Term | Definition |
acute illness | illness that comes on suddenly |
certification | an inspection process for facilities that accept state or federal funds as payment for health care |
chronic illness | incurable illness but is treatable |
citation | written notice that informs a facility of violations of OSHA rules |
client | person receiving care |
community | people who live in a common area and share common health needs |
diagnosis related groups (DRGs) | method used by Medicare to determine the number of hospital days required for specific illness days |
facility | an agency that provides health care |
health care consumer | person requiring health care services |
health maintenance organization (HMO) | one type of prepaid health insurance provider |
hospice | special facility or arrangement to provide care of terminally ill persons |
hospital | facility for care of the sick or injured |
Joint Commission for Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) | an organization that inspects and accredits health care agencies that meet high quality standards |
license | a state permit allowing a facility to operate |
managed care | methods used by insurance by insurance companies to reduce health care costs |
Medicaid | federal-and state-funded program that pays medical expenses for those whose income is below a certain level |
Medicare | federal program that assists persons over 65 years of age with hospital and medical costs |
obstetric | pertaining to pregnancy, labor, and delivery |
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) | federal agency that makes and enforces regulations to protect workers |
occupational therapy | therapeutic use of work and activities to help patients regain self-care facilities |
pathology | study of disease |
patient | person who needs care |
patient focused care | attention given to mental, physical, and emotional aspects of a person's being |
pediatric | patient from birth to 18 years of age |
physical therapy | structed exercise that assists patients to regain mobility skills |
post-anesthesia recovery (PAR) | area where patients are taken after surgery to recover from anethesia |
postpartum | after birth |
prenatal | before birth |
psychiatric | relating to mental illness |
quality assurance (QA) | an internal review done by facility staff to identify problems and find solutions for improvement |
rehabilitation | process of assisting ill or injured person to attain optimal level of well-being and function |
resident | person being cared for in a long-term care facility |
respiratory therapy | the department that provides care for patients with disorders of the cardiopulmonary system, respirations, and sleep disorders |
skilled care facility | long-term care facility |
speech therapy | treatment to assist a patient to regain communication skills |
survey | a review and evaluation to ensure that the facility maintains acceptable standards of practice and quality of care |
surveyor | a representative of a private or governmental agency who reviews facility policies, procedures, and practices for quality of care |