what are some things you have learned in a medical terminology course

by Beulah Kuhlman 10 min read

By studying Medical Terminology, you'll develop a fluency in the highly specialized language of health. You'll understand the origin and importance of acronyms like HIPAA and gain confidence to perform in a field where the difference between the right and wrong word can change a life.

What do you learn in medical terminology?

Medical terminology students generally learn terms that are specific to a variety of basic human systems, including the musculoskeletal system, urinary system and digestive system. Online medical terminology classes can also cover terminology that relates to cancer. Students will also learn the rules for forming singular and plural medical terms, as well as how to correctly …

What are the benefits of medical terminology courses?

Having a solid grasp of medical terminology is a great way to do so. By the way, an endoscope is a flexible tube attached to a camera that allows doctors to view inside your digestive tract. Medical Terminology may not be a specific requirement for your career, but it’s a very important asset to have. Understanding medical terminology isn’t just for nurses, doctors, and medical …

Do you need medical terminology for your career?

Some of the top reasons to learn medical terminology include: Speaking the Standardized “Language of Medicine” Medical terminology allows all medical professionals to understand each other and communicate effectively.

Where can I take medical terminology courses?

May 19, 2020 · The path to mastering key medical phrases and abbreviations begins with enrollment in a medical terminology course. By learning the most common medical terminology used with patients and in the coding profession, you will be positioned to excel in your on-campus training program or your online training courses. Most importantly, these courses will help you …

What is the importance of learning medical terminology?

The purpose of medical terminology is to create a standardised language for medical professionals. This language helps medical staff communicate more efficiently and makes documentation easier.Jul 19, 2015

In what ways is learning medical terminology like learning a new language?

Medical Terminology is like learning a new language, so we start by figuring out how the roots, prefixes and suffixes fit together, then how to figure out the meanings of words used in everyday medical settings.

What strategies can you adopt to ensure that you learn medical terminology and retain your knowledge?

Here are seven tips to help you commit medical terminology to memory and improve your understanding of A&P.Tip 1: Break It Down. ... Tip 2: Dive Into Coding and Medical Books. ... Tip 3: Repetition Is Your Friend. ... Tip 4: Explore and Apply How You Learn Best. ... Tip 5: Make Flashcards and Form Study Groups.More items...•Sep 1, 2020

What is medical terminology quizlet?

Medical terminology is the study of terms that are used in the art of science and medicine.. Fundamental Elements. The fundamental elements in medical terminology are the component parts used to build medical words.

How many parts are there in medical terminology?

Prefixes. Suffixes. When you put them all together, the three parts of the word create a more specific medical term. Some medical terms may have all three parts, whereas others might have only one or two.

What makes a good medical coder?

Being able to identify, define, and specify the many unique diagnosis codes, based on your understanding of basic medical terminology, is the best trait of a good medical coder. As you gain more experience as a medical coder, determining the correct code will become easier and easier, until it's a very part of the way you go through your daily ...

What does it mean to be a medical biller?

As a medical biller or medical coding specialist, you have to assign specific codes based on what the medical provider finds at the patient visit. What this means is that the coder must be able to understand and interpret the provider's written progress notes from the visit, and translate them into the correct codes.

What is root word?

Root Words are the part of the word that can stand alone as the main part of the medical term. It holds the fundamental meaning of the phrase. Sometimes, medical terms can have more than one root. Here's a brief list of root words and their meanings: Root Word. Meaning.

What is cardiomyopathy in medical terms?

Definition. Cardiomyopathy is a diseased heart muscle. A good tip when you're coding difficult medical terms is to always use a current medical dictionary. This will help you avoid any confusion with the roots, prefixes, or suffixes you come across.

What does a suffix mean?

Suffixes are typically attached to the end of word, to change their meanings. They usually indicate the procedure, condition, disorder, or disease. Here's a brief list of common suffixes and their meanings: Suffix. Meaning. -algia. pain. -centesis. puncture, tap.

What does rhinorrhea mean?

You can break down the word rhinorrhea to understand its meaning. Using basic medical terminology, rhinorrhea means discharge from the nose - a runny nose. You can also break down the word cardiomyopathy to figure out what it means. Cardiomyopathy is a diseased heart muscle.

What is medical terminology?

Medical terminology is the language healthcare professionals use to describe symptoms, diagnoses, and medical procedures. People who work in the healthcare industry use medical terminology daily. If you’re not in the healthcare industry, it is still extremely helpful to have a grasp on medical terminology. Have you ever visited your doctor and left ...

What do you need to know about endoscopy?

For example, if you have an endoscopy, you will need to know that your digestive tract will be examined with an endoscope. Next, you’ll probably wonder what an endoscope is. When it comes to your health, it’s important to understand exactly what is going on inside your body. Having a solid grasp of medical terminology is a great way to do so.

What is an endoscope?

By the way, an endoscope is a flexible tube attached to a camera that allows doctors to view inside your digestive tract.

What is the third leading cause of death in the United States?

For example, someone can prescribe the wrong medication or misinterpret diagnosis. In fact, a 2016 study found that medical error is the third leading cause of death in the United States, after heart disease and cancer.

Do nurses need to understand medical terminology?

Understanding medical terminology isn’t just for nurses, doctors, and medical practitioners. If you have a career in the healthcare industry, you should have a strong understanding of the medical language. Because you are dealing with patient records daily, you will need to understand medical language very well.

What is medical terminology?

Medical terminology can be defined as a language that defines various aspects of the human body. This involves the body parts and functions being described in a scientific way. The language is suitable to be used in the medical and the nursing fields. In most cases, medical terminologies have various aspects.

Why is medical terminology important?

Medical terminology allows all medical professionals to understand each other and communicate effectively. When everyone understands what a condition, medicine, or procedure is, they are able to fulfill their roles accordingly, whether that is delivering medicine or billing for a medicine.

What happens when you add a prefix to a word?

If a prefix is added at the beginning of a word, it will automatically influence the meaning of a medical term. From the combination of these word parts in medical terminology, it is clear that removal of any letter changes the meaning of a word (Rosdahl and Kowalski, 132). Medical Terminology Essay.

How does communication improve patient safety?

Quality communication among all members of a healthcare team improves patient safety by reducing the number of mistakes. For instance, if a physician knows the patient’s full medical history, including procedures or prior conditions, it helps that physician prescribe a safe, effective treatment for that patient. If someone confuses the terminology, putting the wrong condition or procedure into the chart, this can make a huge difference in the care the patient receives. Treatment may be less effective, or in some cases, dangerous. Medical Terminology Essay.

How many word parts are there in medical terms?

This is meant to come up with medical terms. In creating medical terms, four word parts may be used. The word-parts include word roots, combining vowels, suffixes and prefixes. Most medical terms take word roots as a foundation.

What does a suffix mean in medical terms?

A suffix is added after a word root to complete a medical term. In most cases, suffix indicates the procedure, condition, disorder, or disease. For instance, tonsill/o, which means tonsils, can be added with a suffix. This is done to complete the term. It can also tell something about the terminology.

Is O a vowel?

They are placed between the word root and the suffix . In most cases, the letter O is used as a combining vowel. For instance, cardi/o (heart); ‘cardi’ is a word root whereas ‘O’ is a combining vowel.

Why is it important to learn medical terminology?

Whether you long to become a medical doctor, a physical therapist, a nurse aide, or a medical office specialist, you need to ensure that you fulfill the proper educational requirements.

What is medical terminology?

Medical terminology refers to the words and phrases used to describe elements of the human body and how they function. Professionals also use it to describe diseases, illnesses, and diagnoses assigned by healthcare professionals. Here is a look at the basics and application: Who: Doctors, registered nurses, and physician assistants are just ...

Why is terminology important in healthcare?

Healthcare terminology is important for three key reasons: First, it enables medical specialists to communicate seamlessly with one another. Second , it serves as a universal language to use when diagnosing conditions and ailments in patients. And third, it enables healthcare workers to give and follow orders to treat patients.

How many patients does a doctor see per day?

Facilitate communication: The average doctor sees roughly 20 patients per day. Nurses, aides, and other healthcare providers see a similar number of patients, and treatment team meetings involving multiple providers are commonplace at hospitals.

Why is medical terminology important?

Medical terminology is important for many reasons. It allows all healthcare workers to communicate in one language. You will use it every day when you work in the healthcare field. If you have to get your medical dictionary out every time you get asked to do something, you will be wasting valuable time. Nurses, doctors, and other health care ...

Why do we use abbreviations in medical records?

Common abbreviations are used in patient records. This helps doctors and nurses write quickly and efficiently in the records so that they can be onto the next patient. It also allows you to read and understand the records quickly.

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Basic Medical Terminology: Root Words, Prefixes, and Suffixes

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Medical terms generally have 3 parts: 1. Roots 2. Prefixes 3. Suffixes When you put them all together, the three parts of the word create a more specific medical term. Some medical terms may have all three parts, whereas others might have only one or two. Root Wordsare the part of the word that can stand alone as the main part …
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Putting It All Together

  • By understanding the root words, prefixes and suffixes of medical terminology, you can put together the meaning of a medical term pretty easily. Examples: You can break down the word rhinorrheato understand its meaning. Definition Using basic medical terminology, rhinorrheameans discharge from the nose - a runny nose. You can also break down the word car…
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Anatomical Positions and Planes

  • Another part of being a good medical coder is an understanding the anatomical positions and planes that your doctor is referring to in his or her office visit notes. Although they're used less often to define a medical term, these positional terms are sometimes important in specifying your diagnosis when you code. The following is a brief list of anatomical planes and positions: 1. Ant…
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Membranes

  • Another important part of knowing your basic medical terminology is understanding the five types of membranes in the human body.Membranes line the internal organs, tubes that open to the outside of the body, and body cavities. These terms will sometimes be important in assigning the correct diagnosis code: 1. Mucous Membranes:These membranes line the interior walls of hum…
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