Medical Terminology

Jeff Steele, LDO, CPOT, ABOC

Objective

State the importance of correct spelling and accurate usage of medical terms

Describe the use of prefixes, suffixes, and combining forms in medical terms

Demonstrate the knowledge of word meanings to analyze and understand medical terms

Overview

All business office employees and technicians should have a basic knowledge of medical terminology and abbreviations:

Used in bookkeeping Accounts receivable Insurance claims Transcribing in patient’s records

Accuracy

Accuracy is essential! Your accuracy and spelling is extremely important

because the wrong term can have serious consequences for the patient:

Palpation vs. palpitation Palpation= examination technique in which the

examiner’s hands are used to feel the texture, size, and location of certain body parts

Palpitation= pounding or racing heart

Spelling

Let’s be honest, spelling is important in any form of written communication (we always want to sound intelligent!)

Changing just one or two letters can alter the meaning of a word!

A medical dictionary is a convenient reference that should be kept on your desk and used as necessary

Abbreviations

Very frequently used in medicine. Many have only one meaning, but others have multiple meanings!

Example CC can be 1. chief complaint, or mean 2. with correction

Everyone should be on the same page when using abbreviations, so as not to cause confusion!

Common Abbreviations

S M D W= single, married, divorced, or widowed

REF BY= referred by TB= tuberculosis DIAB= diabetes HT DIS= heart disease HA= headache

Prefixes

Added to the beginning of a word, to change the meaning:

ab= away from ad= toward Hyper=above Hypo=below Intra= within Post=after Sub=under or below Super (or supra)= above, excessive or beyond

Suffixes

Added to the end of a word and usually indicate a procedure, condition, disorder, or disease

itis= inflammation ectomy= surgical removal ologist=specialist oma=tumor osis=abnormal condition scopy=visual examination

Root Words

angio=blood or lymph vessels arterio=artery arthro=joint cario=heart cranio=skull neuro=nerve

Common Ophthalmic Abbreviations Cats= cataracts ARMD= macular degeneration HA= headache VA= visual acuities PD= pupillary distance RP= retinitis pigmentosa DR= diabetic retinopathy POAG= primary open-angle glaucoma PCAG= primary closed-angle glaucoma STBM= strabismus BLRI= blepharitis CJ= conjunctivitis

Summary

If in doubt- don’t use abbreviations, are many have a variety of meanings! Spell it out!!!

Accuracy in spelling, and a basic knowledge of abbreviations and terminology is a must for all technicians