
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dashboard Reporting & Analytics
A visual representation of key performance metrics and data analytics to support informed decision-making in a healthcare setting.
Electronic Health Record (EHR)
A digital version of a patient's medical history, maintained over time, and including key administrative and clinical data relevant to their care.
Electronic Medical Record (EMR)
A digital version of a patient's paper chart, containing comprehensive medical and treatment histories within a single healthcare organization. It serves as a centralized system for storing clinical data such as diagnoses, medications, test results, and treatment plans, facilitating streamlined communication among healthcare providers and improving patient care efficiency.
Health Information Exchange (HIE)
A system that enables the secure sharing of patient data and health information between healthcare organizations to ensure coordinated care.
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
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.
Survey & Feedback Forms
Tools to collect patient opinions and experiences to improve services and care quality.
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.
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
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.
Transcutaneous Electrical Neuromuscular Stimulation (TENS)
TENS involves the application of a mild electrical current to manage pain. Delivered via a TENS machine, this technique can reduce pain perception by stimulating nerve endings and encouraging the release of endorphins. TENS is often employed for conditions like arthritis, knee pain, or sports-related injuries.
Weight Bearing (WB)
Weight bearing refers to the degree to which a patient can place weight on an affected limb after an injury or surgery. Common WB grades include Full Weight Bearing (FWB), Weight Bearing as Tolerated (WBAT), Partial Weight Bearing (PWB), and Non-Weight Bearing (NWB). More specific classifications, like Toe Touch Weight Bearing (TTWB), indicate limited contact without supporting weight, while terms such as NWB LLE or NWB RLE specify non-weight bearing status for the left or right lower extremity. These designations help guide recovery and rehabilitation plans.
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.

