Basic Concepts
ConceptOverview
These terms appear throughout FICE. Understanding them makes every other article easier to follow.
Client
A Client is the person receiving care or services at your clinic. The client record stores demographic and administrative information used across scheduling, documentation, and billing workflows.
Appointment
An Appointment is a scheduled time for a client to meet with a clinician or service. Appointments use services, appointment types, availability, and place of service.
Encounter
An Encounter represents a clinical visit or service event. Documentation for that visit is typically tied to the encounter.
Clinical Note
A Clinical Note records clinical information for an encounter. Notes may require signature before they are considered complete.
Addendum
An Addendum is an addition made after a note has been signed. It preserves the original signed content while allowing clarifying updates.
Insurance
Insurance information describes coverage that may be used for billing. Primary insurance is the plan billed first.
Consent
A Consent records that a client (or authorized person) agreed to a specific form or disclosure.
Place of Service
Place of Service indicates where care was delivered (for example, office or telehealth). Exact code lists depend on clinic configuration.