Chapter 10: Computers in the Medical Clinic

LO 3: Differentiate four input devices and describe the function of each.

1. input device: a device that translates analog data into a form usable by the computer microprocessor (CPU). 2. central processing unit (CPU): performs mathematical computations, makes logical decisions, and controls computer functions in accord with instructions provided by system software; commonly referred to as the brain of the computer. 3. system software: manages computer resources, instructions for specific tasks, instructions for supporting hardware. 4. output device: device that displays or stores the results of operations performed on the input data by the CPU.

LO 5: Differentiate and discuss various types of storage devices and how they might be used in ambulatory care settings.

1. read-only memory (ROM) 2. random access memory (RAM) 3. data storage memory

LO 1: Identify the four main types of computers.

1. supercomputers 2. mainframe computers 3. servers 4. microcomputers

LO 4: List three examples of data output devices

1. the monitor 2. printer 3. fax machine

LO 2: Describe the four fundamental elements of a computer system.

1. input device 2. central processing unit (CPU) 3. system software 4. output device

The beginning point for a meaningful information security system is a comprehensive security policy that does what?

Adheres to HIPAA policies and procedures.

What is the best definition of computer documentation?

It consists of the manuals and documents that define how programs or hardware operate.

What is the best way to describe the CPU?

It is the brain of the computer system.

Which of the following describes types of networks?

LANs, WANs. and Internet.

What is the correct definition of ergonomics?

Scientific study of work and space, including factors that influence worker productivity and that affect workers' health.

Which of the following is not considered a data output device?

Which of the following is not considered a data output device?

Server

a computer with a massive hard drive capacity that is used to link other computers together so that data can be shared by multiple user; a computer system in an ambulatory care facility.

Input devices

a device used to input data into a computer.

Output devices

a device used to output data from a computer; includes printers, faxes, data storage drivers, screens, and plotters.

Electronic medical record (EMR)

a patient medical record from a single medical practice, hospital, or pharmacy.

Electronic health record (EHR)

a patient's electronic medical records from multiple sources combined into one master database.

Phishing

a practice where the recipient of email is directed to go to a Web site to provide information to his or her bank, the IRS, or other official organization. The Web site is actually a fake made to resemble the real thing, and when information is given, it goes to the consumer fraud criminal.

Secure sockets layer (SSL)

a protocol designed to allow secure web-based transfer of data using encryption.

Cloud computing

a storing program software on servers at a hosting company so that software download is available on demand.

Internet

a worldwide publicly accessible network of networks and computers.

Networking

connecting two or more computers to share files and hardware. The system is called a network; process in which people of similar interest exchange information in social, business, or professional relationships.

System software

consists of the programs that control or maintain the operations of the computer and its devices.

Firewall

hardware device or software program designed to prevent unauthorized access to a computer system.

Central processing unit (CPU)

is the brain of the computer that performs instructions defined by software.

Patches

modification to software to fix deficiencies in the software; frequently downloaded from the software supplier's website or from floppy disks provided by the supplier

Hardware

physical equipment used by the computer system to process data.

Motherboard

printed circuit containing the inner connections of adigital computer including the CPU, RAM, and ROM memory, and other support systems. It provides connectivity to input and output systems.

Surge protection

protection of the fragile electronics from spikes in electrical voltage that occur on electric distribution lines.

Ethernet

references the networking of computers using metallic conductors or hard wires.

Memory

refers to storage of computer data; memory can be volatile (lost when computer is turned off) or nonvolatile (permanently written to storage device.

Defragmentation

reorganization of information of a hard disk to store files as continuous units rather than as small packets. A computer with little fragmentation of files operates at a higher speed.

Operating System (OS)

software used to control the computer and its peripheral equipment (referred to a system software).

Ergonomics

the scientific study of work and space, including factors that influence worker productivity and that affect worker's health.

Practice management (PM)

type of healthcare software, often intertwined with EMR and used in the day-to-day financial and administrative operations of a medical clinic

Documentation

written material that accompanies purchased software containing the information necessary for using the software appropriately; sometimes known as the manual.

What is the best description of microcomputers?

Are widely used in today's health care facility.

Which of the following is not an advantage of cloud computing?

Cloud computing is made possible by Wi-Fi connections.

What is the best description of EMR?

EMR includes all medical information from all providers and hospitals in a patient's medical universe.

Which of the following is not a guideline for compliance with HIPAA standards for safeguarding PHI and ePHI?

Never destroy outdated or unneeded records.