CODE RED (kōd rĕd) n.
A system of hospital codes used world wide to alert staff to emergency conditions
Codes intended to convey essential information quickly with minimal understanding
“Code Red” typically implies catastrophic, life threatening emergency
I had the privilege to meet with Phil Longman several years back at a cafe in Washington DC when he was researching [...]
Never (nĕv’ər) adv.
Not ever; on no occasion; at no time
Not at all; in no way; absolutely not
Recently president Barack Obama told his Organizing for America fanbase that is was “Now or Never” for healthcare reform, “If we don’t get it done this year we are not going to get it done.” While this [...]
Magnitude (măg’nĭ-tūd‘) n.
Greatness in size and extent.
Greatness in significance or influence.
Two recent news items caught my attention. They follow on the heels of some of my recent writings on VistA EHR, MUMPS based systems, and the idea of virtuous cycle investments as a true stimulus in helping to lay down the health care foundation [...]
Epic (ĕp‘ĭk) n.
An extended narrative poem in elevated or dignified language, celebrating the feats of a legendary or traditional hero.
A series of events considered appropriate to an epic
Epic is a beautiful surfing slang word to describe a day, a swell, or a ride that is totally out of the ordinary, transcending into [...]
Platform (plăt’fôrm) n.
A formal declaration of the principles on which a group, such as a political party, makes its appeal to the public.
The basic technology of a computer system’s hardware and software that defines how a computer is operated and determines what other kinds of software can be used.
I read with interest a recent article [...]
Excellence (ĕk’sə-ləns) n.
A special feature or quality that confers superiority
The quality of being exceptionally good
I have mentioned this many times but it bears repeating with three recent news articles – the electronic health record itself is not a game changer but it is a powerful information gathering tool. However, by gathering information in a single [...]
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 emotions.[1]
The word might also be used practically anywhere in a [...]
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 with a “Bravo!” from Fred Trotter. I also wanted to [...]
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 some of the problems but not more clearly articulating a [...]
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 allowed the VA to transform from an epithet everywhere to [...]
