Chapter 12 - Keyboarding and Computer Applications

Hub

A common connection point for networked devices with multiple ports, often used as part of a local area network (LAN).

Router

A device used to connect any number of local area networks, communicating with other routers to determine the best signal transmission between two or more computers.

Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)

A handheld computer that functions similarly to cellular (cell) phones, including data storage and transfer, Web browsing, and scheduling functions. Though still used, they are widely being replaced by newer devices such as smartphones.

Hard disk drive

A magnetic disk inside the computer used to permanently store data. It offers large amounts of memory and quick access to files. Application software is normally saved to the hard disk and stored there on the computer for use when needed. This is commonly called the C drive.

Central processing unit (CPU)

A microprocessor, it is the primary computer chip responsible for interpreting and executing programs. The CPU allows the computer to perform all of its operations; it is also called the "brain" of the computer.

CD-R

A one-time recordable CD for storing data. Most types of compact discs hold up to 600 megabytes of information.

Batch processing

A procedure in which accumulated similar programs and input data are processed simultaneously.

CD-RW

A re-recordable CD that can have files rewritten onto it numerous times.

Flash drive

A small, portable memory device. Capacities of flash drives range up to 256 gigabytes of information. A flash drive plugs into a computer's USB port, and is also known as a thumb, jump, or portable drive.

Browser

A software program that allows Internet sites (Web pages) to be viewed on a computer.

Byte

A unit of data containing eight binary digits (bits).

Appending

Adding data at the end of a set of other data.

Inserting

Adding data between sets of other data

Entry operations

Additions, deletions, or modifications of information within a database.

Optical character recognition (OCR)

Allows images to be converted to text so that they can be used and edited similarly to any word-processing document. It utilizes optical scanners and special software that is compatible with word-processing software programs.

Driver

Also called a device driver, it is the software program or series of commands that enable a computer-connected device to function.

surge protector

An electrical power strip that helps keep a computer system's delicate circuits from being damaged by the increased voltage of an electrical power surge.

Digital video disk (DVD)

An optical disk that can hold approximately 4.7 gigabytes of information, and is commonly used for movies and other forms of video files.

Data hierarchy

An organization of data within a database, from simple to more complex. It includes fields, records, and files.

Kilobyte

Approximately 1,024 bytes of information.

Gigabyte

Approximately one billion bytes of information.

Megabyte

Approximately one million bytes of information.

Terabyte

Approximately one trillion bytes of information.

Supercomputers

As the name indicates, these computers are the biggest, fastest, and most complex computers in use today. Supercomputers are primarily used in medical research applications. They are used for genetic coding and DNA and cancer research

Fields

Basic data, usually arranged in columns. The data may be alphanumeric (combining letters, numbers, or symbols), numeric, logical (yes/no, true/false, etc.), or in "memo" form (providing additional information or explanation).

Common data sets

Collections of data for a variety of health-care systems, as follows: -Uniform Hospital Discharge Data Set (UHDDS)—inpatient hospital care -Uniform Ambulatory Care Data Set (UACDS)—for patients who return home on the day of service -Minimum Data Set for Long-Term Care (MDS)—nursing home patients -Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS)—Medicare beneficiaries receiving home health agency care -Data Elements for Emergency Department Systems (DEEDS) -Essential Medical Data Set (EMDS)—works with DEEDS to provide concise medical histories on all patients -Health Plan Employer Data and Information Set (HEDIS)—gives consumers information with which to compare managed care plans

Records

Collections of related fields, usually organized in rows. Every record within a file will have the same types of fields.

Software

Consists of the programs or operating instructions that the computer needs to function. There are two types of software: systems software and applications software.

Indexing

Creating new files by using existing fields and records without altering the original database files.

Technology used in EHRs

Databases, data exchange, electronic clinical imaging storage, workflow systems that allow multiple users to access information at the same time, flexible data retrieval; data capture technology that includes speech/handwriting recognition, patient devices, and wireless/handheld devices; ability to communicate with a variety of computer network types; real-time data storage and retrieval, and workstations that facilitate easy use of data.

Modems

Devices that transfer information from one computer to another over telephone lines. Modems function by converting data into signals that are transmitted and then converted back into data at the receiving end. With the development of digital subscriber lines (DSLs) and other direct lines, the transfer rates of information have increased significantly in recent years. Modems are essential in transferring electronic files such as insurance claim forms.

Disk and tape maintenance

Disks should be kept away from magnetic fields, direct sunlight, and extreme temperatures. They should be handled carefully as dirt and dust can cause them to not operate properly. CD-ROMs should be handled only by their edges and by the hole in the center; they should be stored in their plastic cases. Smudges, fingerprints, and dust can cause a CD-ROM to be misread by the CD drive. Magnetic tapes should be stored in cool, dry places. It is especially important to store these tapes away from magnetic fields as they can be erased by magnetism.

Mainframes and minicomputers

Essentially used by larger companies and institutions, mainframes and minicomputers are not often used directly by small medical offices.

Multimedia

Graphics, animation, video, sound, and text, as presented on a computer, that may be stored on a CD, DVD, or other storage device.

HTML

Hypertext markup language, which is used to create Internet documents.

HTTPS

Hypertext transfer protocol secure, which allows for secure communication while instructing a Web server where to retrieve a desired Web page. It combines HTTP with the secure sockets layer (SSL) / transport layer security (TLS) protocol, adding security to standard communications.

HTTP

Hypertext transfer protocol, which is used to instruct a Web server where to retrieve a desired Web page.

Database reports

Information from a database organized into summary, exception, or detail reports.

Sending insurance claims

Insurance claims can be sent directly from medical offices to insurance carriers; claims processed in this way take much less time and are usually processed more efficiently. The electronic claim transaction is the HIPAA Health Care Claim or Equivalent Encounter Information; its official name is the X12 837 Health Care Claim. The HIPAA Electronic Health Care Transactions and Code Sets (TCS) mandate means that health plans are required to accept the standard claim submitted electronically. HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996.

Benefits of EHRs

Interaction with (point of care) POC while treating patients, documentation of findings and procedures, medication administration reminders, alerts about less expensive drugs, procedure protocols, alerts about duplicate services, scheduling, patient registration, billing, exchange of data with other providers' systems, and establishing a Continuity of Care Record.

Ink jet printer

Offers high-quality printing at an affordable price. This type of printer is commonly used in the home and in small businesses.

Laser printer

Offers the highest resolution and therefore the highest-quality output of all printer types.

Read-only memory (ROM)

Permanent memory that the computer can access but that the user cannot change. It provides the basic operating instructions the computer needs to function.

Applications software

Refers to the programs loaded onto the computer that carry out the work for the actual users of the computer. Application programs are designed to perform specific tasks, such as word processing, billing, accounting, payroll, insurance form preparation, appointment scheduling, and database management. Popular practice management software programs used in the medical office include Allscripts Professional PM, AthenaHealth, eClinicalWorks, McKesson Practice Choice, and NextGen.

Telemedicine

Refers to using telecommunications to transmit video images. Physicians in rural areas can easily send patient information via these images to physicians with more expertise in the patient's type of condition, which can aid in the patient's treatment and diagnosis.

Systems software

Serves as the operating system of the computer and allows it to run and carry out the functions that the computer performs.

Health care data sets

Single facts or measurements called data elements; analyzed meaningful information collection; aggregate data about groups of patients; data sets of information with uniform definitions; identification of elements needed to be collected for each patient; uniform definitions used for commonly used terms; comparison of data from different facilities; and defined uses of comparison data, including accreditation, research, and performance improvement.

Cache

Special high-speed storage that is part of the main computer memory or a separate storage device, often used to store previously visited websites for faster recall.

Medical practice software

Specially designed software used for all types of data manipulation required by a medical practice. It offers the following: -Billing, collection, scheduling -Databases of demographic, financial, and insurance information -Adding of each new patient to the database -Coding of services in order to generate claims for payers or patients -Electronic mailing of claims to payers or payment clearinghouses -Posting of paid claims into the system -Creation of financial reports -Code checking to prevent improper coding of claims -Rules for submitting claims, which help to avoid denials of payment -Sorting and "triage" of tasks to alert staff of most important items -Interfacing with tablets, handheld devices, and voice recognition -Accessing of data on individual patients or groups of patients -E-prescribing, which integrates electronic health records, websites used to collect patient information, appointment requests, prescription renewals, test result requests, and online bill payment

Continuity of Care Record (CCR)

Standard content that physicians agree should be included in a referral. Abbreviated as "CCR."

Random-access memory (RAM)

Temporary memory that functions while you are using a computer's software.

Ergonomics

The design of work stations to maximize the user's safety, comfort, and effectiveness. For optimal ergonomics, the computer monitor, keyboard, and mouse should be positioned at the proper heights in order to avoid straining the wrists, back, neck, and eyes. Ergonomics helps to avoid repetitive strain injuries (RSIs), such as carpal tunnel syndrome, and other strains upon muscles, tendons, and nerves.

Motherboard

The main circuit board that controls components within the computer system.

Operating System

The most popular computer operating systems include Microsoft Windows, Apple (Macintosh, or Mac), and Linux.

Purging

The process of removing data that is outdated or no longer needed from a disk or disk drive.

E-commerce

The sale and purchase of goods and services over the Internet.

Bits

The smallest units of information inside a computer, each represented by the digit 0 or the digit 1.

Database operations

The sorting or indexing of information in a database.

Exception reports

Those that identify fields or records having unique characteristics, usually that are outside of predetermined or normal data.

Detail reports

Those that list the records within each file.

Summary reports

Those that provide counts, subtotals, or totals of specific fields within a database.

URL

Uniform resource locator, which is the global address of a Web page or other Internet information

Megahertz (MHz)

a unit of measure for the clock speed of a microprocessor.

EHR

electronic health record

Speech recognition technology

enables computers to comprehend and interpret spoken words. Instead of using a keyboard, mouse, scanner, or other input device, the user inputs information by speaking into a microphone connected to the computer. As this technology becomes more advanced, it may largely eliminate the need for the physician's notes to be transcribed by medical assistants.