Healthcare Glossary
Clear definitions of healthcare and HIPAA compliance terms to help you understand industry content better.
access control
Access control means limiting who can view or use certain information or systems. For example, in healthcare, access controls ensure only authorized staff can access patient medical records.
access controls
Access controls are rules that limit who can view or use sensitive information like medical records. For example, only authorized doctors and nurses can access a patient's private health information (PHI).
Administrative Safeguards
HIPAA security rules about policies, procedures, and training to protect patient information. This includes having a security officer and training employees on privacy rules.
AES-256 encryption
AES-256 encryption is a very strong way to scramble data so only authorized people can read it. It uses a 256-bit key, which makes it extremely difficult for hackers to break. This encryption method is recommended for protecting sensitive information like medical records.
AI-Assisted Radiology
AI-assisted radiology uses computer algorithms to help doctors analyze medical images like X-rays and MRI scans. For example, the AI can highlight areas of concern for the radiologist to review.
AI-Powered Virtual Assistants
AI-powered virtual assistants are computer programs that can understand and respond to voice or text commands. In healthcare, they can help patients schedule appointments, remind them to take medications, and answer health-related questions.
anatomical renderings
Anatomical renderings are detailed 3D images that show the structure of the human body or its parts, such as organs or bones. For example, a 3D rendering of the heart can help doctors better understand its anatomy.
API
An API (Application Programming Interface) is a set of rules that allows different software programs to communicate and share data with each other. For example, a healthcare app might use an API to securely access and update a patient's medical records.
API security
API security refers to protecting the connections between different software programs or systems. For example, when a doctor's office shares patient data with a lab, API security keeps that information safe during the transfer.
API security gateways
API security gateways are tools that control access to application programming interfaces (APIs) and protect them from unauthorized use or attacks. For example, they can check if a user has permission to access patient data before allowing the API request.
artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to computer systems that can perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence, like analyzing medical data to help doctors diagnose diseases.
artificial intelligence (AI)
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to computer systems that can perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence, like analyzing medical data to detect diseases or recommend treatments.
audit logging
Audit logging tracks and records activities or events in a computer system. For example, in healthcare, audit logs keep a record of who accessed patient records and when.
audit logs
Audit logs are records that track activities and events within a system or organization. For example, in healthcare, audit logs may record when patient records were accessed and by whom.
audit reviews
Audit reviews are checks to make sure an organization is following important rules and regulations, like HIPAA (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) which protects patient privacy. For example, a hospital might have regular audit reviews to ensure employees are properly handling and securing patient medical records.
Audit Trail
A record of who accessed patient information, when they accessed it, and what they did with it. Like a logbook that tracks everyone who looks at medical records.
audit trails
Audit trails are records that show what actions were taken and by whom, like a trail of breadcrumbs. For example, in healthcare, audit trails track who accessed a patient's medical information and what they did with it.
Authorization
Written permission from a patient allowing their health information to be used or shared for specific purposes. Different from consent, this is required for uses beyond treatment, payment, and healthcare operations.
BAA
Business Associate Agreement - A contract between a healthcare provider and a business associate that outlines how protected health information will be handled and protected.
biometric verification
Biometric verification uses unique physical traits like fingerprints or facial features to confirm someone's identity, like using your fingerprint to unlock a phone.
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