Chapter 4:
The field of medicine involves an often complex and highly descriptive language. Many of the terms are unfamiliar to the general public. As a medical assistant, you will be using these terms regularly in your work, and you should be ready to assist patients by translating the terms into common language. In this chapter, you will review how to break down terms into parts for easier understanding, and you will review strategies for word building that aid in communicating medical terms to others. Common terms used in a variety of body systems and clinical practice settings will be defined. In addition, you will review abbreviations that are used commonly in medical practice.
Medical terms are used in documents such as clinical records, medical reports, and insurance correspondence. It is often better to avoid medical terms when speaking directly to a patient or conducting patient education. Most patients would be confused if we asked them, “Do you have rhinorrhea?” It is more efficient to ask if a patient has had a runny nose. Be aware that you will be called upon to translate medical terms for your patients.