The ClinicSense Practitioner’s Glossary

Running a clinic comes with its own language full of acronyms, documentation standards, and industry jargon. For new practitioners, students, or clinic owners, these terms can feel overwhelming.

That’s why we created this Practitioner’s Glossary. It’s a resource to bring clarity to the most common words and phrases you’ll encounter when running your practice.

Understanding these key terms isn’t just about definitions. It’s about knowing how they shape patient care, compliance, billing, and day-to-day operations.

With this knowledge, practitioners can make smarter decisions, build stronger businesses, and deliver better care.

Use this glossary as your go-to reference whenever you come across a term you’re unsure of. Each entry explains what it means, why it matters, and how it connects to tools you can use in your practice.

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ClinicSense Practitioner’s Glossary key catagories 

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Billing & Finance

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Financial Management & Reporting

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Insurance & Reimbursement

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Scheduling & Appointments

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Patient Retention & Communication

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Clinical Documentation

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Patient Records & Forms

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Compliance & Privacy

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Data Security & Standards

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Technology & Software

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Digital Health Tools

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Billing & Finance Terms

Understanding billing and finance terms helps clinics stay profitable and keep operations running smoothly. These terms cover invoices, payments, and financial tracking that every clinic needs.

Terms covered

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Accounts Receivable

Term
Definition
Term
How ClinicSense helps
Accounts Receivable
Money a clinic is owed for services already provided but not yet paid for.
Tracking accounts receivable keeps cash flow steady and ensures invoices and balances don’t get overlooked.
ClinicSense, with Square integration, makes it easy to track payments, record balances, and accept online payments.

Accounts receivable is the money a clinic is owed for services already provided but not yet paid for. In simple terms, it’s the outstanding balance that clients or insurers still need to settle after an appointment. This can include open invoices, late payments, or claims waiting to be processed.

Why it matters
Healthy cash flow keeps a clinic running. When payments are delayed, it becomes harder to cover rent, payroll, or supplies. Accounts receivable gives you a clear picture of money owed so you can follow up and stay on track financially. Managing invoicing and balances also reduces the stress of wondering when you’ll be paid. Many small clinics don’t have a billing department, so staying organized is key to keeping the business steady and profitable.

How ClinicSense helps
ClinicSense has Square integration to make payments seamless. Clients can pay at the time of their visit or even pay online when they book, if you choose to allow it. You can log payments, track outstanding balances, and generate reports in one place.Payment Processing

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Billing Cycle

Term
Definition
Term
How ClinicSense helps
Billing Cycle
The schedule a clinic follows to send invoices and collect payments.
Keeps revenue predictable and helps track reimbursements, balances, and cash flow.
ClinicSense makes billing easier with tools for tracking payments, patient balances, and invoicing.

A billing cycle is the regular schedule a clinic uses to send out invoices and collect payments for services. It often runs monthly but can vary depending on the clinic and the type of care provided.

Why it matters
Staying on top of billing cycles helps keep revenue predictable. It also ensures patients understand when to expect a bill and when payment is due. Without a clear process, payments can be delayed, leading to cash flow problems. In clinics that use direct billing to insurance providers, the billing cycle is tied to submitting claims, tracking reimbursements, and managing patient balances. Even small clinics that rely on direct payments need a routine cycle for invoicing and record keeping.

How ClinicSense helps
ClinicSense simplifies the billing process. Payments can be recorded at the time of service, and outstanding balances are easy to track. With Square integration, patients can pay in person or online. Reports help you see trends and stay on top of revenue without extra paperwork.

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Invoicing

Term
Definition
Term
How ClinicSense helps
Invoicing
The process of creating and sending bills for services provided.
Keeps payments clear, professional, and easier to track.
ClinicSense simplifies invoicing with built-in tools for receipts, payments, and patient records.

A billing cycle is the regular schedule a clinic uses to send out invoices and collect payments for services. It often runs monthly but can vary depending on the clinic and the type of care provided.

Why it matters
Staying on top of billing cycles helps keep revenue predictable. It also ensures patients understand when to expect a bill and when payment is due. Without a clear process, payments can be delayed, leading to cash flow problems. In clinics that use direct billing to insurance providers, the billing cycle is tied to submitting claims, tracking reimbursements, and managing patient balances. Even small clinics that rely on direct payments need a routine cycle for invoicing and record keeping.

How ClinicSense helps
ClinicSense simplifies the billing process. Payments can be recorded at the time of service, and outstanding balances are easy to track. With Square integration, patients can pay in person or online. Reports help you see trends and stay on top of revenue without extra paperwork.