Glossary of Healthcare Terms

The specific tasks and duties to be performed by person and the area of the organization or processes for which that person is responsible and accountable to management.

Liability that establishes whether practice finances are filed on personal or corporate tax returns.

An exempt organization is organized or operated for the benefit of private interests. The IRS has stated that “[n]o part of the net earnings of a section 501(c)(3) organization may inure to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual[, whereby] a private shareholder or individual is a person having a personal and private interest in the activities of the organization.”

“A federal taxpayer identification number or employer identification number as defined by the IRS in 26 CFR 301.6109–1.”

Facilities that employ physicians and practitioners with teaching appointments.

Non-physician practitioners that work as physician extenders, providing physical and technological manpower support during the provision of physician services, and are unauthorized to independently bill for services.

The loss of utility resulting from the differences in capabilities between the old asset and the replacement asset.

Includes computer software/network integration; technical/software documentation; and, maintenance/support agreements.

Closely related to telemedicine and is used to describe the broader definition of remote healthcare that does not always involve clinical services, although the two terms are often used interchangeably.

The transfer of electronic medical data (high resolution images, sounds, live video, and patient records from one location to another in order to enhance the quality and efficiency of patient comfort and care.

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.