Glossary of Healthcare Terms

Electronic transfer and storage of electronic imaging data.

Candidates must have a doctorate in psychology, postdoctoral training, experience within the field, and a professional endorsement, and they must pass the specialty board examination. Continuing education is essential in achieving advancement within the field.

The federal Anti-Kickback Statute makes it a felony for any person to “knowingly and willfully” solicit or receive or to offer or pay any
“remuneration” directly or indirectly in exchange for the referral of a patient for a healthcare service paid for by a federal healthcare program.

Creates civil liability for knowingly presenting false or fraudulent claims for reimbursement to the federal government. Amended in 1986, it has become one of the primary weapons used to combat healthcare fraud. Under the statute’s qui tam (whistleblower) provisions, any private citizen can enforce the FCA by filing a complaint alleging fraud against the federal government. The incentive is the potential to share in the recovery of any ill-gotten funds.

An 18-month global economic recession lasting from December 2007 to July 2009, in which industrial production fell 16 percent in the U.S.

An independent, nonprofit organization responsible for the certification and accreditation of health care organizations across the United States.

The approach to value where recent sales and offering prices of similar property are analyzed to arrive at an indication of the most probable selling price of the property being appraised.

Comprised of more than 50 researchers that are each dedicated to specific facets of genetic and genomic research and contribute accordingly to one of seven branches of the NCHGRI.

"Only a TPA-certified optometrist is authorized to write prescriptions and/or dispense samples . . . [of] drugs . . . for the exclusive diagnosis or treatment of disease or conditions of the human eye, adnexa or eyelids."

Derives from the concept that a therapist's therapeutic forces can promote patient recovery as they pass their hands over their patients, identifying and rectifying any energy imbalances.

A correction of any errors in a report's narrative, schedules, or appendices.

Paying a specific rate for productivity amounts in a certain range (or tier) and then paying a different rate for productivity amounts that are in a higher tier.

Tigecycline is often used to podiatrists to treat complicated skin infections.

Damages equal to three times the amount of the illegal remuneration in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute.

The Department of Defense’s healthcare program for active-duty military personnel, members of the National Guard and Reserves, retirees, and their dependents, survivors, and certain former spouses. The program uses military healthcare as the main provider of services, supplemented by civilian healthcare providers, facilities, pharmacies, and suppliers. TRICARE covers approximately 9.7 million beneficiaries worldwide through a variety of plans.