Membership (mĕm'bər-shĭp) The state of being a member The total number of members in a group I have watched the meteoric rise of popular term “Medical Home”. While I personally dislike this phrase, it has caught on in the popular vernacular and looks like it is...
Balloon Mania (bə-lūn mā'nē-ə) n. An excessively intense enthusiasm, interest, or desire over balloons; a craze of interest of the same; A focus on all aspects of balloons that inspires lively interest. Having been around for the beginning of the Health 2.0 movement, it is good...
Circuit (sûr'kĭt) n. A path or route the complete traversal of which without local change of direction requires returning to the starting point. An association of theaters in which plays, acts, or films move from theater to theater for presentation. A group of nightclubs, show halls,...
Holding the Bag (hōl'dĭng thə băg) N. Abandon someone, force someone to bear the responsibility or blame. This idiom grew out of the earlier give one the bag (to hold), which dates from about 1600 and alludes to being left with an empty bag while others have...
Prowl (proul) v. 1. To roam stealthily, with predatory intent, as in search of prey or plunder 2. Actively looking for somethin HISTalk just recorded its 1.5 millionth hit. Besides the snarky commentary, HISTalk (and the lovely new addition of HERTalk) has continued to gain readership...
Dude (dyūd) n. Used to express approval, satisfaction, or congratulations. In informal speech, many young people use the word "dude" freely. "Dude" may also be used alone in a sentence, serving as an exclamation; denoting a feeling of surprise, happiness, disappointment, amazement or anger, among other...
Unification (yū'nə-fĭ-kā'shən) n. To bring or come together into a united whole To combine and adapt in order to attain a particular effect: While on my VistA kick (here and here), I need to respond to several important errors of understanding in the recent press release hailed...
Case Study (kās stŭd'ē) n. A detailed analysis of a person or group, especially as a model of medical, psychiatric, psychological, or social phenomena. An exemplary or cautionary model; an instructive example I have received a couple of off-line questions regarding the concept of micro-capitation, and...
Future (fyū'chər) n. The indefinite time yet to come Something that will happen in time to come A prospective or expected condition, especially one considered with regard to growth, advancement, or development I appreciate Fred’s comments regarding my recent posting. Fred appropriately challenged me for describing...
VistA (vĭs'tə) n. Abbreviation for "Veterans Health Information Systems and Technology Architecture" The integrated electronic health record that powers the largest health delivery organization in the United States (who still achieves the best clinical health outcomes of any care delivery organization in the US). The catalyst that...