HIMSS Dictionary of Health Information Technology Terms, Acronyms, and Organizations

Book excerpt: This significantly expanded and newest edition of the bestselling HIMSS Dictionary of Health Information Technology Terms, Acronyms, and Organizations has been developed and extensively reviewed by more than 50 industry experts. The fourth edition of this dictionary serves as a quick reference for students, health information technology professionals and healthcare executives to better navigate the ever-growing health IT field. This valuable resource includes more than 3000 definitions, 30 new organizations and 76 new references. Definitions of terms for the information technology and clinical, medical and nursing informatics fields are updated and included. This fourth edition also includes an acronyms list with cross references to current definitions, new word-search capability, and a list of health IT-related associations and organizations, including contact information, mission statements and web addresses. Academic and certification credentials are also included. HIMSS North America, a business unit within HIMSS, positively transforms health and healthcare through the best use of information technology in the United States and Canada. As a cause-based non-profit, HIMSS North America provides thought leadership, community building, professional development, public policy, and events. HIMSS North America represents 64,000 individual members, 640 corporate members, and over 450 non-profit organizations. Thousands of volunteers work with HIMSS to improve the quality, cost-effectiveness, access, and value of healthcare through IT. HIMSS Vision Better health through information technology. HIMSS Mission Globally, lead endeavors optimizing health engagements and care outcomes through information technology.