Changes in normal bodily function or any indication of disease perceived by the patient that are documented in detail in the patient’s medical record. These details are used to assist in establishing a diagnosis.

1. Group of individuals who unite together for business purposes. 2. In psychology, the connection of remembered feelings, emotions, sensations, thoughts, or perceptions with certain persons, ideas, or situations.

Organization that promotes efficient, secure, and cost effective health information data exchanges in an open electronic environment using industry standards. Web site: www.afehct.org .

Organization established in 1978 as part of an effort to achieve recognition for the medical transcription profession; formerly known as American Association for Medical Transcription (AAMT). Vision: To direct the evolution of the medical transcription profession. Mission: To advance and represent the profession of medical transcription through the promotion of quality health care documentation. Purpose: To set and uphold standards for education and practice in the field of medical transcription that ensure the highest level of accuracy, privacy, and security of health care documentation for the U.S. health care system to protect public health, increase patient safety, and improve quality of care for health care consumers. Goals and Objectives: Medical transcriptionists are provided the tools to ensure accuracy, privacy, and security of health care documentation to improve patient safety and quality of care through the following objectives: Participate in the development of health care documentation standards to protect consumer privacy and security of medical information; advocate for legislation and regulations that protect the public’s health care information; set standards of education and practice for the medical transcription profession.