Glossary of Terms

D

Data Processing/MIS
Responsible for programming and maintenance of computer systems. Manages processing of data and also trains staff to use computer. In small hospitals this person can also supervise the phone systems, (i.e. Director of Telecommunication).

Data Processing (for healthcare marketing)
The process of correcting, sorting, enhancing and appending the database; Data processing services include removing duplicate records, merge/purge, CASS certification/zip + 4, postal presort, sort order, A/B split run set-up, and other necessary data maintenance; Appended information can include physician specialty, phone number, fax number, patient volume and affiliation with a medical group, health system or hospital.

Data Resolution
A comprehensive healthcare data processing and maintenancee service where the customer's data is matched against more current and accurate data. Accurate records are validated and innaccurate records are corrected. All other records are telephone verified to bring the customer to a 100% data resolution.

Dentist List
A customized list of dentists used for marketing to dentists; can be customized by number of dentists in office, geography or patient volume.

Dentistry/Oral Surgery
This department deals with the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases of the teeth and related structures including the repair and replacement of defective teeth.

Dialysis/Hemodialysis
Hemodialysis involves the removal of waste products from a patient's blood through treatments on a dialysis machine lasting about 3-4 hours a day 3-4 times a week. The director ensures that quality medical care is provided to the patients.

Discharge Planner
Coordinates usage of equipment for patients who are returning home from the hospital, assists in coordinating home care and in some cases, locates room, board and care for patient.

Dispensing Physician - Pharmacist
Doctor who takes the place of a regular pharmacist in the dispensing of medication.

Distribution Transportation Manager
Responsible for distribution, transportation, and/or warehousing of products and materials. May also be in charge of order processing, freight management and negotiation.

District Manager
Includes Regional VPs/Directors/Managers.

DRG/Coding Manager
DRG translates to Diagnostic Related Groups. DRG is a system to standardize prospective payments for medical care. The DRG/Coding Manager ensures that all medical records are coded according to government specifications, based on patient's diagnosis. This coding designates the amount of government reimbursement which the hospital receives for each patient on Medicare programs.

E

Email Address List
A customized list of healthcare professionals' email addresses; can be customized by physician specialty or geography, hospital decision maker title, hospital name, location, or geography, pharmacist name, location, type of pharmacy or geography.

Email Deployment
The process of communicating the customer's message to a specified list of recipients on the customer's behalf. Comprehensive reports (including number emails delivered, open rate, click through rate) are provided to the customer.

Email Marketing
A version of direct marketing via electronic mail (e-mail); used to communicate promotions, advertise, acquire new customers, recruit attendance for seminars such as continuing medical education (CME) seminars and training, enhance brand recognition and customer loyalty, and reach other marketing goals.

Emergency Room
The section of the hospital that provide medical services necessary to sustain life or to prevent critical consequences. Oversees the care and services provided to patients in need of outpatient services requiring immediate care. This department is staffed 24 hours a day.

F

Family Practice
Composed of general practitioners that deal with a wide range of health problems within the population. The physician refers the patients to a specialist if he/she is in need of further treatment.

Fax Marketing Solutions
A combination of solutions for healthcare marketing by fax; includes fax number lists for physician offices, hospitals, pharmacies, medical group headquarters, nursing homes, and other medical facilities; also includes speedy and efficient fax broadcasting services to customers' own fax number lists.

Food Services/Nutrition
Ensures that appropriate foods are delivered to patients on both regular and therapeutic diets. Directs purchasing of food items and supervises clinical dietitians and other food service personnel.

Formulary Committee Chairman
This person is usually a physician that is appointed by the medical staff. The committee is composed mostly of physicians, and has representatives from departments such as nursing, administration, and infection control. This is often referred to as Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) Committee. The committee is concerned with the development and monitoring of pharmacy and therapeutic policies and practices. A formulary is a listing of drugs, usually by their generic names, intended to include sufficient range of medicines to enable a physician or dentist to prescribe medically appropriate treatment for all reasonable common illness.

Formulary Committee Member
Various hospital employees who are selected to be part of the hospital's Formulary Committee. The formulary committee members meet and decide on which drugs they want to use for their formulary list.

Fundraising/Foundation/Planning/Development
Responsible for all fundraising, donations, and memorials for the hospital. Serves as a liaison between the Foundation (organization that grants money) and the hospital. Coordinates any fundraising or public service events.