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medical abbreviations Flashcards

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USMLE® Step 1 flashcards
1
Q

provider

A

a professional person, group, or organization that delivers healthcare services to a patient population.

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2
Q

patient

A

an individual who requires medical attention.

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3
Q

intake

A

the process by which patients enter the care of a medical facility.

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4
Q

inpatient

A

a medical designation that indicates that a patient is receiving care after having been formally admitted to a healthcare provider.

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5
Q

outpatient

A

a medical designation that indicates a patient is receiving care without having been formally admitted to a healthcare provider.

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6
Q

discharge

A

when patients are cleared to leave the care of a medical facility and receive instructions for ongoing care and treatment.

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7
Q

healthcare delivery

A

the process of getting health services to patients who need medical attention.

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8
Q

healthcare system

A

an organized network that delivers medical care services.

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9
Q

access to care

A

an individual’s ability to receive medical care based on factors live availability, location, cost, and ability to pay.

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10
Q

insurance

A

a service that contracts with individuals and groups to provide medical services in exchange for regular payments from the individual through a provider.

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11
Q

coverage

A

the specific group of healthcare services that an insurance provider is willing to reimburse healthcare providers for on behalf of their clients.

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12
Q

premium

A

the required regular payment that an individual agrees to pay to an insurance company in exchange for insurance coverage.

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13
Q

health savings account (HSA)

A

a tax-free savings account offered to individuals who are covered by insurance plans with high deductibles.

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14
Q

health management organization (HMO)

A

a type of health insurance in which a group of healthcare providers accepts insurance payments to provide specific health services to members of the plan at a renegotiated rate.

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15
Q

preferred provider organization (PPO)

A

a type of health insurance in which a group of healthcare providers accept reduced rates for services from the insurance providers on behalf of the plan members.

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16
Q

deductible

A

an amount of money that must be paid out by a member of an insurance company will offer reimbursement.

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17
Q

private insurance

A

an insurance plan in which patients pay monthly premiums for healthcare coverage, and submit claims for reimbursement.

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18
Q

personal insurance plan

A

a health insurance plan in which a person sets aside money to use in the future to cover predicted medical expenses.

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19
Q

international agencies

A

regulatory agencies that create regulations and recommendations and coordinate health services for a variety of communities worldwide.

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20
Q

regulatory agency

A

an agency that writes the regulations intended to enforce a law.

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21
Q

domestic agencies

A

agencies that write rules and coordinate services with the United States.

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22
Q

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

A

a domestic agency responsible for enforcing regulations of accurate labeling and safe handling of food and drugs.

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23
Q

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

A

a domestic agency responsible for collecting data on workplace accidents and using that data to create regulations and recommendations.

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24
Q

Joint Commission

A

a nonprofit organization that offers accreditation of certification to hospitals and healthcare centers in the United States.

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25
Q

US Department of Health and Human Services

A

a federal regulatory agency that administers and manages many health organizations, systems, and programs.

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26
Q

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

A

a domestic agency under the US Department of Health and Human Services that leads a number of medical research programs.

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27
Q

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

A

a group of government agencies under the US Department of Health and Human Services that work to prevent the transmission of diseases and ensure the general protection of public health.

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28
Q

National Institute for Occupational Safty and Health (NIOSH)

A

a domestic agency under the Center for Disease Control and Prevention whose roles include researching the causes of workplace-related injuries and helping to prevent them.

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29
Q

Medicare

A

a federal health insurance plan offered to those who are 65 years of age or older and some people with disabilities.

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30
Q

Medicaid

A

a federal and state program that provides healthcare coverage for people with disabilities or lower incomes.

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31
Q

World Health Organization (WHO)

A

an international agency that works to ensure that health care is available to people worldwide.

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32
Q

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)

A

a federal agency responsible for administering benefits in Medicare, Medicaid, and several other health insurance programs.

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33
Q

health informatics

A

a branch of health information management that uses computer systems to gather, organize, maintain, and store patients’ healthcare data.

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34
Q

clinical information system (CIS)

A

an electronic database that stores important healthcare information, such as health records and prescriptions.

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35
Q

CIS specialist

A

a health informatics professional who manages clinical information systems by entering data, managing data, generating data reports, and maintaining the applications and systems needed to keep data safe and secure.

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36
Q

health information administrator

A

a professional who oversees health informatics issues that come up in the workplace, such as computer system crashes or the installation of new healthcare software.

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37
Q

Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)

A

given to an individual to demonstrate knowledge of techniques for managing electronic patient data and medical records.

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38
Q

Certified in Health Care Privacy and Security (CHIPS)

A

given to an individual to demonstrate knowledge of techniques for securing the privacy and security of sensitive patient and healthcare information.

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39
Q

Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA)

A

given to an individual to demonstrate knowledge of techniques for analyzing information, specifically with electronic health records.

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40
Q

Doctor of Medicine (MD)

A

a title that is granted upon completion of a rigorous course of study in an accredited medical school, enabling the titleholder to examine patients, recommended a course of treatment, and prescribe medication.

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41
Q

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)

A

a title that is equivalent to an MD, but focuses more on holistic and alternative solutions to medical issues.

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42
Q

obstetrician (OB/GYN)

A

a physician who specializes in monitoring the health of mothers and babies during pregnancy, labor, and childbirth.

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43
Q

medical transcriptionist

A

a health informatics specialist who records physicians’ oral notes for patient records.

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44
Q

Registered Medical Transcriptionist (RMT)

A

a certification that indicates that an individual has the essential skills and knowledge to work as a medical transcriptionist.

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45
Q

Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT)

A

a certification that indicates that an individual has expert knowledge in medical transcription.

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46
Q

Certified Coding Specialist- Physician Based (CCS-P)

A

given to an individual to demonstrate knowledge of medical coding, specializing in physician-based settings.

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47
Q

Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)

A

given to an individual to demonstrate knowledge of techniques for medical coding, specializing in hospital practice settings.

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48
Q

emergency medical technician (EMT)

A

a medical professional who responds to emergency calls in ambulances, performs medical services and takes patients to hospitals and medical facilities.

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49
Q

EMT certification

A

a state certification for the ability to provide basic emergency care and transportation for critical patients, as well as the ability to use life support equipment and skills.

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50
Q

AEMT (Advanced Emergency Medical Technician) certification

A

a state certification for the ability to conduct interventions on critical patients and to use life support equipment and skills.

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51
Q

paramedic certification

A

the highest level of state certification for an emergency medical technician certifying the ability to perform advanced life support skills in addition to interventions and life support and equipment skills.

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52
Q

dental hygienist (DH)

A

a medical professional who examines and cleans the teeth and mouth, preforms preventive treatments, and educates patients about oral health under the supervision of a licensed dentist; can also be called a licensed dental hygienist (LDH) or a registered dental hygienist (RDH).

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53
Q

dental assistant (DA)/certified dental assistant (CDA)

A

a medical professional who prepares dental tools and materials assists hygienists and dentists, and sometimes works as a receptionist.

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54
Q

biomedical equipment technician (BMET)

A

a medical professional who maintains and operates medical equipment, such as ultrasound CAT scans, and dialysis machines.

55
Q

nurse

A

a medical professional who provides therapeutic care for patients in order to improve or maintain their health.

56
Q

certified nurse’s aide (CNA)

A

a medical professional who provides patients with basic healthcare treatments and procedures.

57
Q

licensed practical nurse (LPN)

A

a medical professional who provides hands-on care for patients under the supervision of registered nurses and doctors.

58
Q

registered nurse (RN)

A

a medical professional who can work independently to provide direct care by observing, evaluating, and treating patients.

59
Q

advanced practice registered nurse (APRN)

A

a medical professional who has an advanced post-graduate degree in a nursing discipline, such as anesthesia or midwifery.

60
Q

nurse practitioner (NP)

A

an advanced practice registered nurse who has a master’s degree or PhD in nursing.

61
Q

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

A

a degree awarded to nurses based on clinical practice that allows them to practice medicine independently as nurse practitioners.

62
Q

Treatment (Tx)

A

Treatment is the current method of treating the patient’s symptoms.

63
Q

History (Hx)

A

History refers to a patient’s medical history.

64
Q

chief complaint (CC)

A

Chief complaint indicates the reason the patient is seeking medical attention.

65
Q

discharge against medical advice (DAMA)

A

Discharge against medical advice is used on a discharge order to indicate that the patient requested to leave a medical facility although the medical supervisor advised against it.

66
Q

stat

A

Stat means immediately, indicating that an order should be executed with no delay.

67
Q

as needed (PRN)

A

As needed indicates that a medication should be dispensed as needed by the patient.

68
Q

as tolerated (as tol)

A

As tolerated indicates that an activity can be done as long as it does not cause the patient discomfort.

69
Q

b.i.d.

A

The abbreviation b.i.d. means twice a day, indicating that a prescription should be taken twice a day.

70
Q

t.i.d.

A

The abbreviation t.i.d. means three times a day, indicating that a prescription should be taken three times a day.

71
Q

ad lib

A

Ad lib means as desired, indicating that something is not restricted and may be done as the patient wishes.

72
Q

blood pressure (B/P)

A

Blood pressure describes the pressure of the blood against the tubes that it travels through.

73
Q

blood sugar (BS)

A

Blood sugar refers to the amount of glucose in a patient’s blood.

74
Q

fasting blood work (FBW)

A

Fasting blood work is blood work taken after several hours of fasting or not eating.

75
Q

heart rate (HR or BPM)

A

Heart rate is a measure of how many times the heart beats in a minute.

76
Q

keep vein open (KVO)

A

Keep vein open indicates that a catheter inserted into a blood vein should be kept at a constant drip rate.

77
Q

alert, awake, and oriented (AAO)

A

Alert, awake, and oriented patients are awake, know who and where they are, recognize those around them, and know the date and time.

78
Q

afebrile (afeb)

A

Afebrile indicates no fever and denotes a patient with a normal body temperature of approximately 98.6°F.

79
Q

while awake (WA)

A

While awake indicates that an action must take place while the patient is awake.

80
Q

loss of consciousness (LOC)

A

Loss of consciousness indicates that the patient at some point lost awareness and could not respond to cues.

81
Q

range of motion (ROM)

A

Range of motion is a description of the ability of a patient to move his or her joints.

82
Q

prescription (Rx)

A

Prescription indicates the drugs a patient is currently taking or has formerly been ordered to take.

83
Q

the prognosis (Px)

A

A prognosis is an indication of the probable course or outcome of a patient’s disease or condition.

84
Q

medical procedures

A

Medical procedures are actions performed on a patient, which can include tests using sophisticated medical technology.

85
Q

cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

A

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is an emergency procedure administered to a patient whose heart has not stopped beating.

86
Q

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

A

Magnetic resonance imaging is an imaging technique that uses magnets to obtain structural or functional images of the body/

87
Q

computer axial tomography (CAT)

A

Computer axial tomography is an imaging technique that uses invisible energy waves to obtain cross-sectional images of the body.

88
Q

positron emission tomography (PET)

A

Positron emission tomography is an imaging technique that produces a three-dimensional image of a functional process in the body.

89
Q

ultrasound (US)

A

Ultrasound is an imaging technique that uses sound waves to create images of structures inside the body.

90
Q

electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)

A

Electrocardiogram is a measurement of the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time.

91
Q

electroencephalogram (EEG)

A

Electroencephalogram is a measurement of the brain’s spontaneous electrical activity over a period of time.

92
Q

advanced cardiac life support (ACLS)

A

Advanced cardiac life support is a series of life-sustaining procedures administered in response to major heart traumas.

93
Q

advanced life support (ALS)

A

Advanced life support is a series of procedures administered to a patient to sustain vital life processes, such as breathing and heartbeat.

94
Q

medical orders

A

Medical orders are instructions to medical staff.

95
Q

no added salt (NAS)

A

No added salt indicates that a patient should not be given additional salt at meals.

96
Q

no known allergies (NKA)

A

No known allergies describe a patient who has no recorded or known allergies.

97
Q

nothing by mouth (NPO)

A

Nothing by mouth is a medical order instructing medical staff to not allow the patient to ingest any substances orally.

98
Q

out of bed (OOB)

A

Out of bed indicates that a patient should get out of bed for a particular activity, or just for the exercise of getting out of bed.

99
Q

bed rest (BR)

A

Bed rest is an order requiring consistent rest time in bed.

100
Q

complete bed rest (CBR)

A

Complete bed rest is an order requiring that a patient remain in bed at all times.

101
Q

bathroom privileges (BRP)

A

Bathroom privileges indicate that a patient has permission to use bathroom facilities unsupervised and at his or her own discretion.

102
Q

do not resuscitate (DNR)

A

Do not resuscitate is a signed legal order that states that a patient is not to be administered life-saving procedures if the heart or breathing stops.

103
Q

emergency procedures

A

Emergency procedures are actions performed in a hospital or at the scene of an emergency when someone requires immediate medical care.

104
Q

SIDS

A

SIDS stands for sudden infant death syndrome, the sudden death of an infant that has no known medical history or cause.

105
Q

STI

A

STI stands for sexually transmitted infection, any number of diseases that are sexual behaviors.

106
Q

TB

A

TB stands for tuberculosis, an infectious and sometimes fatal disease that affects the lungs.

107
Q

URI

A

URI stands for upper respiratory tract infection, an infection in the upper part of the respiratory system, which is the system in the body that supports breathing.

108
Q

UTI

A

UTI stands for urinary tract infection, an infection in any part of the urinary system, which is the system of the body that collects and excretes liquid waste.

109
Q

MD

A

MD stands for muscular dystrophy, a group of muscle diseases that weaken and interfere with movement.

110
Q

MS

A

MS stands for multiple sclerosis, a condition in which the body cannot properly send electrical messages to various parts, thereby limiting functionality.

111
Q

OA

A

OA stands for osteoarthritis, a disorder that results in the degeneration of joints, which are the locations where bones connect in the body.

112
Q

OCD

A

OCD stands for obsessive-compulsive disorder, a mental health disorder characterized by obsessive behaviors meant to ease anxieties.

113
Q

PD

A

PD stands for Parkinson’s disease, a degenerative condition of the central nervous system that causes a loss of muscle control.

114
Q

PE

A

PE stands for pulmonary embolism, the blockage of one of the main parts of the lungs, which are the part of the body that support breathing.

115
Q

HIV

A

HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus, the harmful agent that causes people to get AIDS.

116
Q

HPV

A

HPV stands for human papillomavirus, the virus that can cause warts which are growths on the skin.

117
Q

IBD

A

IBS stands for irritable bowel syndrome, a disorder of the digestive system characterized by chronic bloating, discomfort, abdominal pain, and altered bowel habits.

118
Q

LD

A

LD stands for learning disability, any number of diagnosable disabilities that affect a person’s ability to learn specific skills, such as reading, writing, speaking, or math.

119
Q

DM

A

DM stands for diabetes mellitus, a disease in which the body has difficulty managing and regulating levels of sugar in the bloodstream.

120
Q

FAS

A

FAS stands for fetal alcohol syndrome, a group of mental or physical defects that can develop in an unborn baby from the mother’s alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

121
Q

FBOA

A

FBOA stands for foreign-body obstructed airway, an airway that has been obstructed by a foreign object, usually because the object has been swallowed.

122
Q

FUO

A

FUO stands for fever of unknown origin, a diagnosis noted when a patient has a temperature of 101ºF or more several times over the course of three weeks and doctors cannot determine the cause.

123
Q

Fx

A

Fx stands for fracture, a specific way that a bone has been broken.

124
Q

CA

A

CA stands for cancer, a condition that describes the uncontrolled growth of cells in the body.

125
Q

CAD or CHD

A

CAD or CHD stands for coronary artery/heart disease, a condition caused by the obstruction of blood flow in the body.

126
Q

CF

A

CF stands for cystic fibrosis, an inheritable disease that causes a build-up of mucus in the body, leading to organ damage.

127
Q

CHF

A

CHF stands for congestive heart failure, a condition in which the heart can no longer sufficiently pump blood throughout the body and oxygen-rich blood can no longer be supplied to the heart.

128
Q

COPD

A

COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a chronic condition that results in difficulty breathing because the passages in the lungs that transfer air become clogged and misshapen.

129
Q

AD

A

AD stands for Alzheimer’s disease, a degenerative disease that affects the functions of the brain and nervous system, leading to memory loss, forgetfulness, and irrational behavior.

130
Q

ADD and ADHD

A

ADD and ADHD stand for attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, respectively, a class of disorders that affect a person’s ability to concentrate on specific tasks.

131
Q

AIDS

A

AIDS stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, a disease in which the body is unable to fight to stay healthy.

132
Q

AMI

A

AMI stands for acute myocardial infarction, which is formal medical terminology to describe a heart attack, a type of heart failure.

133
Q

BA

A

BA stands for bronchial asthma, a condition in which the lungs become irritated, making it hard for an individual to breathe.

medical terminology (3 decks)

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