users to access multiple applications with a single set of login credentials.

Third-Party Integrations

Connecting external software applications to the primary system to enhance functionality and workflows.

Patient Engagement & Communication

Telehealth

The use of telecommunication technologies to deliver healthcare services and clinical consultations at a distance.

Video Conferencing

A method of virtual communication that allows healthcare providers and patients to connect visually and audibly.

Patient Engagement

The degree to which patients take an active role in managing their health and making informed decisions about their care. Greater engagement often leads to improved outcomes and a stronger sense of empowerment in the treatment process.

Patient Experience

The overall impression patients form from their interactions throughout the care process, influenced by an organization's culture and every touchpoint from initial contact to the final interaction.

Patient Portal

A secure platform allowing patients to access health records and communicate with providers.

Automated Follow-Ups

Pre-scheduled messages or reminders sent to patients after an appointment or treatment.

Electronic Signatures

A method for patients or providers to sign documents digitally, ensuring quick and secure authorization.

Patient Education

Resources and materials provided to patients to enhance their understanding of conditions and treatments.

Demographics (Patient Intake Form)

On a patient intake form, demographics refer to the essential personal and statistical information collected to identify and categorize patients. This typically includes details such as name, date of birth, gender, address, phone number, email, marital status, employment status, and insurance information. Additionally, practices may collect data on ethnicity, primary language, and emergency contact details. Collecting accurate demographic information helps healthcare providers deliver personalized care, improve communication, and ensure compatibility with billing and insurance processes.

Secure Messaging

Encrypted communications that enable safe exchange of information between healthcare providers and patients.

Scheduling & Billing

Patient Benefit Verification

This process involves confirming the specific coverage details of a patient's insurance after their eligibility has been established. It provides clarity on what services and costs the insurance payer will cover for the patient.

Patient Insurance Eligibility

Patient insurance eligibility refers to the process of confirming a patient's active insurance coverage and benefits before providing care. This ensures accurate billing and prevents claim denials or delays.

Electronic Visit Verification (EVV)

A system that records details such as time, location, caregiver identity, and services provided during home or community-based care visits. It ensures compliance with healthcare regulations, enhances accountability, reduces billing errors, and prevents fraud while streamlining administrative processes.

Appointment Scheduling

A tool or feature that allows healthcare providers to manage and organize patient appointments efficiently.

Automated Reminders

Notifications sent automatically to patients to remind them of upcoming appointments or actions.

Scheduler

A module for booking, canceling, and managing patient appointments.

Billing & Invoicing

The process of managing financial transactions, including generating invoices and collecting payments for healthcare services.

Claim Scrubbing

The process of cleaning and validating claims before submission to insurers.

Claims Processing

The administrative task of submitting, reviewing, and resolving insurance claims for reimbursement.

Billing Codes

Standardized codes (such as CPT and ICD-10) used for medical billing and documentation.

Therapy-Specific Terms

Therapeutic Exercises

Activities designed to restore function, improve mobility, and alleviate pain during therapy.

Range of Motion (ROM)

The extent to which a joint or muscle can move or stretch, classified as active (performed without assistance), passive (using an external force), or active-assisted (a combination of personal effort and external force).

Functional Limits

Functional limits refer to the range of motion in a joint or muscle that, while reduced, is still sufficient for completing essential activities of daily living (ADLs). If a physical or occupational therapist determines that the range is adequate for performing necessary tasks, it is described as being within functional limits" (WFL)

Functional Mobility

Functional mobility involves a person's ability to perform movements necessary for daily activities, particularly within their home environment. Physical therapists assess this by dividing mobility into categories such as bed mobility (moving in bed), transfers (shifting from one surface to another, like bed to chair), and ambulation (walking, with or without assistive devices). This evaluation often follows an injury, illness, or surgery.

Level of Assist (LOA)

This refers to the type and amount of assistance a patient may need to remain functionally mobile. Assistance levels range from full independence to maximal help, including options like contact guard assist, where minimal physical guidance is provided to ensure balance.

Mobile Physical Therapy

A convenient alternative to traditional outpatient therapy, mobile physical therapy brings treatment directly to the patient's home. It is specifically beneficial for individuals with physical or transportation challenges preventing them from attending clinic sessions.

Manual Muscle Test

A manual muscle test evaluates the strength of specific muscles or muscle groups using standardized methods, such as the Oxford Scale. This assessment helps therapists determine functional abilities and monitor progress by examining various movements and joint actions.

Home Health Therapy

Home health therapy refers to therapeutic services provided in a patient's home environment. It typically includes physical, occupational, and speech therapy to address rehabilitation needs, improve mobility, and enhance daily living skills for those unable to travel to a clinic or facility. Home health physical therapy is designed for patients who are medically homebound, meaning they are unable to leave their home without significant difficulty or assistance for medical reasons.

Outpatient Therapy

Outpatient therapy involves receiving therapy services at a dedicated clinic or healthcare facility. Patients travel to the facility for sessions, which may include physical, occupational, or speech therapy, often focusing on functional improvement, pain management, and recovery after injury or surgery.

Therapeutic Modalities

These refer to various treatment techniques used by physical therapists to complement exercise and manual therapy. By utilizing electromagnetic, thermal, or mechanical energy, therapeutic modalities aim to achieve goals such as alleviating pain, reducing inflammation, improving range of motion (ROM), and enhancing circulation. Common methods include ultrasound, thermotherapy, and mechanical traction.