Medical Assistant Exam: Glossary of Important Terms

ABCs: airway, breathing, circulation; the primary aspects of assessment in an emergency
absorption: the method the body uses to transfer nutrients from the gastrointestinal, or digestive, tract into the bloodstream
accession record: preassigned numbers given to medical records in a numeric filing system
active files: medical records of patients currently under the care of the physician
active listening: listening with a purpose or reason, paying close attention to the words used in the conversation as well as to the tone of the words spoken; restating what a patient has said to be sure it was correctly understood
acute infection: an infection with a quick onset and short duration
advance directives: a set of instructions created by an individual about his or her future medical care, should he or she become incapacitated and unable to make his or her own healthcare decisions. A healthcare agent is appointed by the individual to make healthcare decisions for him or her.
aerobic: growing, living, or occurring in the presence of oxygen
afebrile: without fever
affirmative defense: a type of legal defense commonly used in malpractice cases whereby the patient and the physician share the blame for the injury received by the patient
aging of accounts: the length of time an account has been overdue, beginning from the time the first billing statement is sent to the patient
alternating current interference: in an ECG readout, a type of artifact that appears as a series of spikes on the paper; could be caused by nearby equipment
Americans with Disabilities Act: (ADA) a law enacted in 1991 that is designed to protect the rights of people with physical and mental disabilities
ampule: a small sealed glass or plastic container designed to preserve its sterile contents
anaerobic: growing, living, or occurring in the absence of oxygen
anemia: a condition marked by deficiency of red blood cells
antagonism: the reduced effectiveness of one or both drugs with opposing actions when they are taken at the same time and cancel each other out
antecubital: the space located at the front of the elbow
antibody: a substance produced by the body in response to it being invaded by an antigen
antigen: a substance capable of stimulating the formation of antibodies in an individual
apnea: the temporary cessation of breathing
arbitration: a legal technique used to resolve disputes between parties, such as a physician and a patient, without going to court
arteriovenous fistula: an abnormal linkage or passageway from an artery to a vein
assignment of benefits: a method used by the insurance carrier to determine to whom the payment will be sent. If a patient accepts assignment, the payment will be sent to the physician’s office.
asymptomatic: having no noticeable signs of disease
auscultatory gap: in sphygmomanometry, a period of abnormal silence or diminished intensity during one of the Korotkoff sound phases
auscultation: the method of listening to the sounds produced by and emanating from within the body for diagnostic purposes
autoclave: a piece of equipment used to sterilize materials and instruments, using steam under pressure
axilla: the armpits
bacillus: a rod-shaped bacterial cell that causes tuberculosis and tetanus, among other diseases
bacteria: a group of single-cell microorganisms, some of which cause disease
bias: a predetermined attitude about a person or situation, usually one that can interfere with impartial judgment
bilirubinuria: bilirubin in urine
bioavailability: the amount of a drug that reaches the bloodstream and the length of time needed for it to do so
biohazardous waste: contaminated waste that is potentially infectious to humans or animals
biologic indicator: a preparation of living bacterial spores
birthday rule: the guideline that states that the parent whose birthday falls first in the year is the primary insurance carrier for the child
blind copy used: when a letter or an e-mail will be sent to individuals other than the person to whom the letter was written without the knowledge of the person to whom the letter was written
body mechanics: a method of movement and coordination to preserve and promote good posture, balance, and body alignment
bradypnea: abnormally slow breathing
buccal: pertaining to the cheek
calorie: a unit that measures the amount of heat produced by energy
cannula: a tube that can be inserted into a body cavity or duct
capillaries: small blood vessels that carry blood to and from the small arterioles to the tissues and return blood to the small venules
capitated plan: a form of managed care designed to provide healthcare to members for a fixed monthly cost
cardiac arrhythmia: an irregular heartbeat
cardiopulmonary resuscitation: (CPR) a standard approach to providing first aid—rescue breathing and heart massage—in a situation in which the victim is not breathing and the heart may have stopped beating
cardiovascular system: a system that circulates blood, via the heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries, throughout the body to transport oxygen and nutrients to cells and to carry waste products to the kidneys, where waste is removed by filtration
catalyst: a substance that helps move a chemical reaction forward
cell: the structural and functional unit of life
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services: (CMS) 1500 a standardized form used in the medical office to submit insurance claims
channel: a type of verbal or nonverbal method that may be used to convey a message
Chlamydiae: a type of bacteria that multiply only within a host cell and have a unique growing cycle
chromatin: the long, slender, filamentous threads that are the genetic material (i.e., deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA) in a nondividing cell
chromosomes: rodlike structures that condense from chromatin in a cell’s nucleus during mitosis
chronic infection: an infection that lasts for a long time—sometimes for years or a lifetime
chronological filing: a method in which patient information is filed with the most recent material of the medical record on top
civil law: regulations concerning the rights of private citizens and the relationships between individuals
claims register: also called an insurance log; a method of keeping track of claims submitted to an insurance carrier
clean claims: insurance claims containing no errors, which are readily accepted and paid by the insurance carrier
closed files: medical records that no longer needed (for example, those of deceased patients)
closed question: an inquiry that requires only a one-word answer—yes or no
cocci: spherical bacteria, including staphylococci, streptococci, and diplococci
coinsurance: the percentage that an insured person pays once the insurance policy’s deductible is exceeded, up to the policy’s stop-loss
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs: (CAAHEP) an agency that accredits medical assistants and other allied health programs offered by private and public postsecondary educational facilities
communication: the exchange of information using verbal and nonverbal means
connective tissue: a basic type of tissue that consists of cells within an extracellular matrix; includes bone, cartilage, and blood
consent: agreeing to or giving approval
contract law: a body of law established to govern agreements, either oral or written, between individuals
contributory negligence: a type of affirmative defense that is one of the most common and effective types of defenses used in malpractice cases. The defense tries to show that the patient’s behavior or negligence was partially responsible for the injury or complication that occurred, although the physician will admit to performing the procedure that led to the patient’s injury.
coordination of benefits: (COB) a system used by insurance carriers to avoid duplication of payments for the same service or procedure
co-pay: a fixed fee paid by a patient for a visit to a medical office, for a medical procedure, or to have a prescription filled
cover letter: a memo, usually sent with a resume, providing additional information explaining why the applicant feels he or she is the right person for the position being offered
criminal law: a body of law that deals with crimes against society, such as murder or burglary
cross-reference: a notation placed in one file area listing other areas within the file system where a specific piece of information may be found
customary fee: the average fee charged by a provider in a specific geographical area for a specific service or procedure
cycle billing: a once-a-month billing system that allows the office to divide the accounts into sections and then bill each section every so many days, which allows patients to receive bills on a monthly basis, but spreads the work out over a longer time period
cyst: stage the dormant stage in the life cycle
cytoplasm: gel-like fluid inside the cell
database: (data bank) specific data collected and arranged for easy and fast searching and retrieval of information
day sheet: the basic form that is placed on the pegboard and is used to record all transactions that are posted each day
decibels: (dB) a unit used to measure sound level; also widely used in electronics, signals, and communication
deductible: the portion of an insurance claim that is not covered by an insurance company
defendant: the person being sued (as opposed to plaintiff)
defibrillator: a specialized device used to deliver an electrical shock to a patient suffering from a life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia; an automated external defibrillator (AED) uses automated instructions and actions to help the individual perform defibrillation on the patient
deltoid: the muscle over the shoulder joint
deoxyribonucleic acid: (DNA) genetic material; a double-stranded polymer of nucleotides, each containing a phosphate group, a nitrogenous base, and the sugar deoxyribose
diabetic coma: severe hyperglycemia in diabetics characterized by rapid respirations, warm, dry skin, thirst, and confusion
diagnostically related groups: (DRGs) categories of diagnoses used in a hospital inpatient prospective payment system (IPPS); divided into 467 illness categories, with each illness attributed an ICD code; insurance reimbursement for medical care is based on the assumption that all patients in the same DRG category will experience the same symptoms and need the same care
digestion: the breaking down of food into smaller components that the body can absorb
digestive system: a system responsible for digestion of food via the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, and pancreas, so that nutrients from the food can be absorbed into the bloodstream and waste can be eliminated
diplomacy: the skill of handling affairs without offending or insulting an individual; being sensitive and considerate when choosing the appropriate words to use in discussing issues with patients or coworkers
dirty claims insurance: claims containing errors, which are rejected and will not be paid by the insurance carrier
disinfection: the application of a cleaning substance to equipment, surfaces, or other items to kill pathogenic microorganisms
dislocation: a separation of two bones where they meet at a joint
distal: remote; farther from any point of reference; opposed to proximal
dosage: the amount of a drug to be taken at one time
durable power of attorney for healthcare: a document that names the person chosen to represent an individual (a healthcare agent) who will be the person to make the final decisions about the individual’s end-of-life healthcare
dysphagia: difficulty swallowing
electrodes: sensors that are placed on the patient’s arms, legs, and chest to pick up the electrical activity of the heart in an ECG
electronic claims transmission: (ECT) an insurance claim submitted via the Internet
electronic health record: (EHR) a record of the total care provided to a patient from all sources
electronic medical record: (EMR) a computer-generated record of a patient’s care from one source, such as a medical office, a hospital, or a pharmacy
elimination: the method through which the body removes, or excretes, waste
emancipated minor: an individual who has not yet reached the age of majority—in most states, 18 years old—but who is no longer under the care, supervision, or custody of his or her parents
empathy: an understanding of another’s situation; sensitivity to the needs of another person by putting oneself in someone else’s position
enclosure notation: a note added to a letter to indicate that other documents are being sent with the letter
encounter form: also called a charge slip or superbill; an itemized account of the patient’s visit, listing the procedures, diagnosis, and charges for the visit
encryption: a software program designed to protect information from being read by unauthorized individuals
endocrine system: a system responsible for integrating all body functions via the adrenal glands, gonads, pancreas, parathyroids, pineal, pituitary, thymus, and thyroid
endorsement: a signature used to transfer a check legally to the bank in exchange for cash. In a medical office, a stamp marked 'pay to the order of' listing the name of the bank where the deposit will be made, followed by the physician’s name, is often used as endorsement.
enzyme: a substance, usually made of protein, that catalyzes a chemical reaction—that is, helps to move the reaction forward
epilepsy: a brain disorder that causes seizures
epithelial tissue: tissue that covers all external and lines all internal body surfaces
Epstein-Barr: virus the infection that causes mononucleosis
erythema: a redness of the skin caused by congestion of the capillaries in the lower layers of the skin
ethics: a set of values; the difference between right and wrong
excretion: the elimination of waste products from the body
explanation of benefits: (EOB) a report sent to the patient from his or her insurance carrier itemizing the benefits paid for services provided on a specific date
expressed consent: a spoken or written agreement that provides consent; many times, a handshake is considered an expressed consent
external cause codes: (E codes) codes classifying external causes of poisoning and injuries, and identifying medications; used to provide additional information and cannot be used alone
feedback the response: given to the sender of the message
felony: a serious crime that is usually punishable by prison time; may include actions such as murder, selling illegal drugs, or practicing medicine without a license
forced vital capacity: (FVC) the maximum volume of air (measured in liters) that can be expired when the patient exhales as forcefully and rapidly as possible and for as long as possible
formaldehyde: a powerful disinfectant gas
fornix: arches or folds in parts of the anatomy, including the vault of the pharynx or the upper part of the vagina
fraud: an intentional deception usually made for personal gain
fundus: the interior surface of the eye, opposite the lens; includes the retina, optic disc, macula and fovea, and posterior pole
fungus: a simple, single-celled organism, such as yeast, or multicellular colonies, such as mold and mushrooms
gait: manner or style of walking
gamma glutamyl transpeptidase: a liver enzyme
glycosuria: glucose in urine
government insurance plan: a government-run plan that is supported financially by tax revenues, and, in some cases, individual premiums; includes Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, and CHAMPVA
guarantor: the person responsible for paying a medical bill
guardian ad litem: a representative of the court used on behalf of a minor injured through negligence of medical care
glycemic index: a scale that indicates the amount of time it takes a food to raise blood glucose levels
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996: (HIPAA) a law administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and enforced by the Office for Civil Rights that governs the rules and procedures that provide for the privacy and security of a patient’s protected health information (PHI)
health maintenance organization: (HMO) a type of managed care system that offers comprehensive healthcare to an enrolled group for a fixed amount of money
helminthes: parasitic worms
hematuria: blood in urine
heterophile: antibodies the antibody found in individuals suffering from infectious mononucleosis
high density lipoprotein: (HDL) a type of fat in the body known as 'good cholesterol' because HDL removes excess cholesterol form the cells and carries it to the liver to be excreted
human chorionic gonadotropin: (HCG) a hormone secreted by a fertilized egg; used in pregnancy testing
hypercholesterolemia: high levels of cholesterol in the blood
hyperopia: farsightedness
hypertriglyeridemia: high levels of triglycerides in the blood
idiosyncratic effect: an effect that is characteristic of a specific person
implied consent: indirect acceptance, such as when an individual extends an arm to have his or her blood pressure measured
inactive file: a medical record of a patient who has not been recently treated
incontinence: the inability to control excretory functions, such as defecation or urination
independent practice association: (IPA) a group of physicians in private practice who join together to treat members at a discounted fee or on a capitation basis
induration: an abnormally hard, inflamed area
infant mortality rates: the death rate of infants categorized by the infant’s birth weight, mother’s age, prenatal care, smoking and alcohol use during pregnancy, and mother’s education
informed consent: a written statement signed by the patient agreeing to the procedure or treatment recommended by the physician only after receiving a detailed explanation of the procedure to be done, the reasons for the procedure, the risks involved, complications that may occur, and any alternate methods of treatment that may be used instead of the procedure being discussed
ingestion: the consumption of nutrients; eating and drinking
inguinal hernia: a hernia in the groin
inpatient prospective payment system: (IPPS) reimbursement system for hospital inpatients designed to contain healthcare costs; based on DRGs
insulin shock: severe hypoglycemia in diabetics characterized by rapid heart rate, cold clammy skin, and confusion
integumentary system: the skin and its accessory structures
intermittent: occasional; not continuous
interrupted baseline: a type of artifact that occurs when the electrical connection has been interrupted on an ECG
intradermal injection: a shot of medication into the dermis, or deep layer of the skin
intramuscular injection: a shot of medication into the muscle tissue
invoice: a record of the charges for items or services delivered, which implies a request for payment; also called a bill
Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations: (JCAHO) an organization designed to improve healthcare in medical facilities
jurisprudence: a department of law that deals with legal issues and decisions
ketonuria: ketones in urine
ketosis: a condition in which large amounts of ketones, the normal products of fat metabolism, accumulate in the tissues and body fluids
kinesics: the study of body language
lancet: a short, wide surgical knife
latent infection: an infection with alternating periods of being symptomatic and periods of being symptom free
lead: any of the conductors connected to the electrocardiograph; also, any of the records made by the electrocardiograph
ledger cards: cards (one per patient) that are used to record patient transactions, such as charges and payments, and to keep track of the balance a patient owes
leukocyturia: an excess of white blood cells in urine
libel: false written statements about an individual which may harm or damage his or her reputation
lipodystrophy: a disorder in which the body’s fatty tissue degenerates or otherwise becomes abnormal
living will: a limited type of advance directive that takes effect when the individual is terminally ill
low density lipoprotein: (LDL) a type of fat in the body known as 'bad cholesterol' because an excess amount of LDL in the blood can cause plaque to build up on the arterial walls
lymphadenopathy: any disorder of the lymph nodes or lymph vessels
macula: an oval-shaped, yellow pigmented part of the human eye that absorbs excess blue and ultraviolet light
major medical insurance: coverage for the most serious medical expenses or catastrophic illnesses
malfeasance: a wrong or unlawful act
managed care: a general term used to indicate lower-cost healthcare coverage
manipulation: skillful use of the hands in diagnostic procedures
Material Safety Data Sheet: (MSDS) a data sheet that contains basic information about a specific chemical or product
Mayo stand: a wide metal tray used to hold sterile instruments and supplies
Medicaid: a government-run insurance program providing healthcare to individuals regardless of age whose income is insufficient to meet medical expenses; also known as Title XVIX
medical asepsis: the removal of pathogens and the reduction of the transfer of microorganisms through cleaning any body part or surface
Medicare: a government-run health insurance program under Social Security, Title XVIII, that was started in 1965 for individuals who are either age 65 and over or under age 65 but disabled and unable to work
meniscus: the curved surface on a column of liquid in a tube
mensuration: the process of measuring the patient
message: in the communication cycle, the content or information being transferred
metabolism (of a drug): the chemical breakdown of a drug to inactivate and eliminate it after the body has used it
metabolism: the total of all biochemical reactions that take place in the body; includes anabolism and catabolism
microorganism: a tiny plant or animal that cannot be seen with the naked eye; a 'microscopic' organism
microscope: an optical instrument consisting of one or more lenses that is used to magnify objects
minerals: inorganic elements vital to a range of bodily functions, for example, structural components of tissue and cellular compounds, and as catalysts for enzyme activity
misdemeanor: a crime that is less serious than a felony; examples include fraud or falsifying medical records
misfeasance: improperly performing a legal act
modalities: treatment methods
modifiers: two-digit numbers used in coding to indicate specific circumstances about the procedure or service
monitor: a screen used to view activity on the computer
morbidity: the relative incidence of ill health or disease in a population
morphology codes: (M codes) five-digit codes used mainly for cancer registries. The first four digits indicate the specific histological term, and the last digit indicates if the tumor is benign or malignant.
mortality: the incidence of death in a population
motherboard: a circuit board in a computer that allows all other parts in the computer to communicate with one another
mouse: a handheld pointing device that controls the cursor of a computer
musculoskeletal system: a system of the body consisting of bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Its function is to provide support and protection for the body’s structures, as well as to allow for physical movement.
myocardial ischemia: a decrease in blood flow to the heart, caused by constriction or plugging of the arteries supplying blood to the heart
myopia: nearsightedness
nares: nostrils
National Uniform Claims Committee: (NUCC) a voluntary organization that was developed to institute changes in the claim forms used in the reimbursement process
nebulizer:a breathing treatment with a bronchodilator (a medication to dilate the bronchi), such as albuterol, which is used for patients who have asthma symptoms
negligence: the failure to use a reasonable amount of care, resulting in harm or damage to an individual
nervous system: a system of the body consisting of the nerves, brain, and spinal cord, responsible for coordinating the reception of stimuli
networking: the cultivation of relationships for business or for job searching
nonfeasance: the failure to perform a required duty or obligation
nonpathogen: a microorganism that does not cause disease
nonverbal communication: the exchange of information without speaking words, but rather using gestures
normal flora: microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, normally occurring in or on an organ; also known as resident flora
nosocomial: an infection acquired or occurring in a hospital among patients
nucleus: the control center of the cell that directs all the cell’s activities
Occupational Safety and Health Administration: (OSHA) a federal agency involved with safety issues in the workplace
open-ended question: an inquiry that requires the patient to give more than a one-word answer
ophthalmoscope: a lighted instrument used to examine the interior of the eye
optic nerve: a nerve that transmits visual information from the eye to the brain
optical character reader: (OCR) a type of scanner that electronically transforms the address information on a letter into a bar code, which is placed at the bottom edge of the letter
otoscope: a device that is used to look into the ears to investigate symptoms
oximeter: a device that measures the oxygen saturation level in the patient’s blood as well as the patient’s pulse rate
palliative care: medical care that aims to reduce the negative effects of the symptoms of a disease, but that does not aim to cure it
palpation: the method of feeling with the hands to detect signs of disease
parasite: an organism that must live inside another living organism in order to survive
parenteral: in pharmacology, the introduction of medication into the body through routes other than oral, primarily injection
pathogen: a microorganism that causes disease
patient: advocates liaisons between the patient and the physician or healthcare provider
perception: the method in which an individual sees a situation or another individual
percussion: the method of tapping the body to detect signs of disease
pharmacodynamics: the study of the body’s biochemical and physiological response to a drug
pharmacokinetics: the study of the action of drugs as they move through the body
pharmacotherapeutics: the study of the use and effect of drugs in the treatment and prevention of disease
pinna: the projecting part of the ear lying outside of the head
plaintiff: a person initiating the lawsuit (as opposed to defendant)
pneumothorax: a collapsed lung
point-of-service: (POS) device a device that allows direct communication with the insurance carrier to verify the status of a patient’s insurance coverage
point-of-service: (POS) plan an HMO plan that allows the member to choose a physician from a list of physicians who have previously agreed to the discounted payment schedule
potentiation: an interaction between two drugs that enhances the effect of either drug, producing a heightened response similar to an overdose
precordial leads: chest leads
preferred provider organization: (PPO) a managed care plan consisting of a group of physicians who agree to a predetermined pay scale for provided services
prejudice: a predetermined conclusion or judgment without knowledge, thought, or reason, many times in a negative manner
presbyopia: deterioration of near vision, commonly associated with aging
prescription: an order to a pharmacist to dispense a supply of medication
private insurance: (also called commercial insurance) healthcare coverage provided to individuals or groups (usually companies or associations) by private insurance companies
prophylactic: drug medication taken to maintain health and prevent the spread of disease
protected health information: (PHI) any information about the provision of healthcare, healthcare status, or payment for healthcare that can be linked to a particular person
proteins: amino acids linked together in chains and branching arrangements, that are essential to the structural components of body tissues
proteinuria: protein in urine
protozoan: a single-celled parasite, worm, or insect
purging: the process of appropriately disposing of information or files no longer needed in a medical office
radioimmunoassay: a technique used to determine antibody levels
radiopaque dye: a dye injected into patients to aid in the visualization of body parts; also known as a contrast medium
range of motion: range in degrees of an angle through which a joint can be extended and flexed
reasonable fee: the charge for an exceptionally difficult or complex procedure requiring more time and effort on the part of a provider
reference initials: the abbreviated signature of the person who typed or keyed a letter
relative value studies: a method created to develop a unit value for every medical procedure in order to develop a fair and accurate fee schedule
remittance advice: a notification sent to the physician’s offices that summarizes all the benefits paid to the provider for the claims submitted
reproductive system: a system of the body consisting of the penis and testicles in men, and the ovaries, uterus, and vagina in women, that produces new life
res ipsa loquitur: a Latin term meaning 'the thing speaks for itself' when explaining negligent actions
resident flora: nonpathogenic microorganisms that normally live on and in the human body; also known as normal flora
resource-based relative value scale: (RBRVS) a formula used to calculate reimbursement amounts for various procedures, based on resources involved in providing services rather than on fees charged by providers in the past
respiratory system: a system of the body consisting of the nose, pharynx, trachea, larynx, and lungs that brings oxygen into the body for transportation to the cells
respondeat superior: a Latin term for the law that states that physicians are liable for the negligent actions of any employee working under the physician’s supervision
resume, chronological: a document that summarizes an applicant’s background in reverse chronological order, meaning that the most recent information is listed first
resume, functional: a document that emphasizes the most valuable experiences and skills that the applicant can bring to the job
resume, targeted: a document written specifically for the advertised position, emphasizing the education and experiences that are directly related to fulfilling the expectations of this particular job
salutation: the greeting of a letter; for example, Dear Dr. Smith
sanitization: the removal of microorganisms using chemicals, heat, or ionizing radiation
screen saver: an image that appears on a computer monitor when no activity has been detected for a time; used to protect the computer screen from burn-in
sensory system: a system of the body consisting of the organs of sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch that is responsible for sight, hearing, taste, and sensations
sequela: a morbid secondary condition that occurs as a result of a less serious primary infection—for instance, a sequela of a streptococcal infection is rheumatic fever
shock: a life-threatening condition related to inadequate oxygen supply
slander: false, spoken statements about someone that may harm or damage the person’s reputation
software: a term that describes the programs that perform various tasks on the hardware
somatic tremor: a muscle movement most often caused by patient discomfort, apprehension, talking, or uncontrollable body movement.
source-oriented medical record: (SOMR) a method of record organization that files patient information according to the type of source, or subject matter, generating the information
speculum: an instrument for opening a body orifice or cavity for viewing
sphygmomanometer: an instrument used to measure blood pressure
spirometer: a device that provides numerous measurements that help the physician assess lung functioning and help to determine the extent of pulmonary disease
splenomegaly: the enlargement of the spleen
spores: a hard, thick-walled capsule formed by some bacteria that contains only the essential parts of the protoplasm of the bacterial cell
sprain: a stretching or tearing of ligaments within a joint
spreadsheets: software programs used for organizing and computing numerical data and arranging the data in charts, graphs, and models for displaying statistical information for businesses
spriochetes: long, spiral, flexible bacteria, which cause diseases such as syphilis and Lyme disease
staphylococci: a type of cocci—that is, a spherically-shaped bacteria—that live in clusters on the skin and mucous membranes
statute of limitation: the time period after an event in which a legal proceeding may be filed in a court of law
stereotype: a generalized assumption of a group of individuals that can be either positive or negative
sterile field: an area free of all microorganisms, pathogenic and nonpathogenic
sterilization: the complete elimination of all microorganisms from a surface or instrument through exposure to chemicals, ionizing radiation, dry heat, gas, or steam
sterol: any of a group of predominantly unsaturated solid alcohols of the steroid group, such as cholesterol and ergosterol, present in the fatty tissues of plants and animals
stethoscope: an instrument used to study sounds in the body
strain: a stretching or tearing of muscle or tendons
subcutaneous: a shot of medication into the layer of tissue beneath the skin into the body’s fatty layer
subjective symptom: a symptom that is felt by a patient but is not observed by an examiner
sublingual: the administration of medication under the tongue, where it will dissolve and be absorbed into the body
subpoena duces tecum: an order to appear in court and bring any papers, books, or information necessary to explain in detail the issue in question
supplementary health factor codes: (V codes) codes found in Volume II that include classification of factors that influence the health status of a patient
surgical asepsis: the practice of destroying all pathogenic organisms so that none is able to enter the body
surgical scrub: a type of hand washing that is designed to reduce the number of pathogenic microorganisms on the hands and forearms
sympathy: the sharing of the same feelings with an individual; feeling sorry for someone
symptom: any change in the body or its functioning that indicates a disease may be present
symptomatic: having noticeable signs of disease
syncope: a sudden drop in blood pressure or oxygen levels in the brain resulting in loss of consciousness; fainting
synergism: a pharmacological property relating to how two drugs have a greater therapeutic effect when administered together than the expected effects of each drug alone
tachypnea: abnormally fast breathing
teamwork: a group effort to reach a common goal
telephone personality: the tone, pitch, volume, and speed of speaking, as well as the warmth and friendliness that the medical assistant expresses when answering the phone and carrying on a conversation with a caller
third party: someone other than the patient who is responsible for paying the patient’s medical expenses or a portion of the expenses
tickler file: a reminder system used to indicate that some type of action is needed on a particular file in the medical office
tissues: groups of similar cells that perform a specialized function
tolerance: the lessening of the desired effect of a drug the longer a patient uses it
topical: medicine that is applied to the skin, through which the drug will be absorbed
tort law: rules and regulations that deal with wrongful acts other than a breach of contract against another person, such as injury, libel, or slander
toxic effect: the damaging cumulative effect of a drug that is not metabolized or properly excreted
traditional insurance plan: health coverage that will reimburse the insured for a specific amount of money based on a fee-for-service schedule outlined in the insurance
transcription: the preparation of accurate, formatted reports by converting dictated physician notes into written documents
transdermal: the application of a drug through the skin
transient: ischemic attack a brief and sudden decrease in the functioning of the brain, caused by a disturbance of blood supply to it
triage: the screening of patients at medical facilities in order to treat the most seriously injured or the sickest patient first
TRICARE: formally known as the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS); a healthcare program designed and managed by the Department of Defense that provides civilian healthcare to military personnel and their families
triglyceride: a component molecule of fat found in fatty foods
UB-04 form: a document used for completing claims covering services such as inpatient admissions, outpatient procedures, and care in facilities such as psychiatric and alcohol clinics and nursing facilities
Uniform Bill 92 (UB92): the standard insurance claim form used by institutions
urinary system: a system of the body that filters blood via the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra to remove waste and maintains the electrolyte and fluid balance within the body
urochrome: the pigment in urine responsible for its yellow color; produced by the breakdown of hemoglobin
usual fee: the average price a physician charges for a service or procedure
V codes: (supplementary health factor codes) classification of factors that influence the health status of a patient; identify reasons for healthcare other than diseases or injuries
vasoconstrictor: an agent that causes a contraction of the wall of the blood vessel
vasodilator: an agent that causes an expansion in the diameter of a blood vessel
vector: a carrier that transfers an infective agent from one host to another
ventricular fibrillation: extremely abnormal heart rhythm
ventricular tachycardia (V-tach or VT): a rapid heartbeat, originating in one of the heart’s ventricles of the heart
verbal communication: the spoken word and the tone and inflections of the voice
virus: a pathogen that can grow and reproduce only after infecting a host cell
vitamins: organic substances found naturally in foods and needed in small amounts for metabolism and prevention of certain diseases
voucher: a form filled out when minor expenses are paid using the petty cash fund, listing the date, the amount and reason for the expenditure, and the initials of the person taking the money
W-4: a tax form that new employees must complete, listing the number of withholding allowances claimed; more formally known as Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate
waiting period: a specified amount of time that must pass before a person’s insurance coverage may begin
wandering baseline: a type of artifact where the stylus gradually shifts away from the center of the paper on an ECG
warranty: a guarantee by the manufacturer of a product or piece of equipment that the equipment purchased is free of any known defects
workers’ compensation: a type of insurance that provides an employee who has been injured or disabled in a job-related incident with coverage for medical expenses
z-track injection: a modified intramuscular injection technique, in which the skin is pulled to one side and held while the needle is inserted at a 90° angle, leaving a zigzag needle track from the surface of the skin to the muscular layer