Health Data Glossary

Federal law (2010) that expanded health insurance coverage through Medicaid expansion, health insurance marketplaces, and consumer protections like coverage for pre-existing conditions.

A sudden episode of kidney failure or damage that happens within a few hours or days. AI tools at ChristianaCare can predict AKI risk post-surgery.

The CDC's annual telephone health survey tracking health-related risk behaviors, chronic health conditions, and use of preventive services across all U.S. states.

The U.S. federal public health agency responsible for disease surveillance, prevention, and control. A primary source for much of the data on this site.

Federal agency that administers Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and the Health Insurance Marketplace. Oversees coverage for over 160 million Americans.

Delaware's state agency responsible for public health, Medicaid, behavioral health, and social services. Currently serves 250,000 Medicaid recipients.

A visit to a hospital emergency room for urgent medical care. Opioid-related ED visits are a key indicator tracked on this site.

Community-based healthcare providers that receive federal funding to provide primary care services in underserved areas, regardless of patients' ability to pay.

A wound or skin breakdown that develops while a patient is in the hospital, often due to prolonged immobility. AI models at ChristianaCare help predict and prevent HAPIs.

The use of FDA-approved medications (like methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone) combined with counseling to treat opioid use disorder.

A joint federal-state health insurance program providing coverage to low-income individuals and families. Delaware's DHSS administers it for ~250,000 residents.

Federal health insurance program primarily for adults 65 and older, and for some people with disabilities. Administered by CMS.

A life-saving medication that rapidly reverses opioid overdose. Available without a prescription in Delaware. A key tool in the state's opioid response strategy.

A branch of AI that enables computers to understand and interpret human language. Used at ChristianaCare to analyze patient feedback and clinical notes.

A chronic condition characterized by compulsive use of opioids despite harmful consequences. Delaware has some of the highest OUD-related mortality rates in the nation.

A statewide electronic database that tracks prescriptions for controlled substances. Helps prevent overprescribing and identify patients at risk for opioid misuse.

A rate used to standardize health statistics across populations of different sizes, allowing meaningful comparisons between counties and states.

Federal program providing food-purchasing assistance (EBT cards) to low-income individuals and families. Delaware DHSS serves ~120,000 SNAP participants.

Non-medical factors (income, housing, education, food access, transportation) that influence health outcomes. Often more impactful than clinical care alone.

Delivery of healthcare services via digital technologies (video, phone, remote monitoring) allowing patients to receive care without in-person visits. Especially valuable in rural Delaware.

The percentage of a population without any health insurance coverage. Delaware's uninsured rate varies significantly by county, with Sussex County having the highest rate.