1. Jeff Steele, LDO, CPOT, ABOC
Medical Terminology
Jeff Steele, LDO, CPOT, ABOC

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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!

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

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

11. 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

12. 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