Information Systems Terms

Your definitions must be in your own words – NO QUOTATIONS -- do not copy them from the textbook. Failure to provide your own definitions may result in a zero for the assignment.

After you define each term, describe in 40 to 60 words the health care setting in which each term would be applied.

Include at least two research sources to support your position—one from the University Library and the other from the textbook.

Cite your sources in the References section consistent with APA guidelines.

Term Definition How It Is Used in Health Care
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Passed in August 1996, the original intent was to prohibit individuals from losing insurance coverage because of pre-existing conditions when changing employers. Also HIPAA protects patient privacy by disclosing who has access to private health information. Additionally HIPAA reduces fraud by outlining punishment for privacy violators and preventing unlawful sharing of patient information. HIPAA prohibits health care organizations and clinicians from sharing or using patient’s personal health information (PHI) without permission except when related to treatment among clinicians, payment or reimbursement, public health services, law enforcement, and certain research applications.
Electronic medical record A complete, computerized copy of a patient’s physical chart and includes the patient’s history at one specific practice or organization. The hard copy pages of the paper chart are scanned into a computer chart. EMR is primarily limited to use within one specific practice or health care organization. EMR helps medical practices operate more efficiently by easily tracking patients for follow up, assisting in diagnosing, flagging problems or medication issues, reducing billing time, and improving administrative applications.