Glossary of Healthcare Terms

A more common form of benchmarking that utilizes outcome characteristics as benchmarking metrics (for example, price, speed, and reliability).

“An electronic record of health-related information on an individual that conforms to nationally recognized standards and that can be drawn from multiple source while being managed, shared, and controlled by the individual.”

The fusion of molecular diagnostics and therapeutic measures for specialized screening and treatment plans.

Generally, a private firm who contracts with pharmacies to provide drug administration services particularly claims processing and administrative functions.

Pharmacists are authorized to dispense prescription drugs and advise patients, as well as practitioners, on matters of drug dosage, chemical and biological interactions, and potential adverse reactions.

Also referred to as "rehabilitation physicians," are experts at diagnosing and treating pain.

PTs provide rehabilitative services intended to aid in the recuperation of functionality and mobility, the remediation of pain, and the maintenance of restored strength to minimize or eliminate any permanent effects of a patient

PAs are licensed health professionals who practice medicine under the supervision of physicians, surgeons, or both.

A way of allocating an organization's revenues and expenses while determining appropriate methods of compensating professionals for the services they provide.

A very broad term also commonly referred to as "mid-level provider," "mid-level practitioner" and "non-physician practitioner" includes many mid-level providers, paraprofessionals, and allied health professionals (as defined in this book) who provide healthcare services under the supervision of a qualified physician.

Organizations that unite a hospital, or group of hospitals, and a physician organization through a contractual relationship for the purpose of contracting with managed care organizations.

A legal entity formed by a hospital and a group of physicians that combines both parties into a single organization for the purpose of gaining greater negotiating leverage in obtaining managed care contracts.

An enterprise that unites a hospital or group of hospitals with a physician organization through a contractual relationship.

MSOs are formed and governed by physicians.

Firms that specialize in the management of large group practices or IPAs through ownership, management agreement, or both.