Glossary of Terms

Two-Factor Authentication is a security protocol requiring two distinct methods of verification before granting access to systems or accounts. Commonly, this involves a password (something you know) and a secondary code (something you have), such as an SMS code, app-generated code (like Microsoft Authenticator), or biometric scan. In healthcare IT, 2FA is essential for protecting sensitive patient data and is often a mandatory compliance requirement for platforms like PRODA and Medicare Web Services.

AGPAL is one of the two primary organisations (alongside QPA) authorised to assess and accredit Australian general practices against the RACGP Standards for General Practices. Accreditation ensures a clinic meets national benchmarks for quality, safety, and risk management. Accreditation is typically valid for 3 years and required for PIP/QI incentives and most practice insurances.

This refers to the accuracy, completeness, reliability, and consistency of patient health data across all clinical systems. Maintaining strong data integrity is crucial for:

• Effective clinical decision-making
• Compliance with RACGP & My Health Record standards
• Eligibility for quality incentive programs (e.g. PIP QI)
  Common methods include regular audits, standardised data entry protocols, and automated validation tools.

eRequesting allows GPs to digitally send pathology and radiology requests directly from clinical software to the relevant diagnostic provider (e.g. Clinpath, Australian Clinical Labs). Benefits include:

• Reducing lost paper forms
• Eliminating scanning
• Faster turnaround
• Enhanced accuracy via patient data auto-population
  It is often integrated within Best Practice or MedicalDirector systems.

eRx is a government-approved interoperable prescription delivery network that allows electronic prescriptions to be securely transmitted from GPs to pharmacies. It enables:

• Real-time script delivery
• Token management (QR codes)
• Integration with dispensing software
  eRx helps reduce transcription errors and supports eScript functionality.

eScripts are paperless prescriptions sent directly from a prescriber to a patient's phone or email as a unique QR code (token). The token is scanned by a pharmacy to retrieve and dispense the medication. It supports:

• Remote consultations
• Contactless dispensing
• Better tracking and script repeat management
  Requires integration with the eRx or MediSecure network and My Health Record compliance.

Operated by the Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA), the HI Service issues and manages unique identifiers that underpin secure digital healthcare:

• IHI: Individual Healthcare Identifier (for patients)
• HPI-I: Healthcare Provider Identifier – Individual
• HPI-O: Healthcare Provider Identifier – Organisation
  Used for secure messaging, My Health Record integration, and clinical software interoperability.

HICAPS allows instant private health insurance claims processing via EFTPOS terminals at point of care. Commonly used by GPs offering allied health, physiotherapy, psychology or dietetics, HICAPS:

• Speeds up patient reimbursement
• Reduces manual claim paperwork
• Integrates with Medicare Easyclaim for mixed-billing clinics

A 16-digit identifier assigned to individual health practitioners (e.g. GPs, nurses, allied health professionals). It verifies identity and credentials when:

• Sending secure messages
• Using digital certificates (NASH)
• Accessing My Health Record
  Practitioners must register with AHPRA and be linked to the organisation’s HPI-O.

This is a 16-digit identifier that uniquely identifies healthcare organisations (e.g. clinics, hospitals, pathology labs). It is essential for:

• Medicare Web Services configuration
• My Health Record integration
• PRODA service registration
  Required for each practice location in group or multi-site setups.

A comprehensive listing of all medical services subsidised by the Australian Government, each with an item number and fee structure. It underpins:

• Medicare billing
• Referral requirements
• Compliance auditing
  Regularly updated and essential for accurate billing, documentation, and software configuration.

Allows on-the-spot Medicare rebates via EFTPOS terminals like HICAPS and TYRO. Ideal for:

• Bulk billing
• Mixed billing practices
• Private billing with instant patient rebates
  Claims are securely submitted in real-time, improving cash flow and reducing admin burden.

These include various documents required for medical billing and practice administration, such as:

• HW052, HW040 provider registration forms
• Medicare bulk-billing authority forms
• Minor ID applications
• Bank detail updates
  Correct handling ensures compliance and seamless claiming.

This is the modernised interface between medical software and Medicare, replacing older systems (like Eclipse). Access requires:

• PRODA registration
• Minor ID configuration
• HPI-O linkage
  Benefits include faster, more secure online claiming and real-time eligibility checks.

A unique identifier (usually a 10-digit number) issued to each clinic location/software pairing to enable Medicare Web Services access. It links:

• Clinical software (Best Practice, Zedmed etc.)
• PRODA
• Medicare claims processing
  Correct configuration is critical for claim submissions and audit trails.

An electronic health summary system managed by the Australian Digital Health Agency. Patients and providers can securely access:

• Medical history
• Allergies
• Pathology/radiology results
• Immunisations and prescriptions
  Clinics must use NASH certificates and HPI-O identifiers to connect securely.

A recent initiative that allows patients to formally register with their preferred practice. Benefits include:

• Better care coordination
• Access to additional funding for the practice (e.g. Chronic Disease Management incentives)
• Improved continuity of care
  Practices must be eligible and onboarded through PRODA/HPOS to participate.

NASH issues digital certificates that allow healthcare organisations to:

• Access My Health Record
• Use secure messaging
• Authenticate software with Medicare Web Services
  Certificates must be renewed every 2 years and are tied to the HPI-O.

This ensures prescription software aligns with the government-subsidised medication list, enabling:

• Accurate prescription pricing
• Reimbursement eligibility
• Up-to-date medication safety info
  It integrates with eScripts, eRx, and My Health Record, and is essential for compliance in prescribing systems.

A structured survey tool used to gather patient feedback as part of accreditation. Key areas assessed:

• Communication and respect
• Wait times and service access
• Overall experience
  Practices use this data to guide service improvements and meet RACGP requirements.

An incentive program that rewards practices for collecting and improving quality health data. Key components:

• Quarterly data submission via PHN
• Use of CAT4/PenCS tools
• Implementing measurable improvement activities
  Clinics must be accredited and regularly submit data to receive payments.

A secure, government-managed digital identity system used to access:

• Medicare Web Services
• NDIS, Centrelink, Aged Care portals
• HPOS (Health Professional Online Services)
  Staff require individual PRODA accounts, and organisations must link HPI-Os and software to enable service functionality.

This formal recognition ensures a clinic complies with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) standards. Benefits include:

• Access to PIP/QI payments
• Medicare billing eligibility
• Risk reduction and reputation enhancement
  Accreditation requires extensive documentation, staff training, and regular auditing.

The current national benchmark for clinical and operational excellence in general practice. Structured into three core modules:

• Core (Governance, safety, privacy)
• Quality Improvement
• General Practice Services
  All accredited practices must meet these standards, and they shape CyberSquad’s IT recommendations.

eScripts are paperless prescriptions sent directly from a prescriber to a patient's phone or email as a unique QR code (token). The token is scanned by a pharmacy to retrieve and dispense the medication. It supports:

• Remote consultations
• Contactless dispensing
• Better tracking and script repeat management
  Requires integration with the eRx or MediSecure network and My Health Record compliance.