Medical Terminology Flashcards
Ablation
removal or destruction by cutting, chemicals, or electrocautery
Abortion
termination of pregnancy
Absence
without
Actinotherapy
treatment of acne using ultraviolet rays
Adenoidectomy
removal of adenoids
adipose
fatty
Adrenals
glands, located at the top of the kidneys, that produces steroid hormones
Albinism
lack of color/pigment
Allograft
homograft, same species graft
Alopecia
condition in which the hair falls out
Amniocentesis
percutaneous aspiration of amniotic fluid
Amniotic sac
sac containing the fetus and amniotic fluid
A-mode
one-dimensional ultrasonic display reflecting the time it takes a sound wave to reach a structure and reflect back; maps the structure’s outline
Anastomosis
surgical connection of two tubular structures, such as two pieces if the intestine
Aneurysm
abnormal dilation of vessels, usually an artery
Angina
sudden pain
Angiography
radiography of the blood vessels
Angioplasty
procedure in a vessel to dilate the vessel opening
Anhidrosis
deficiency of sweat
Anomaloscope
instrument used to test color vision
Anoscopy
procedure that uses a scope to examine the anus
Antepartum
before childbirth
Anterior(ventral)
in front of
Anterior segment
those parts of the eye in the front of and including the lens(cornea, iris, ciliary body, aqueous humor)
anterposterior
from front to back
Antigen
a substance that produces a specific response
Aortography
radiographic recording of the aorta
Apex Cardiography
recording of the movement of the chest wall over the end of the heart
Aphakia
absence of the lens of the eye
Apicectomy
excision of a portion of the temporal bone
Apnea
cessation of breathing
Arthrocentesis
injection and/or aspiration of a joint
Arthrography
radiography of a joint
Arthroplasty
reshaping or reconstruction of a joint
Arthroscopy
use of scope to view inside joint
Articular
pertains to joint
Asphyxia
lack of oxygen
Aspiration
use of a needle and a syringe to withdraw fluid
Assignment
Medicare’s payment for the service, which participating physicians agree to accept as payment in full
Asthma
shortage of breath caused by contraction of bronchi
Astigmatism
condition in which the refractive surfaces of the eye are unequal
Atelectasis
incomplete expansion of lung, collapse
Artherectomy
removal of plaque by percutaneous method
Atrophy
wasting away
Audiometry
hearing test
Aural atresia
congenital absence of the external auditory canal
Auscultation
listening to sounds within the body
Autograft
from patient’s own body
Avulsion
ripping or tearing away of part either surgically or accidentally
Axillary nodes
lymph nodes located in the armpit
Bacilli
plural of bacillus, a rod-shaped bacterium
barium enema
radiographic contrast medium
Beneficiary
person who benefits from health or life insurance
Bifocal
two focuses in eyeglasses, one usually for close work and the other for improvement of distance vision
Bilaminate skin
skin substance usually made of silicone-covered nylon mesh
Bilateral
occurring on two sides
Biliary
refers to gallbladder, bile, or bile duct
Bilobectomy
surgical removal of two lobes of a lung
Biofeedback
process of giving a person self-information
Biometry
application of a statistical measure to a biological fact
Biopsy
removal of a small piece of living tissue for diagnostic purposes
Block
frozen piece of a sample
Brachytherapy
therapy using radioactive sources that are placed inside the body
Bronchiole
smaller division of bronchial tree
Bronchography
radiographic recording of the lungs
Bronchoplasty
surgical repair of the bronchi
Bronchoscopy
inspection of the bronchial tree using a bronchoscope
B-scan
two-dimensional display of tissues and organs
Bulbocavernosus
muscle that constricts the vagina in a female and the urethra in a male
Bulbourethral
gland with duct leading to the urethra
Bundle of His
muscular cardiac fibers that provide the heart rhythm to the ventricles; blockage of this rhythm produces heart block
Bundled codes
one code that represents a package of services
Bunion
hallux valgus, abnormal increase in size of metatarsal head that results in displacement of the great toe
Burr
drill used to create an entry into the cranium
Bursa
fluid-filled sac that absorbs friction
Bursitis
inflammation of bursa(joint sac)
Bypass
to go around
Calcaneal
pertaining to the heel bone
Calculus
concretion of mineral salts, also called a stone
Calycoplasty
surgical reconstruction of a recess of the renal pelvis
Calyx
recess of the renal pelvis
Cancellous
lattice-type structure, usually of bone
Cardiopulmonary
refers to the heart and lungs
Cardiopulmonary Bypass
blood bypasses the heart through a heart-lung machine
Cardioversion
electrical shock to the heart to restore normal rhythm
Carotid Body
located on each side of the common carotid artery, often a site of tumor
Cartilage
connective tissue
Cataract
opaque covering on or in the lens
Catheter
tube placed into the body to put fluid in or take fluid out
Caudal
same as inferior, away from the head, or the lower part of the body
Causalgia
burning pain
Cauterization
destruction of tissue by the use of cautery
Cavernosa
connection between the cavity of the penis and a vein
Cavernosography
radiographic recording of a cavity, e.g. the pulmonary cavity or the main part of the penis
Cavernosometry
measurement of the pressure in a cavity, e.g. the penis
Central Nervous System
brain and spinal cord
Cervical
pertaining to the neck or the cervix of the uterus
Cervix Uteri
rounded, cone-shaped neck of the uterus
Cesarean
surgical opening through abdominal wall for delivery
Cholangiography
radiographic recording of the bile ducts
Cholangiopancreatography
radiographic recording of the biliary system or pancreas
Cholecystectomy
surgical removal of the gallbladder
Cholecystoenterostomy
creation of a connection between the gallbladder and intestine
cholecystography
radiographic recording of the gallbladder
Cholesteatoma
tumor that forms in middle ear
Chondral
referring to the cartilage
Chordee
condition resulting in the penis being bent downward
Chorionic villus sampling
CVS, biopsy of the outermost part of the placenta
Circumflex
a coronary artery that circles the heart
Cloquet’s node
also called a gland; it is the highest of the deep groin lymph nodes
Closed Fracture Repair
not surgically opened with/without manipulation and with/without traction
Closed treatment
fracture site that not surgically opened or visualized
Coccyx
caudal extremity of vertebral column
Collagen
protein substance of skin
Colles’ fracture
fracture at lower end of radius that displaces the bone posteriorly
Colonoscopy
fiberscopic examination of the entire colon that may include part of the terminal ileum
Colostomy
artificial opening between the colon and the abdominal wall
Component
part
Computed axial tomography
CAT or CT, procedure by which selected planes of tissue are pinpointed through computer enhancement, and images may be reconstructed by analysis of variance in absorption of the tissue
Conjuctiva
the lining of the eyelids and the covering of anterior sclera
Contraction
drawn together
Contralateral
opposite site
Cordectomy
surgical removal of the vocal cord(s)
Cordocentesis
procedure to obtain a fetal blood sample; also called a percutaneous umbilical blood sampling
Corneosclera
cornea and sclera of the eye
Corpectomy
removal of vertebrae
Corpora Cavernosa
the two cavities of the penis
Corpus uteri
uterus
Crackle
abnormal sound when breathing (heard on auscltation)
Craniectomy
permanent, partial removal of skull
Craniotomy
opening of skull
Cranium
that part of the skeleton that encloses the brain
Curettage
scraping of a cavity using a spoon-shaped instrument
Curette
spoon-shaped instrument used to scrape a cavity
Cutdown
incision into a vessel for placement of a catheter
Cyanosis
bluish discoloration
Cystocele
herniation of the bladder into the vagina
Cystography
radiographic recording of the urinary bladder
Cystolithectomy
removal of a calculus (stone) from the urinary bladder
Cystolithotomy
cystolithectomy
Cystometrogram
CMG, measurement of the pressures and capacity of the urinary bladder
Cystoplasty
surgical reconstruction of the bladder
Cystorrhaphy
suture of the bladder
Cystoscopy
use of a scope to view the bladder
Cystostomy
surgical creation of an opening into the bladder
Cystotomy
incision into the bladder
Cystourethroplasty
surgical reconstruction of the bladder and urethra
Cystourethroscopy
use of a scope to view the bladder and the urethra
Dacrycystography
radiographic recording of the lacrimal sac or tear duct sac
Dacrostenosis
narrowing of the lacrimal duct
Debridement
cleansing of or removal of dead tissue from a wound
deductible
amount the patient is liable for before the payer begins to pay for covered services
delayed flap
pedicle of skin with blood supply that is separated from origin over time
delivery
childbirth
dermabrasion
planing of the skin by means of sander, brush, or sandpaper
dermatologist
physician who treats conditions of the skin
Dialysis
filtration of blood
Dilation
expansion
Discectomy
removal of a vertebral disc
Discography
placement in a location other than the original location
Distal
farther from the point of attachment or origin
Diverticulum
protrusion in the wall of an organ
Doppler
ultrasonic measure of blood movement
Dosimetry
scientific calculation of radiation emitted from various radioactive sources
Drainage
free flow or withdrawl of fluids from a wound or cavity
Duodenography
radiographic recording of the duodenum or first part of the small intestine
Dysphagia
difficulty swallowing
Dyspnea
shortness of breath, difficult breathing
Dysuria
painful urination
Dysphonia
speech impairment
Echocardiography
radiographic recording of the heart or heart walls or surrounding tissues
Echoencephalography
ultrasound of the brain
Echography
ultrasound procedure in which sound waves are bounced off an internal organ and the resulting image is recorded
Ectopic
pregnancy outside of the uterus (i.e in the fallopian tube)
Edema
swelling due to abnormal fluid collection in the tissue spaces
Elective Surgery
nonemergency procedure
Electrocardiogram
ECG, written record of the electrical action of the heart
Electrocautery
cauterization by means of heated instrument
Electrocochleography
test to measure the eighth cranial nerve (hearing test)
Electrode
lead attached to a generator that carries the electrical current from the generator to the atria or ventricles
Electroencephalogram
EEG, written record of the electrical action of the brain
Electromyogram
EMG, written record of the electrical activity of the skeletal muscles
Electronic claim submission
claims prepared and submitted via computer
Electronic signature
identification system of a computer
Electro-oculogram
EOG, written record of the electrical activity of the eye
Electrophysiology
study of the electrical system of the heart, including the study of the arrhythmias
Embolectomy
removal of blockage (embolism) from vessel
Emphysema
air accumulated in organ or tissue
Encephalography
radiographic recording of the subarachnoid space and ventricles of the brain
Endartectomy
incision into an artery to remove the inner lining so as to eliminate disease or blockage
Endomyocardial
pertaining to the inner and middle layers of the heart
Endopylotomy
procedure involving the bladder and uterus, including the insertion of a stent into the renal pelvis
Endoscopy
inspection of body organs or cavities using a lighted scope that may be inserted through an existing opening or through a small incision
Enterolysis
releasing of adhesions of intestine
Enucleation
removal of an organ or organs from a body cavity
Epicardial
over the heart
Epidermolysis
loosening of the epidermis
Epidermomycosis
superficial fungal infection
Epididymectomy
surgical removal of the epididymis
Epididymis
tube located at the top of the testes that stores sperm
Epididymyography
radiographic recording of the epididymis
Epididymovasostomy
creation of a new connection between the vas deferens and epididymis
Epiglottidectomy
excision of the covering of the larynx
Episclera
connective covering of the sclera
Epistaxis
nosebleed
Epithelium
surface covering of internal and external organs of the body
Erythema
redness of skin
Escharotomy
surgical incision into necrotic (dead) tissue
Eventration
protusion of the bowel through an opening in the abdomen
Evisceration
removal of an organ all in one piece
Exophthalmos
protrusion of the eyeball
Exostosis
bony growth
Exstrophy
condition in which an organ is turned inside out
Extracorporeal
occuring outside the body
False aneurysm
sac of clotted blood that has completely destroyed the vessel and is being contained by the tissue that surrounds the vessel
Fasciectomy
removal of a band of fibrous tissue
Federal Register
official publication of all “Presidential Documents, “ “Rules and Regulations,” “Proposed Rules” and “Notices”; government-instituted national changes are published in the Federal Register
Fee Schedule
services and payment allowed for each service
Femoral
pertaining to the bone from the pelvis to knee
Fenestration
creation of a new opening in the inner wall of the middle ear
Fissure
cleft or groove
Fistula
abnormal opening from one area to another area or to the outside of the body
Fluoroscopy
procedure for viewing the interior of the body using x-rays and projecting the image onto a TV screen
Fracture
break in a bone
Free full-thickness graft
graft of epidermis and dermis that is completely removed from donor area
Fulguration
use of electrical current to destroy tissue
Fundoplasty
repair of the bottom of the bladder
Furuncle
nodule in the skin caused by Staphylococci entering through hair follicle
Ganglion
knot
Gastrointestinal
pertaining to the stomach and intestine
Gastroplasty
operation on the stomach for repair or reconfiguration
Gastrostomy
artificial opening between the stomach and the abdominal wall
Gatekeeper
a physician who manages a patient’s access to health care
Glaucoma
eye diseases that are characterized by an increase in intraocular pressure
Globe
eyeball
Glottis
true vocal cords
Gonioscopy
use of a scope to examine the angles of the eye
Group Practice Model
an organization of physicians who contract with a Health Maintenance Organization to provide services to the enrolleesof the HMO
Grouper
computer used to input the principal diagnosis and other critical information about a patient and then provide the correct DRG code
Health Maintenance Organization
HMO, a health care delivery system in which an enrollee is assigned a primary care physician who manages all the health care needs of the enrollee
Hematoma
mass of blood that forms outside of the body
Hemodyalsis
cleansing of the blood outside of the body
Hemolysis
breakdown of red blood cells
Hemoptysis
bloody sputum
Hepatography
radiographic recording of the liver
Hernia
organ or tissue protuding through the wall or cavity that usually contains it
Histology
study of structure of tissue and cells
Homograft
allograft, same species graft
Hormone
chemical substance produced by the body’s endocrine glands
Hydrocele
sac of fluid
Hyperopia
farsightedness; eyeball is too short from front to back
Hypogastric
lowest middle abdominal area
Hyposensitization
decreased sensitivity
Hypothermia
low body temperature; sometimes induced during surgical procedures
Hypoxemia
low level of oxygen in the blood
Hypoxia
low level of oxygen in the tissue
Hysterectomy
surgical removal of the uterus
Hysterorrhaphy
suturing of the uterus
Hysterosalpingography
radiographic recording of the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes
Hysteroscopy
visualization of the canal and cavity of the uterus using a scope placed through the vagina
Ichthyosis
skin disorder characterized by scaling
Ileostomy
artificial opening between the ileum and the abdominal wall
ilium
portion of hip
imbrication
overlapping
Immunotherapy
therapy to increase immunity
Implantable Defibrillator
surgically placed device that directs an electrical shock to the heart to restore rhythm
Incarcerated
regarding hernias, a constricted, irreducible hernia that may cause obstruction of an intestine
Incise
to cut into
Individual Practice Association
IPA, an organization of physicians who provide services for a set fee; Health Maintenance Organizations often contract with the IPA for services to their enrollees
Inferior
away from the head of the lower part of the body; also known as caudalingual
Intracardiac
inside the heart
Intramural
within the organ wall
Intramuscular
into a muscle
Intrauterine
inside the uterus
Intravenous
into a vein
Intravenous pyleography
IVP, radiographic recording of the urinary system
Introitus
opening or entrance to the vagina from the uterus
Intubation
insertion of a tube
Intussusception
slipping of one part of the intestine into another part
Invasive
entering the body, breaking skin
Iontophoresis
introduction of ions into the body
Ischemia
deficient blood supply due to obstruction of the circulatory system
Island pedicle flap
contains a single artery and vein that remain attached to origin temporarily or permanently
Isthmus
connection of two regions or structures
Isthmus, thyroid
tissue connection between right and left thyroid lobes
Isthmusectomy
surgical removal of the isthmus
Jaundice
a condition in which excessive bilirubin causes the skin and whites of the eyes to appear yellowish
Jejunostomy
artificial opening between the jejunum and the abdominal wall
Joint
the place at which two bones attach
Jugular nodes
lymph nodes located next to the large vein in the neck
Keloid
a fibrous growth that forms at the site of a scar
Keratomalacia
softening of the cornea associated with a deficiency of vitamin A
Keratoplasty
surgical repair of the cornea
Ketones
compounds that are carbon-based by-products of fatty acid metabolism, excess ketone bodies in urine may indicate diabetes mellitus
Kidney
organs that filter blood and balance the levels of water, salt, and minerals in the blood
Kidney stones
formations of minerals and salt that may form in the urine
Kock pouch
surgical creation of a urinary bladder from a segment of the ileum
Kyphosis
humpback
Labryinth
inner connecting cavities, such as the internal ear
Labyrinthitis
inner ear inflammation
Lacrimal
related to tears
Lamina
flat plate
Laminectomy
surgical excision of the lamina
Laparoscopy
exploration of the abdomen and pelvic cavities using a scope placed through a small incision in the abdominal wall
Laryngeal web
congenital abnormality of connective tissue between the vocal cords
Laryngectomy
surgical removal of the larynx
laryngography
radiographic recording of the larynx
laryngoplasty
surgical repair to the larynx
larygnoscope
fiberoptic scope used to view the inside of the larynx
laryngoscopy
direct visualization and examination of the interior of the larynx with a laryngoscope
larygnotomy
incision into the larynx
Lateral
away from the midline of the body (to the side)
Lavage
washing out
Leukoderma
depigmentation of the skin
Leukoplakia
white patch on mucous membrane
Ligament
fibrous band of tissue that connects cartilage to bone
Ligation
binding or tying off, as in constricting the blood flow of a vessel or binding fallopian tubes for sterilization
Liocyte
fat cell
Lipoma
fatty tumor
Lithotomy
incision into an organ or a duct for the purpose of removing a stone
Lithrotripsy
crushing of a stone by sound waves or force
Lobectomy
surgical excision of lobe of the lung
Lordosis
anterior curve of the spine
Lumbodynia
pain in the lumbar area
Lunate
one of the wrist(carpal) bones
Lymph node
station along the lymphatic system
Lymphadenectomy
excision of a lymph node or nodes
Lymphadentitis
inflammation of a lymph node
Lymphangiography
radiographic recording of the lymphatic vessels and nodes
Lymphangiotomy
incision into a lymphatic vessel
Lysis
releasing
Magnetic resonance imaging
MRI, procedure that uses nonionizing radiation to view the body in a cross-sectional view
Major Diagnostic Categories
MDC, the division of all principal diagnoses into 25 manually exclusive principal diagnosis areas within the DRG system
Mammography
radiographic recording of the breasts
Managed Care Organization
MCO, a group that is responsible for the health care services offered to an enrolled group of persons
Manipulation
movement by hand
Manipulation or reduction
alignment of a fracture or joint dislocation to its normal position
Mastoidectomy
removal of the mastoid bone
Maximum Actual Allowable Charge
MAAC, limitation on the total amount that can be charged by physicians who are not participants in Medicare
Meatotomy
surgical enlargement of the opening of the urinary meatus
Medial
toward the midline of the body
Medical Volume Performance Standards
MVPS, government’s estimate of how much growth is appropriate for nationwide physician expenditures paid by the Part B Medicare program
Medicare Economic Index
MEI, government mandated index that ties increases in the Medicare prevailing charges to economic indicators
Medicare Fee Schedule
MFS, schedule that listed the allowable charges for Medicare services; was replaced by the Medicare reasonable charge payment system
Medicare risk HMO
a Medicare-funded alternative to the standard Medicare supplemental coverage
Melanin
dark pigment of skin
Melanoma
tumor of epidermis, malignant and black in color
Meniere’s disease
condition that causes dizziness, ringing in the ears, and deafness
M-Mode
one-dimensional display of movement of structures
modality
treatment method
Mohs surgery or Mohs micrographic surgery
removal of skin cancer in layers by a surgeon who also acts as pathologist during surgery
Monofocal
eyeglasses with one vision correction
Multipara
more than one pregnancy
Muscle
organ of contraction and movement
Muscle flap
transfer of muscle from origin to recipient site
Myasthenia gravis
syndrome characterized by muscle weakness
Myleography
radiographic recording of the subarachnoid space of the spine
Myopia
nearsightedness, eyeball too long from front to back
Myringotomy
incision into the lymphatic membrane
Nasal button
synthetic circular disc used to cover a hole in the nasal septum
Nasopharyngoscopy
use of a scope to visualize the nose and the pharynx
National Provider Identifier
NPI, a 10-digit number assigned to a physician by Medicare
Nephrectomy, paraperitoneal
kidney transplant
Nephrocutaneous fistula
a channel from the kidney to the skin
Nephrolithotomy
removal of a kidney stone through an incision made into the kidney
Nephrorrhaphy
suturing of the kidney
Nephrostolithotomy
creation of an artificial channel to the kidney
Nephrostolithotomy, precutaneous
procedure to establish an artificial channel between the skin and the kidney
Nephrotomy
incision into the kidney
Neurovascular Flap
contains artery, vein, and nerve
Noninvasive
not entering the body, not breaking skin
Nuclear Cardiology
diagnostic specialty that uses radiologic procedures to aid in diagnosis of cardiologic conditions
Nystagmus
rapid involuntary eye movements
Ocular adnexa
orbit, extraocular muscles, and eyelid
Olecranon
elbow bone
Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1989
OBRA, act that established new rules for Medicare reinbursement
Oophrectomy
surgical removal of the ovary(ies)
Opacification
area that has become opaque(milky)
Open fracture repair
surgical opening (incision) over or remote opening as access to a fracture site
Open treatment
fracture site that is surgically opened and visualized
Ophthalmodynamometry
test of the blood pressure of the eye
Ophthalmology
body of knowledge regarding the eyes
Opthalmoscopy
examination of the interior of the eye by means of a scope, also known as fundoscopy
Optokinetic
movement of the eyes to objects moving in the visual field
Orchiectomy
castration; removal of the testes
Orchiopexy
surgical procedure to release undescended testes and fixate them within the scrotum
Order
shows subordination of one thing to another; family or class
Orthopnea
difficulty breathing, needing to be in erect position to breathe
Orthoptic
corrective; in the correct place
Osteoarthritis
degenerative condition of articular cartilage
Osteoclast
absorbs or removes bone
Osteotomy
cutting into bone
Otitis Media
noninfectious inflammation of the middle ear; serous otitis media produces liquid drainage (not purluent) and suppurative otitis media produces purluent (pus) matter
Otoscope
instrument used to examine the internal and external ear
Oviduct
fallopian tube
Papilledema
swelling of the optic disc (papilla)
Paraesophageal Hiatal Hernia
hernia that is near the esophagus
Parathyroid
produces a hormone to mobilize calcium from the bones to the blood
Paronychia
infection around nail
Part A
Medicare’s hospital insurance; covers hospital/facility care
Part B
Medicare’s supplemental medical insurance; covers physician services and durable medical equipment that are not paid for under Part A
Participating provider Program
Medicare providers who have agreed in advance to accept assignment on all Medicare claims, now termed Quality Improvement Organizations (QIO)
Patella
knee cap
Pedicle
growth attached with a stern
Peer Review Organizations
PRO’s, groups established to review hospital admission and care
Pelviolithotomy
pyleoplasty
Penoscrotal
referring to the penis and scrotum
Percussion
tapping with sharp blows as a diagnostic technique
Percutaneous
through the skin
Percutaneous fracture repair
repair of a fracture by means of pins and wires inserted through the fracture site
Percutaneous skeletal fixation
considered neither open nor closed; the fracture is not visualized; but fixation is placed across the fracture site under x-ray imaging
Pericardiocentesis
procedure in which a surgeon withdraws fluid from the pericardial space by means of a needle inserted percutaneously
pericardium
membranous sac enclosing heart and ends of great vessels
perineum
area between the vulva and anus; also known as the pelvic floor
peripheral nerves
12 pairs of cranial nerves; 31 pairs of spinal nerves, and autonomic nervous system; connects peripheral receptors to the brain and spinal cord
peritoneal
within the lining of the abdominal cavity
peritoneoscopy
visualization of the abdominal cavity using one scope placed through a small incision in the abdominal wall and another scope placed in the vagina
Pharynogolaryngectomy
surgical removal of the pharynx and larynx
Phlebotomy
cutting into a vein
Phonocardiogram
recording of the heart sounds
Photochemotherapy
treatment by means of drugs that react to ultraviolet radiation or sunlight
Physics
scientific study of energy
Pilosebaceous
pertains to hair follicles and sebaceous glands
Placenta
a structure that connects the fetus and mother during pregnancy
Plethysmography
determining the changes in volume of an organ part or body
Pleura
covers the lungs and lines the thoracic cavity
Pleurectomy
surgical excision of the pleura
Pleuritis
inflammation of the pleura
Pneumonocentesis
surgical puncturing of a lung to withdraw fluid
Pneumonolysis
surgical separation of the lung from the chest wall to allow the lung to collapse
Pneumonostomy
surgical procedure in which the chest cavity is exposed and the lung is incised
Pneumonotomy
incision of the lung
Pneumonoplethysmography
determining the changes in the volume of the lung
posterior (dorsal)
in back of
posterior segments
those parts of the eye behind the lens
posterioranterior
from back to front
postpartum
after childbirth
Preferred Provider Organization
PPO, a group of providers who form a network and who have agreed to provide services to enrollees at a discounted rate
Priapism
painful condition in which the penis is constantly erect
Primary care physician
PCP, physician who oversees a patient’s care within a managed care organization
Primary diagnosis
chief complaint of a patient in outpatient setting
Primipara
first pregnancy
Prior approval
also known as a pior authorization, the payer’s approval of care
Proctosigmoidoscopy
fiberscopic examination of the sigmoid colon and rectum
Professional Standards Review Organization
PSRO, voluntary physician’s organization designed to monitor the necessity of hospital admissions, treatment costs, and medical records of hospitals
Prognosis
probable outcome of an illness
Prostatotomy
incision into the prostate
Provider Identification Number
PIN, assigned to Phyisicians by payers for use in claims submissions
Pyleography
radiographic recording of the kidneys, renal pelvis, urterers, and bladder
qualitative
measuring the prescence of absence of
Quality Improvement Organizations
QIO, consists of a national network of 53 entities that work with consumers, physicians, hospitals, and caregivers to refine care delivery systems
Quantitative
measuring the presence of and the amount of
Rad
radiation-acsorbed dose, the energy deposited in patient’s tissues
Radiation Oncology
branch of medicine concerned with the application of radiation to a tumor site for treatment (destruction) of cancerous tumors
Radiograph
film on which an image is produced through exposure to x-radiation
Radiologist
physician who specializes in the use of radioactive materials in the diagnosis and treatment of disease and illness
Radiology
branch of medicine concerned with the use of radioactive substances for diagnosis and therapy
Rales
coarse sounds on inspiration, also known as crackles (heard on auscilatation)
Real time
two-dimensional display of both the structures and the motion of tissues and organs, with the length of time also recorded as part of the study
Reduction
replacement to normal position
Relative Value Unit
RVU, unit value that has been assigned for each service
Resource-based Relative Value Scale
RBRVS, scale designed to decrease Medicare expenditures, redistribute physician payment, and ensure quality health care at reasonable rates
Resource intensity
refers to the relative volume and type of diagnostic, therapeutic, and bed services used in the management of a particular illness
Retrograde
moving backward or against the usual direction of flow
Rhinoplasty
surgical repair of nose
Rhinorrhea
nasal mucous discharge
Salpingectomy
surgical removal of the uterine tube
Salpingostomy
creation of a fistula into the uterine tube
Scan
mapping of emissions of radioactive substances after they have been introduced into the body; the density can determine normal or abnormal conditions
Sclera
outer covering of the eye
Scoliosis
lateral curve of the spine
Sebaceous gland
secretes sebum
Seborrhea
excess sebum secretion
Sebum
oily substance
Section
slice of a frozen block
Segmentectomy
surgical removal of a portion of a lung
Septoplasty
surgical repair of the nasal septum
Serum
blood from which the fribrogen has been removed
Severity of illness
refers to the levels of loss of function and mortality that may be experienced by patients with a particular disease
Shunt
an artificial passage
Sialography
radiographic recording of the salivary duct and branches
Sialithotomy
surgical removal of a portion of a lung
Sinography
radiographic recording of the sinus or sinus tract
Sinusotomy
surgical incision into a sinus
Skeletal traction
application of pressure to the bone by means of pins and/or wires inserted into the bone
Skin traction
application of pressure to the bone by means of tape applied to the skin
Skull
entire skeletal framework of the head
Somatic nerve
sensory or motor nerve
Specimen
sample of tissue or fluid
Spirometry
measurement of breathing capacity
Splenectomy
excision of the spleen
Splenography
radiographic recording of the spleen
Splenoportography
radiographic procedure to allow visualization of the splenic and portal veins of the spleen
Split-thickness graft
all epidermis and some of dermis
Spondylitis
inflammation of vertebrae
Staff Model
a HMO that directly employs the physicians who provide services to enrollees
Steatoma
fat mass in sebaceous gland
Stem cell
immature blood cell
Stereotaxis
method of identifying a specific area or point in the brain
Strabismus
extraocular muscle deviation resulting in unequal visual axes
stratified
layered
stratum (strata)
layer
subcutaneous
tissue below the dermis, primarily fat cells that insulate the body
Subluxation
partial dislocation
Subungual
beneath the nail
Superior
toward the head or the upper part of the body; also known as cephalic
supination
supine position
Supine
laying on back
Swan-Ganz catheter
a catheter that measures pressure in the heart
Sympathetic nerve
part of the peripheral nervous system that controls automatic body function and nerves activated under stress
Symphysis
natural junction
Synchondrosis
union between two bones (connected by cartilage)
Tachypnea
quick, shallow breathing
Tarsorrhaphy
suturing together of the eyelids
Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act
TEFRA, act that contains language to reward cost-conscious health care providers
Tendon
attaches a muscle to a bone
Tendoesis
suturing of a tendon to a bone
Tenorrhaphy
suture repair of tendon
Thermogram
written record of temperature variation
Third-party payer
insurance company or entity that is liable for another’s health care services
Thoracentesis
surgical puncture of the thoracic cavity, usually using a needle, to remove fluids
Thoracic duct
collection and distribution point for lymph, and the largest lymph vessel located in the chest
Thoracoplasty
surgical procedure that removes rib(s) and thereby allows the collapse of a lung
Thoracoscopy
use of a lighted endscope to view the pleural spaces and thoracic cavity or to perform surgical procedures
Thoracostomy
incision into the chest wall and insertion of a chest tube
Thoracotomy
surgical incision into the chest wall
Thromboendarterectomy
procedure to remove plaque or clot formations from a vessel by percutaneous method
Thymectomy
surgical removal of the thymus
Thymus
gland that produces hormones important to the immune response
Thyroglossal Duct
connection between the thyroid and the tongue
Thyroid
part of the endocrine system that produces hormones that regulate metabolism
Thyroidectomy
surgical removal of the thymus
Tinnitus
ringing in the ears
Titer
measure of laboratory analysis
Tocolysis
repression of uterine contractions
Tomography
procedure that allows viewing of a single plane of the body by blurring out all but that particular level
Tonography
recording of changes in intraocular pressure in response to sustained pressure on the eyeball
Tonometry
measurement of pressure or tension
Total Pneumonectomy
surgical removal of an entire lung
Tracheostomy
creation of an opening into trachea
tracheotomy
incision into trachea
Traction
application of pressure to maintain normal alignment
Transcutaneous
entering by way of the skin
Transesophogeal echocardiogram
TEE, echocardiogram preformed by placing a probe down the esophagus and sending out sound waves to obtain images of the heart and its movement
Transmastoid
creates an opening in the mastoid for drainage antrostomy
Transplantation
grafting of tissue from one source to another
Transseptal
through the septum
Transtracheal
across the trachea
Transurteroureterostomy
surgical connection of one uterer to the other urterer
Transurethral resection of prostate
TURP, procedure preformed through the urethra by means of cystoscopy to remove part or all of the prostate
transvenous
through a vein
transvesical urterolithotomy
removal of a uterer stone (calculus) through the bladder
Trephination
surgical removal of a disc of bone
Trocar needle
needle with a tube on the end; used to puncture and withdraw fluid from a cavity
Tubercle
lesion caused by infection of tuberculosis
Tumescence
state of being swollen
Tunica Vaginalis
covering of the testes
Tympanolysis
freeing of adhesions of the tympanic membrane
Tympanometry
test of the inner ear using air pressure
Tympanostomy
insertion of ventilation tube into tympanum
Ultrasound
technique using sound waves to determine the density of the outline of tissue
Unbundling
reporting with multiple codes that can be reported with one code
Unilateral
occuring on one side
Uptake
absorption of a radioactive substance by body tissues; recorded for diagnostic purposes in conditions such as thyroid disease
Urterectomy
surgical removal of a uterer, either totally or partially
Ureterocolon
pertaining to the uterer and colon
Urtererocutaneous fistula
channel from the uterer to exterior skin
Urtererenterostomy
creation of a connection between the intestine and the uterer
Urtererolithotomy
removal of a stone from the uterer
Utererolysis
freeing of adhesions of the uterer
Urtererocystostomy
surgical connection of the uterer to a new site on the bladder
Urtererplyeography
uterer and bladder radiography
Urtererotomy
incision into the uterer
Urethrocystography
radiography of the bladder and urethra
Urethromeatoplasty
surgical repair of the urethra and meatus
Urethropexy
fixation of the urethra by means of surgery
Urethroplasty
surigcal repair of the urethra
Urethrorrhaphy
suturing of the urethra
urethroscopy
use of a scope to view the urethra
urography
same as pyleography, radographic recording of the kidneys, renal pelvis, uterers, and bladder
Uveal
vascular tissue of the choroid, ciliary body, and iris
varices
varicose veins
variocele
swelling of the scrotal vein
vas deferens
tube that carries sperm from the epididymis to the urethra
Vasectomy
removal of a segment of vas deferens
Vasogram
recording of the flow in the vas deferens
Vasotomy
incision in the vas deferens
Vasorrhaphy
suturing of the vas deferens
Vasovasostomy
reversal of vasectomy
Vectorcardiogram
VCG, continuous recording of electrical direction and magnitude of the heart
Venography
radiographic recording of the veins and tributaries
Vertebrectomy
removal of vertebrae
Vertigo
dizziness
Vesicostomy
surgical creation of a connection of the viscera of the bladder to the skin
Vescovaginal fistula
creation of a tube between the vagina and the bladder
Vesciculectomy
excision of the seminal vesicle
Vesiculography
radiographic recording of the seminal vesicles
Vesiculotomy
incison into the seminal vesicle
Viscera
an organ in one of the large cavities of the body
Volvulus
twisted section of the intestine
Vomer
flat bones of the nasal septum
Xanthoma
tumor composed of cells containing lipid material, yellow in color
xenograft
different species graft
xeroderma
dry, discolored, scaly skin
xeroradiography
photoelectric process of radiographs