Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best method to use when deciphering new medical terms?

Starting from the right, define each element as you proceed to the left. In other words, first identify the suffix, then the combining form, and then the prefix (if there is one). Then combine all the elements to arrive at the meaning of the medical term.

What criteria should I use when deciding which medical dictionary to purchase?

Some of the features to be considered:

* Clear, easy-to-understand definitions

* Explanations of medical procedures, conditions, disorders, and diseases

* Pronunciation hints

* Abbreviations and symbols

* Reference tables containing information such as laboratory values, units of measurement with conversion values, nutritional values of foods, and emergency resources

* Useful diagrams, charts, and tables

* Expanded explanations of topics of interest to the student

* Application of information to patient care

* Extent of vocabulary coverage specific to student’s occupational area

Why is it necessary for me to memorize prefixes, roots and combining forms, and suffixes?

These elements combine to form thousands of words used in health care charting, discussion, and written materials. Learning word parts is much easier than learning thousands of individual words made up of these parts.

Why does the health care field have its own set of abbreviations?

They serve as the shorthand of the medical language. A lot of writing and recordkeeping is required to provide good patient care, and abbreviations make this task quicker and easier. Each health care agency will have its approved list of abbreviations so that all workers can interpret the shorthand in a consistent manner.