Medical Terminology Flashcards
1
Q
Ablation
A
removal or destruction by cutting, chemicals, or electrocautery
2
Q
Abortion
A
termination of pregnancy
3
Q
Absence
A
without
4
Q
Actinotherapy
A
treatment of acne using ultraviolet rays
5
Q
Adenoidectomy
A
removal of adenoids
6
Q
adipose
A
fatty
7
Q
Adrenals
A
glands, located at the top of the kidneys, that produces steroid hormones
8
Q
Albinism
A
lack of color/pigment
9
Q
Allograft
A
homograft, same species graft
10
Q
Alopecia
A
condition in which the hair falls out
11
Q
Amniocentesis
A
percutaneous aspiration of amniotic fluid
12
Q
Amniotic sac
A
sac containing the fetus and amniotic fluid
13
Q
A-mode
A
one-dimensional ultrasonic display reflecting the time it takes a sound wave to reach a structure and reflect back; maps the structure’s outline
14
Q
Anastomosis
A
surgical connection of two tubular structures, such as two pieces if the intestine
15
Q
Aneurysm
A
abnormal dilation of vessels, usually an artery
16
Q
Angina
A
sudden pain
17
Q
Angiography
A
radiography of the blood vessels
18
Q
Angioplasty
A
procedure in a vessel to dilate the vessel opening
19
Q
Anhidrosis
A
deficiency of sweat
20
Q
Anomaloscope
A
instrument used to test color vision
21
Q
Anoscopy
A
procedure that uses a scope to examine the anus
22
Q
Antepartum
A
before childbirth
23
Q
Anterior(ventral)
A
in front of
24
Q
Anterior segment
A
those parts of the eye in the front of and including the lens(cornea, iris, ciliary body, aqueous humor)
25
anterposterior
from front to back
26
Antigen
a substance that produces a specific response
27
Aortography
radiographic recording of the aorta
28
Apex Cardiography
recording of the movement of the chest wall over the end of the heart
29
Aphakia
absence of the lens of the eye
30
Apicectomy
excision of a portion of the temporal bone
31
Apnea
cessation of breathing
32
Arthrocentesis
injection and/or aspiration of a joint
33
Arthrography
radiography of a joint
34
Arthroplasty
reshaping or reconstruction of a joint
35
Arthroscopy
use of scope to view inside joint
36
Articular
pertains to joint
37
Asphyxia
lack of oxygen
38
Aspiration
use of a needle and a syringe to withdraw fluid
39
Assignment
Medicare's payment for the service, which participating physicians agree to accept as payment in full
40
Asthma
shortage of breath caused by contraction of bronchi
41
Astigmatism
condition in which the refractive surfaces of the eye are unequal
42
Atelectasis
incomplete expansion of lung, collapse
43
Artherectomy
removal of plaque by percutaneous method
44
Atrophy
wasting away
45
Audiometry
hearing test
46
Aural atresia
congenital absence of the external auditory canal
47
Auscultation
listening to sounds within the body
48
Autograft
from patient's own body
49
Avulsion
ripping or tearing away of part either surgically or accidentally
50
Axillary nodes
lymph nodes located in the armpit
51
Bacilli
plural of bacillus, a rod-shaped bacterium
52
barium enema
radiographic contrast medium
53
Beneficiary
person who benefits from health or life insurance
54
Bifocal
two focuses in eyeglasses, one usually for close work and the other for improvement of distance vision
55
Bilaminate skin
skin substance usually made of silicone-covered nylon mesh
56
Bilateral
occurring on two sides
57
Biliary
refers to gallbladder, bile, or bile duct
58
Bilobectomy
surgical removal of two lobes of a lung
59
Biofeedback
process of giving a person self-information
60
Biometry
application of a statistical measure to a biological fact
61
Biopsy
removal of a small piece of living tissue for diagnostic purposes
62
Block
frozen piece of a sample
63
Brachytherapy
therapy using radioactive sources that are placed inside the body
64
Bronchiole
smaller division of bronchial tree
65
Bronchography
radiographic recording of the lungs
66
Bronchoplasty
surgical repair of the bronchi
67
Bronchoscopy
inspection of the bronchial tree using a bronchoscope
68
B-scan
two-dimensional display of tissues and organs
69
Bulbocavernosus
muscle that constricts the vagina in a female and the urethra in a male
70
Bulbourethral
gland with duct leading to the urethra
71
Bundle of His
muscular cardiac fibers that provide the heart rhythm to the ventricles; blockage of this rhythm produces heart block
72
Bundled codes
one code that represents a package of services
73
Bunion
hallux valgus, abnormal increase in size of metatarsal head that results in displacement of the great toe
74
Burr
drill used to create an entry into the cranium
75
Bursa
fluid-filled sac that absorbs friction
76
Bursitis
inflammation of bursa(joint sac)
77
Bypass
to go around
78
Calcaneal
pertaining to the heel bone
79
Calculus
concretion of mineral salts, also called a stone
80
Calycoplasty
surgical reconstruction of a recess of the renal pelvis
81
Calyx
recess of the renal pelvis
82
Cancellous
lattice-type structure, usually of bone
83
Cardiopulmonary
refers to the heart and lungs
84
Cardiopulmonary Bypass
blood bypasses the heart through a heart-lung machine
85
Cardioversion
electrical shock to the heart to restore normal rhythm
86
Carotid Body
located on each side of the common carotid artery, often a site of tumor
87
Cartilage
connective tissue
88
Cataract
opaque covering on or in the lens
89
Catheter
tube placed into the body to put fluid in or take fluid out
90
Caudal
same as inferior, away from the head, or the lower part of the body
91
Causalgia
burning pain
92
Cauterization
destruction of tissue by the use of cautery
93
Cavernosa
connection between the cavity of the penis and a vein
94
Cavernosography
radiographic recording of a cavity, e.g. the pulmonary cavity or the main part of the penis
95
Cavernosometry
measurement of the pressure in a cavity, e.g. the penis
96
Central Nervous System
brain and spinal cord
97
Cervical
pertaining to the neck or the cervix of the uterus
98
Cervix Uteri
rounded, cone-shaped neck of the uterus
99
Cesarean
surgical opening through abdominal wall for delivery
100
Cholangiography
radiographic recording of the bile ducts
101
Cholangiopancreatography
radiographic recording of the biliary system or pancreas
102
Cholecystectomy
surgical removal of the gallbladder
103
Cholecystoenterostomy
creation of a connection between the gallbladder and intestine
104
cholecystography
radiographic recording of the gallbladder
105
Cholesteatoma
tumor that forms in middle ear
106
Chondral
referring to the cartilage
107
Chordee
condition resulting in the penis being bent downward
108
Chorionic villus sampling
CVS, biopsy of the outermost part of the placenta
109
Circumflex
a coronary artery that circles the heart
110
Cloquet's node
also called a gland; it is the highest of the deep groin lymph nodes
111
Closed Fracture Repair
not surgically opened with/without manipulation and with/without traction
112
Closed treatment
fracture site that not surgically opened or visualized
113
Coccyx
caudal extremity of vertebral column
114
Collagen
protein substance of skin
115
Colles' fracture
fracture at lower end of radius that displaces the bone posteriorly
116
Colonoscopy
fiberscopic examination of the entire colon that may include part of the terminal ileum
117
Colostomy
artificial opening between the colon and the abdominal wall
118
Component
part
119
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
120
Conjuctiva
the lining of the eyelids and the covering of anterior sclera
121
Contraction
drawn together
122
Contralateral
opposite site
123
Cordectomy
surgical removal of the vocal cord(s)
124
Cordocentesis
procedure to obtain a fetal blood sample; also called a percutaneous umbilical blood sampling
125
Corneosclera
cornea and sclera of the eye
126
Corpectomy
removal of vertebrae
127
Corpora Cavernosa
the two cavities of the penis
128
Corpus uteri
uterus
129
Crackle
abnormal sound when breathing (heard on auscltation)
130
Craniectomy
permanent, partial removal of skull
131
Craniotomy
opening of skull
132
Cranium
that part of the skeleton that encloses the brain
133
Curettage
scraping of a cavity using a spoon-shaped instrument
134
Curette
spoon-shaped instrument used to scrape a cavity
135
Cutdown
incision into a vessel for placement of a catheter
136
Cyanosis
bluish discoloration
137
Cystocele
herniation of the bladder into the vagina
138
Cystography
radiographic recording of the urinary bladder
139
Cystolithectomy
removal of a calculus (stone) from the urinary bladder
140
Cystolithotomy
cystolithectomy
141
Cystometrogram
CMG, measurement of the pressures and capacity of the urinary bladder
142
Cystoplasty
surgical reconstruction of the bladder
143
Cystorrhaphy
suture of the bladder
144
Cystoscopy
use of a scope to view the bladder
145
Cystostomy
surgical creation of an opening into the bladder
146
Cystotomy
incision into the bladder
147
Cystourethroplasty
surgical reconstruction of the bladder and urethra
148
Cystourethroscopy
use of a scope to view the bladder and the urethra
149
Dacrycystography
radiographic recording of the lacrimal sac or tear duct sac
150
Dacrostenosis
narrowing of the lacrimal duct
151
Debridement
cleansing of or removal of dead tissue from a wound
152
deductible
amount the patient is liable for before the payer begins to pay for covered services
153
delayed flap
pedicle of skin with blood supply that is separated from origin over time
154
delivery
childbirth
155
dermabrasion
planing of the skin by means of sander, brush, or sandpaper
156
dermatologist
physician who treats conditions of the skin
157
Dialysis
filtration of blood
158
Dilation
expansion
159
Discectomy
removal of a vertebral disc
160
Discography
placement in a location other than the original location
161
Distal
farther from the point of attachment or origin
162
Diverticulum
protrusion in the wall of an organ
163
Doppler
ultrasonic measure of blood movement
164
Dosimetry
scientific calculation of radiation emitted from various radioactive sources
165
Drainage
free flow or withdrawl of fluids from a wound or cavity
166
Duodenography
radiographic recording of the duodenum or first part of the small intestine
167
Dysphagia
difficulty swallowing
168
Dyspnea
shortness of breath, difficult breathing
169
Dysuria
painful urination
170
Dysphonia
speech impairment
171
Echocardiography
radiographic recording of the heart or heart walls or surrounding tissues
172
Echoencephalography
ultrasound of the brain
173
Echography
ultrasound procedure in which sound waves are bounced off an internal organ and the resulting image is recorded
174
Ectopic
pregnancy outside of the uterus (i.e in the fallopian tube)
175
Edema
swelling due to abnormal fluid collection in the tissue spaces
176
Elective Surgery
nonemergency procedure
177
Electrocardiogram
ECG, written record of the electrical action of the heart
178
Electrocautery
cauterization by means of heated instrument
179
Electrocochleography
test to measure the eighth cranial nerve (hearing test)
180
Electrode
lead attached to a generator that carries the electrical current from the generator to the atria or ventricles
181
Electroencephalogram
EEG, written record of the electrical action of the brain
182
Electromyogram
EMG, written record of the electrical activity of the skeletal muscles
183
Electronic claim submission
claims prepared and submitted via computer
184
Electronic signature
identification system of a computer
185
Electro-oculogram
EOG, written record of the electrical activity of the eye
186
Electrophysiology
study of the electrical system of the heart, including the study of the arrhythmias
187
Embolectomy
removal of blockage (embolism) from vessel
188
Emphysema
air accumulated in organ or tissue
189
Encephalography
radiographic recording of the subarachnoid space and ventricles of the brain
190
Endartectomy
incision into an artery to remove the inner lining so as to eliminate disease or blockage
191
Endomyocardial
pertaining to the inner and middle layers of the heart
192
Endopylotomy
procedure involving the bladder and uterus, including the insertion of a stent into the renal pelvis
193
Endoscopy
inspection of body organs or cavities using a lighted scope that may be inserted through an existing opening or through a small incision
194
Enterolysis
releasing of adhesions of intestine
195
Enucleation
removal of an organ or organs from a body cavity
196
Epicardial
over the heart
197
Epidermolysis
loosening of the epidermis
198
Epidermomycosis
superficial fungal infection
199
Epididymectomy
surgical removal of the epididymis
200
Epididymis
tube located at the top of the testes that stores sperm
201
Epididymyography
radiographic recording of the epididymis
202
Epididymovasostomy
creation of a new connection between the vas deferens and epididymis
203
Epiglottidectomy
excision of the covering of the larynx
204
Episclera
connective covering of the sclera
205
Epistaxis
nosebleed
206
Epithelium
surface covering of internal and external organs of the body
207
Erythema
redness of skin
208
Escharotomy
surgical incision into necrotic (dead) tissue
209
Eventration
protusion of the bowel through an opening in the abdomen
210
Evisceration
removal of an organ all in one piece
211
Exophthalmos
protrusion of the eyeball
212
Exostosis
bony growth
213
Exstrophy
condition in which an organ is turned inside out
214
Extracorporeal
occuring outside the body
215
False aneurysm
sac of clotted blood that has completely destroyed the vessel and is being contained by the tissue that surrounds the vessel
216
Fasciectomy
removal of a band of fibrous tissue
217
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
218
Fee Schedule
services and payment allowed for each service
219
Femoral
pertaining to the bone from the pelvis to knee
220
Fenestration
creation of a new opening in the inner wall of the middle ear
221
Fissure
cleft or groove
222
Fistula
abnormal opening from one area to another area or to the outside of the body
223
Fluoroscopy
procedure for viewing the interior of the body using x-rays and projecting the image onto a TV screen
224
Fracture
break in a bone
225
Free full-thickness graft
graft of epidermis and dermis that is completely removed from donor area
226
Fulguration
use of electrical current to destroy tissue
227
Fundoplasty
repair of the bottom of the bladder
228
Furuncle
nodule in the skin caused by Staphylococci entering through hair follicle
229
Ganglion
knot
230
Gastrointestinal
pertaining to the stomach and intestine
231
Gastroplasty
operation on the stomach for repair or reconfiguration
232
Gastrostomy
artificial opening between the stomach and the abdominal wall
233
Gatekeeper
a physician who manages a patient's access to health care
234
Glaucoma
eye diseases that are characterized by an increase in intraocular pressure
235
Globe
eyeball
236
Glottis
true vocal cords
237
Gonioscopy
use of a scope to examine the angles of the eye
238
Group Practice Model
an organization of physicians who contract with a Health Maintenance Organization to provide services to the enrolleesof the HMO
239
Grouper
computer used to input the principal diagnosis and other critical information about a patient and then provide the correct DRG code
240
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
241
Hematoma
mass of blood that forms outside of the body
242
Hemodyalsis
cleansing of the blood outside of the body
243
Hemolysis
breakdown of red blood cells
244
Hemoptysis
bloody sputum
245
Hepatography
radiographic recording of the liver
246
Hernia
organ or tissue protuding through the wall or cavity that usually contains it
247
Histology
study of structure of tissue and cells
248
Homograft
allograft, same species graft
249
Hormone
chemical substance produced by the body's endocrine glands
250
Hydrocele
sac of fluid
251
Hyperopia
farsightedness; eyeball is too short from front to back
252
Hypogastric
lowest middle abdominal area
253
Hyposensitization
decreased sensitivity
254
Hypothermia
low body temperature; sometimes induced during surgical procedures
255
Hypoxemia
low level of oxygen in the blood
256
Hypoxia
low level of oxygen in the tissue
257
Hysterectomy
surgical removal of the uterus
258
Hysterorrhaphy
suturing of the uterus
259
Hysterosalpingography
radiographic recording of the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes
260
Hysteroscopy
visualization of the canal and cavity of the uterus using a scope placed through the vagina
261
Ichthyosis
skin disorder characterized by scaling
262
Ileostomy
artificial opening between the ileum and the abdominal wall
263
ilium
portion of hip
264
imbrication
overlapping
265
Immunotherapy
therapy to increase immunity
266
Implantable Defibrillator
surgically placed device that directs an electrical shock to the heart to restore rhythm
267
Incarcerated
regarding hernias, a constricted, irreducible hernia that may cause obstruction of an intestine
268
Incise
to cut into
269
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
270
Inferior
away from the head of the lower part of the body; also known as caudalingual
271
Intracardiac
inside the heart
272
Intramural
within the organ wall
273
Intramuscular
into a muscle
274
Intrauterine
inside the uterus
275
Intravenous
into a vein
276
Intravenous pyleography
IVP, radiographic recording of the urinary system
277
Introitus
opening or entrance to the vagina from the uterus
278
Intubation
insertion of a tube
279
Intussusception
slipping of one part of the intestine into another part
280
Invasive
entering the body, breaking skin
281
Iontophoresis
introduction of ions into the body
282
Ischemia
deficient blood supply due to obstruction of the circulatory system
283
Island pedicle flap
contains a single artery and vein that remain attached to origin temporarily or permanently
284
Isthmus
connection of two regions or structures
285
Isthmus, thyroid
tissue connection between right and left thyroid lobes
286
Isthmusectomy
surgical removal of the isthmus
287
Jaundice
a condition in which excessive bilirubin causes the skin and whites of the eyes to appear yellowish
288
Jejunostomy
artificial opening between the jejunum and the abdominal wall
289
Joint
the place at which two bones attach
290
Jugular nodes
lymph nodes located next to the large vein in the neck
291
Keloid
a fibrous growth that forms at the site of a scar
292
Keratomalacia
softening of the cornea associated with a deficiency of vitamin A
293
Keratoplasty
surgical repair of the cornea
294
Ketones
compounds that are carbon-based by-products of fatty acid metabolism, excess ketone bodies in urine may indicate diabetes mellitus
295
Kidney
organs that filter blood and balance the levels of water, salt, and minerals in the blood
296
Kidney stones
formations of minerals and salt that may form in the urine
297
Kock pouch
surgical creation of a urinary bladder from a segment of the ileum
298
Kyphosis
humpback
299
Labryinth
inner connecting cavities, such as the internal ear
300
Labyrinthitis
inner ear inflammation
301
Lacrimal
related to tears
302
Lamina
flat plate
303
Laminectomy
surgical excision of the lamina
304
Laparoscopy
exploration of the abdomen and pelvic cavities using a scope placed through a small incision in the abdominal wall
305
Laryngeal web
congenital abnormality of connective tissue between the vocal cords
306
Laryngectomy
surgical removal of the larynx
307
laryngography
radiographic recording of the larynx
308
laryngoplasty
surgical repair to the larynx
309
larygnoscope
fiberoptic scope used to view the inside of the larynx
310
laryngoscopy
direct visualization and examination of the interior of the larynx with a laryngoscope
311
larygnotomy
incision into the larynx
312
Lateral
away from the midline of the body (to the side)
313
Lavage
washing out
314
Leukoderma
depigmentation of the skin
315
Leukoplakia
white patch on mucous membrane
316
Ligament
fibrous band of tissue that connects cartilage to bone
317
Ligation
binding or tying off, as in constricting the blood flow of a vessel or binding fallopian tubes for sterilization
318
Liocyte
fat cell
319
Lipoma
fatty tumor
320
Lithotomy
incision into an organ or a duct for the purpose of removing a stone
321
Lithrotripsy
crushing of a stone by sound waves or force
322
Lobectomy
surgical excision of lobe of the lung
323
Lordosis
anterior curve of the spine
324
Lumbodynia
pain in the lumbar area
325
Lunate
one of the wrist(carpal) bones
326
Lymph node
station along the lymphatic system
327
Lymphadenectomy
excision of a lymph node or nodes
328
Lymphadentitis
inflammation of a lymph node
329
Lymphangiography
radiographic recording of the lymphatic vessels and nodes
330
Lymphangiotomy
incision into a lymphatic vessel
331
Lysis
releasing
332
Magnetic resonance imaging
MRI, procedure that uses nonionizing radiation to view the body in a cross-sectional view
333
Major Diagnostic Categories
MDC, the division of all principal diagnoses into 25 manually exclusive principal diagnosis areas within the DRG system
334
Mammography
radiographic recording of the breasts
335
Managed Care Organization
MCO, a group that is responsible for the health care services offered to an enrolled group of persons
336
Manipulation
movement by hand
337
Manipulation or reduction
alignment of a fracture or joint dislocation to its normal position
338
Mastoidectomy
removal of the mastoid bone
339
Maximum Actual Allowable Charge
MAAC, limitation on the total amount that can be charged by physicians who are not participants in Medicare
340
Meatotomy
surgical enlargement of the opening of the urinary meatus
341
Medial
toward the midline of the body
342
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
343
Medicare Economic Index
MEI, government mandated index that ties increases in the Medicare prevailing charges to economic indicators
344
Medicare Fee Schedule
MFS, schedule that listed the allowable charges for Medicare services; was replaced by the Medicare reasonable charge payment system
345
Medicare risk HMO
a Medicare-funded alternative to the standard Medicare supplemental coverage
346
Melanin
dark pigment of skin
347
Melanoma
tumor of epidermis, malignant and black in color
348
Meniere's disease
condition that causes dizziness, ringing in the ears, and deafness
349
M-Mode
one-dimensional display of movement of structures
350
modality
treatment method
351
Mohs surgery or Mohs micrographic surgery
removal of skin cancer in layers by a surgeon who also acts as pathologist during surgery
352
Monofocal
eyeglasses with one vision correction
353
Multipara
more than one pregnancy
354
Muscle
organ of contraction and movement
355
Muscle flap
transfer of muscle from origin to recipient site
356
Myasthenia gravis
syndrome characterized by muscle weakness
357
Myleography
radiographic recording of the subarachnoid space of the spine
358
Myopia
nearsightedness, eyeball too long from front to back
359
Myringotomy
incision into the lymphatic membrane
360
Nasal button
synthetic circular disc used to cover a hole in the nasal septum
361
Nasopharyngoscopy
use of a scope to visualize the nose and the pharynx
362
National Provider Identifier
NPI, a 10-digit number assigned to a physician by Medicare
363
Nephrectomy, paraperitoneal
kidney transplant
364
Nephrocutaneous fistula
a channel from the kidney to the skin
365
Nephrolithotomy
removal of a kidney stone through an incision made into the kidney
366
Nephrorrhaphy
suturing of the kidney
367
Nephrostolithotomy
creation of an artificial channel to the kidney
368
Nephrostolithotomy, precutaneous
procedure to establish an artificial channel between the skin and the kidney
369
Nephrotomy
incision into the kidney
370
Neurovascular Flap
contains artery, vein, and nerve
371
Noninvasive
not entering the body, not breaking skin
372
Nuclear Cardiology
diagnostic specialty that uses radiologic procedures to aid in diagnosis of cardiologic conditions
373
Nystagmus
rapid involuntary eye movements
374
Ocular adnexa
orbit, extraocular muscles, and eyelid
375
Olecranon
elbow bone
376
Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1989
OBRA, act that established new rules for Medicare reinbursement
377
Oophrectomy
surgical removal of the ovary(ies)
378
Opacification
area that has become opaque(milky)
379
Open fracture repair
surgical opening (incision) over or remote opening as access to a fracture site
380
Open treatment
fracture site that is surgically opened and visualized
381
Ophthalmodynamometry
test of the blood pressure of the eye
382
Ophthalmology
body of knowledge regarding the eyes
383
Opthalmoscopy
examination of the interior of the eye by means of a scope, also known as fundoscopy
384
Optokinetic
movement of the eyes to objects moving in the visual field
385
Orchiectomy
castration; removal of the testes
386
Orchiopexy
surgical procedure to release undescended testes and fixate them within the scrotum
387
Order
shows subordination of one thing to another; family or class
388
Orthopnea
difficulty breathing, needing to be in erect position to breathe
389
Orthoptic
corrective; in the correct place
390
Osteoarthritis
degenerative condition of articular cartilage
391
Osteoclast
absorbs or removes bone
392
Osteotomy
cutting into bone
393
Otitis Media
noninfectious inflammation of the middle ear; serous otitis media produces liquid drainage (not purluent) and suppurative otitis media produces purluent (pus) matter
394
Otoscope
instrument used to examine the internal and external ear
395
Oviduct
fallopian tube
396
Papilledema
swelling of the optic disc (papilla)
397
Paraesophageal Hiatal Hernia
hernia that is near the esophagus
398
Parathyroid
produces a hormone to mobilize calcium from the bones to the blood
399
Paronychia
infection around nail
400
Part A
Medicare's hospital insurance; covers hospital/facility care
401
Part B
Medicare's supplemental medical insurance; covers physician services and durable medical equipment that are not paid for under Part A
402
Participating provider Program
Medicare providers who have agreed in advance to accept assignment on all Medicare claims, now termed Quality Improvement Organizations (QIO)
403
Patella
knee cap
404
Pedicle
growth attached with a stern
405
Peer Review Organizations
PRO's, groups established to review hospital admission and care
406
Pelviolithotomy
pyleoplasty
407
Penoscrotal
referring to the penis and scrotum
408
Percussion
tapping with sharp blows as a diagnostic technique
409
Percutaneous
through the skin
410
Percutaneous fracture repair
repair of a fracture by means of pins and wires inserted through the fracture site
411
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
412
Pericardiocentesis
procedure in which a surgeon withdraws fluid from the pericardial space by means of a needle inserted percutaneously
413
pericardium
membranous sac enclosing heart and ends of great vessels
414
perineum
area between the vulva and anus; also known as the pelvic floor
415
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
416
peritoneal
within the lining of the abdominal cavity
417
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
418
Pharynogolaryngectomy
surgical removal of the pharynx and larynx
419
Phlebotomy
cutting into a vein
420
Phonocardiogram
recording of the heart sounds
421
Photochemotherapy
treatment by means of drugs that react to ultraviolet radiation or sunlight
422
Physics
scientific study of energy
423
Pilosebaceous
pertains to hair follicles and sebaceous glands
424
Placenta
a structure that connects the fetus and mother during pregnancy
425
Plethysmography
determining the changes in volume of an organ part or body
426
Pleura
covers the lungs and lines the thoracic cavity
427
Pleurectomy
surgical excision of the pleura
428
Pleuritis
inflammation of the pleura
429
Pneumonocentesis
surgical puncturing of a lung to withdraw fluid
430
Pneumonolysis
surgical separation of the lung from the chest wall to allow the lung to collapse
431
Pneumonostomy
surgical procedure in which the chest cavity is exposed and the lung is incised
432
Pneumonotomy
incision of the lung
433
Pneumonoplethysmography
determining the changes in the volume of the lung
434
posterior (dorsal)
in back of
435
posterior segments
those parts of the eye behind the lens
436
posterioranterior
from back to front
437
postpartum
after childbirth
438
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
439
Priapism
painful condition in which the penis is constantly erect
440
Primary care physician
PCP, physician who oversees a patient's care within a managed care organization
441
Primary diagnosis
chief complaint of a patient in outpatient setting
442
Primipara
first pregnancy
443
Prior approval
also known as a pior authorization, the payer's approval of care
444
Proctosigmoidoscopy
fiberscopic examination of the sigmoid colon and rectum
445
Professional Standards Review Organization
PSRO, voluntary physician's organization designed to monitor the necessity of hospital admissions, treatment costs, and medical records of hospitals
446
Prognosis
probable outcome of an illness
447
Prostatotomy
incision into the prostate
448
Provider Identification Number
PIN, assigned to Phyisicians by payers for use in claims submissions
449
Pyleography
radiographic recording of the kidneys, renal pelvis, urterers, and bladder
450
qualitative
measuring the prescence of absence of
451
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
452
Quantitative
measuring the presence of and the amount of
453
Rad
radiation-acsorbed dose, the energy deposited in patient's tissues
454
Radiation Oncology
branch of medicine concerned with the application of radiation to a tumor site for treatment (destruction) of cancerous tumors
455
Radiograph
film on which an image is produced through exposure to x-radiation
456
Radiologist
physician who specializes in the use of radioactive materials in the diagnosis and treatment of disease and illness
457
Radiology
branch of medicine concerned with the use of radioactive substances for diagnosis and therapy
458
Rales
coarse sounds on inspiration, also known as crackles (heard on auscilatation)
459
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
460
Reduction
replacement to normal position
461
Relative Value Unit
RVU, unit value that has been assigned for each service
462
Resource-based Relative Value Scale
RBRVS, scale designed to decrease Medicare expenditures, redistribute physician payment, and ensure quality health care at reasonable rates
463
Resource intensity
refers to the relative volume and type of diagnostic, therapeutic, and bed services used in the management of a particular illness
464
Retrograde
moving backward or against the usual direction of flow
465
Rhinoplasty
surgical repair of nose
466
Rhinorrhea
nasal mucous discharge
467
Salpingectomy
surgical removal of the uterine tube
468
Salpingostomy
creation of a fistula into the uterine tube
469
Scan
mapping of emissions of radioactive substances after they have been introduced into the body; the density can determine normal or abnormal conditions
470
Sclera
outer covering of the eye
471
Scoliosis
lateral curve of the spine
472
Sebaceous gland
secretes sebum
473
Seborrhea
excess sebum secretion
474
Sebum
oily substance
475
Section
slice of a frozen block
476
Segmentectomy
surgical removal of a portion of a lung
477
Septoplasty
surgical repair of the nasal septum
478
Serum
blood from which the fribrogen has been removed
479
Severity of illness
refers to the levels of loss of function and mortality that may be experienced by patients with a particular disease
480
Shunt
an artificial passage
481
Sialography
radiographic recording of the salivary duct and branches
482
Sialithotomy
surgical removal of a portion of a lung
483
Sinography
radiographic recording of the sinus or sinus tract
484
Sinusotomy
surgical incision into a sinus
485
Skeletal traction
application of pressure to the bone by means of pins and/or wires inserted into the bone
486
Skin traction
application of pressure to the bone by means of tape applied to the skin
487
Skull
entire skeletal framework of the head
488
Somatic nerve
sensory or motor nerve
489
Specimen
sample of tissue or fluid
490
Spirometry
measurement of breathing capacity
491
Splenectomy
excision of the spleen
492
Splenography
radiographic recording of the spleen
493
Splenoportography
radiographic procedure to allow visualization of the splenic and portal veins of the spleen
494
Split-thickness graft
all epidermis and some of dermis
495
Spondylitis
inflammation of vertebrae
496
Staff Model
a HMO that directly employs the physicians who provide services to enrollees
497
Steatoma
fat mass in sebaceous gland
498
Stem cell
immature blood cell
499
Stereotaxis
method of identifying a specific area or point in the brain
500
Strabismus
extraocular muscle deviation resulting in unequal visual axes
501
stratified
layered
502
stratum (strata)
layer
503
subcutaneous
tissue below the dermis, primarily fat cells that insulate the body
504
Subluxation
partial dislocation
505
Subungual
beneath the nail
506
Superior
toward the head or the upper part of the body; also known as cephalic
507
supination
supine position
508
Supine
laying on back
509
Swan-Ganz catheter
a catheter that measures pressure in the heart
510
Sympathetic nerve
part of the peripheral nervous system that controls automatic body function and nerves activated under stress
511
Symphysis
natural junction
512
Synchondrosis
union between two bones (connected by cartilage)
513
Tachypnea
quick, shallow breathing
514
Tarsorrhaphy
suturing together of the eyelids
515
Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act
TEFRA, act that contains language to reward cost-conscious health care providers
516
Tendon
attaches a muscle to a bone
517
Tendoesis
suturing of a tendon to a bone
518
Tenorrhaphy
suture repair of tendon
519
Thermogram
written record of temperature variation
520
Third-party payer
insurance company or entity that is liable for another's health care services
521
Thoracentesis
surgical puncture of the thoracic cavity, usually using a needle, to remove fluids
522
Thoracic duct
collection and distribution point for lymph, and the largest lymph vessel located in the chest
523
Thoracoplasty
surgical procedure that removes rib(s) and thereby allows the collapse of a lung
524
Thoracoscopy
use of a lighted endscope to view the pleural spaces and thoracic cavity or to perform surgical procedures
525
Thoracostomy
incision into the chest wall and insertion of a chest tube
526
Thoracotomy
surgical incision into the chest wall
527
Thromboendarterectomy
procedure to remove plaque or clot formations from a vessel by percutaneous method
528
Thymectomy
surgical removal of the thymus
529
Thymus
gland that produces hormones important to the immune response
530
Thyroglossal Duct
connection between the thyroid and the tongue
531
Thyroid
part of the endocrine system that produces hormones that regulate metabolism
532
Thyroidectomy
surgical removal of the thymus
533
Tinnitus
ringing in the ears
534
Titer
measure of laboratory analysis
535
Tocolysis
repression of uterine contractions
536
Tomography
procedure that allows viewing of a single plane of the body by blurring out all but that particular level
537
Tonography
recording of changes in intraocular pressure in response to sustained pressure on the eyeball
538
Tonometry
measurement of pressure or tension
539
Total Pneumonectomy
surgical removal of an entire lung
540
Tracheostomy
creation of an opening into trachea
541
tracheotomy
incision into trachea
542
Traction
application of pressure to maintain normal alignment
543
Transcutaneous
entering by way of the skin
544
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
545
Transmastoid
creates an opening in the mastoid for drainage antrostomy
546
Transplantation
grafting of tissue from one source to another
547
Transseptal
through the septum
548
Transtracheal
across the trachea
549
Transurteroureterostomy
surgical connection of one uterer to the other urterer
550
Transurethral resection of prostate
TURP, procedure preformed through the urethra by means of cystoscopy to remove part or all of the prostate
551
transvenous
through a vein
552
transvesical urterolithotomy
removal of a uterer stone (calculus) through the bladder
553
Trephination
surgical removal of a disc of bone
554
Trocar needle
needle with a tube on the end; used to puncture and withdraw fluid from a cavity
555
Tubercle
lesion caused by infection of tuberculosis
556
Tumescence
state of being swollen
557
Tunica Vaginalis
covering of the testes
558
Tympanolysis
freeing of adhesions of the tympanic membrane
559
Tympanometry
test of the inner ear using air pressure
560
Tympanostomy
insertion of ventilation tube into tympanum
561
Ultrasound
technique using sound waves to determine the density of the outline of tissue
562
Unbundling
reporting with multiple codes that can be reported with one code
563
Unilateral
occuring on one side
564
Uptake
absorption of a radioactive substance by body tissues; recorded for diagnostic purposes in conditions such as thyroid disease
565
Urterectomy
surgical removal of a uterer, either totally or partially
566
Ureterocolon
pertaining to the uterer and colon
567
Urtererocutaneous fistula
channel from the uterer to exterior skin
568
Urtererenterostomy
creation of a connection between the intestine and the uterer
569
Urtererolithotomy
removal of a stone from the uterer
570
Utererolysis
freeing of adhesions of the uterer
571
Urtererocystostomy
surgical connection of the uterer to a new site on the bladder
572
Urtererplyeography
uterer and bladder radiography
573
Urtererotomy
incision into the uterer
574
Urethrocystography
radiography of the bladder and urethra
575
Urethromeatoplasty
surgical repair of the urethra and meatus
576
Urethropexy
fixation of the urethra by means of surgery
577
Urethroplasty
surigcal repair of the urethra
578
Urethrorrhaphy
suturing of the urethra
579
urethroscopy
use of a scope to view the urethra
580
urography
same as pyleography, radographic recording of the kidneys, renal pelvis, uterers, and bladder
581
Uveal
vascular tissue of the choroid, ciliary body, and iris
582
varices
varicose veins
583
variocele
swelling of the scrotal vein
584
vas deferens
tube that carries sperm from the epididymis to the urethra
585
Vasectomy
removal of a segment of vas deferens
586
Vasogram
recording of the flow in the vas deferens
587
Vasotomy
incision in the vas deferens
588
Vasorrhaphy
suturing of the vas deferens
589
Vasovasostomy
reversal of vasectomy
590
Vectorcardiogram
VCG, continuous recording of electrical direction and magnitude of the heart
591
Venography
radiographic recording of the veins and tributaries
592
Vertebrectomy
removal of vertebrae
593
Vertigo
dizziness
594
Vesicostomy
surgical creation of a connection of the viscera of the bladder to the skin
595
Vescovaginal fistula
creation of a tube between the vagina and the bladder
596
Vesciculectomy
excision of the seminal vesicle
597
Vesiculography
radiographic recording of the seminal vesicles
598
Vesiculotomy
incison into the seminal vesicle
599
Viscera
an organ in one of the large cavities of the body
600
Volvulus
twisted section of the intestine
601
Vomer
flat bones of the nasal septum
602
Xanthoma
tumor composed of cells containing lipid material, yellow in color
603
xenograft
different species graft
604
xeroderma
dry, discolored, scaly skin
605
xeroradiography
photoelectric process of radiographs
