Medical Assisting Notes

Professionalism

• Professionalism is essential in healthcare, encompassing behaviors, appearance, communication (voice, written), work ethic, and relationships.
• Healthcare teams function as organized units where members must be courteous, knowledgeable, and respectful.
• MAs are often the first point of contact; a positive attitude builds trust and respect.

Professional Presence

• Essential for an effective career, including work ethic, positive demeanor, willingness to assist, cooperation, and time management.
• Maintain personal boundaries by keeping personal relationships outside of work.
• Adhere to professional dress and appearance standards and healthcare organization policies.
• Follow professional communication standards always.

Healthcare Systems and Settings

• Understanding the role and scope of practice and the healthcare team is important.
• Respect and assist team members to provide optimal patient care.

MA Roles

• MAs work alongside providers in outpatient or ambulatory care, performing both administrative and clinical duties.
• Administrative tasks: greeting patients, scheduling, correspondence, and answering phones.
• Clinical tasks: obtaining patient histories, patient education, laboratory tests, and administering immunizations.
• Credentialing is achieved through a national certification exam.

MA Responsibilities

• Responsibilities vary based on the setting, including administrative, clinical, or a combination of both.

Administrative Duties

• Scheduling appointments.
• Patient registration (demographics, payer information, compliance forms).
• Updating and working in patient records.
• Sending claims to insurance.
• Collecting patient responsibility amounts (copays, coinsurance, deductible).

Clinical Duties

• Collecting and processing lab specimens.
• Performing diagnostic testing (EKG, spirometry).
• Preparing and cleaning examination rooms.
• Preparing the patient for evaluation and procedures.
• Measuring vital signs.
• Preparing medications and administering immunizations.

Evolving MA Role

• Includes patient navigation and care coordination, guiding patients through the healthcare system.
• Coordinating with the patient care team within the clinic, and externally with specialty care teams.
• Providing helpful context about the patient’s social determinants of health and barriers to care.
• Support the patient in being scheduled appropriately and in a timely manner with specialists.

Scope of Practice

• Defined by education, training, and experience; does not include the practice of medicine.
• MAs should not perform duties without proper training or certification.
• Review duties and restrictions related to medical assisting, which vary by state.
• Healthcare organizations must enforce state regulations, complying with stricter policies if applicable.

Variables for the Scope of Practice

• State medical board regulations and policies.
• Simple, routine medical tasks under licensed physician supervision.
• Medical office’s organizational policies.
• Common tasks include measuring height, weight, vital signs, and performing diagnostic/laboratory testing.
• Organizational policies must adhere to state and government guidelines.

Titles

• MAs evolved from administrative support roles to include clinical responsibilities.
• Formalized training and certification programs have become important for the integration of medical data for government insurance.
• Medical Assistant association was formed and recognized by 15 states in 1956.
• The profession was recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in 1978.
• Clinical offices often require formal training and certification.
• Certification required for government data input into electronic records.

Additional Certifications

• Certified medical administrative assistant (CMAA)
• Certified phlebotomy technician (CPT)
• Certified EKG technician (CET)
• Certified billing and coding specialist (CBCS)
• Certified electronic health records specialist (CEHRS)

Physician Information

• Physicians (MD or DO) must be licensed in the state they practice.
• Requires eight years of school: four years of undergraduate college, followed by four years of medical or osteopathic school.
• Residency is a two- to seven-year on-the-job training period with licensed physician oversight.
• Must pass parts I, II, and III of the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination.

Medical Doctor (MD)

• Allopathic providers; the most widely recognized type of doctor.
• Diagnose illnesses, provide treatments, perform surgical procedures, and write prescriptions.

Doctor of Osteopathy (DO)

• Complete requirements like those of MDs.
• Use osteopathic manipulative therapy in addition to modern medicine and surgery.

Midlevel Providers

• Physician assistants and nurse practitioners.

Physician Assistant (PA)

• Practice medicine under MD or DO supervision but can make clinical decisions after completing at least four years of college and two years of PA school.
• Focus on a specific specialty.

Nurse Practitioner (NP)

• Provide basic patient care services, including diagnosing and prescribing medications.
• Require advanced academic training beyond an RN degree and have extensive clinical experience.
• Must work under a physician's supervision in most states, but some states allow independent practice.

Nurses

• Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) require one year of schooling and a state board examination to obtain a license.
• Registered nurses (RNs) require more schooling (associate degree, diploma, or baccalaureate degree) and a state board examination to be licensed.
• Licensed practical nurses (LPN) measure vital signs, administer some medications, and perform clinical care such as wound care.
• Limited in scope of practice.
• Registered nurses (RN) have a broader scope of practice: clinical settings, public health agencies, administrative/educational capacities.

Allied Health Professionals

• Medical laboratory technicians: Perform diagnostic testing on blood, bodily fluids, and other specimens under the supervision of a medical technologist.
• Medical receptionists: Check patients in/out, answer phones, schedule appointments, and perform administrative tasks.
• Occupational therapists: Assist patients who have conditions that disable them developmentally, emotionally, mentally, or physically.
• Pharmacy technicians: Perform routine medication dispensing functions under direct pharmacist supervision.
• Physical therapists: Assist patients in improving mobility, strength, and range of motion.
• Radiology technicians: Use imaging equipment to assist in diagnosing and treating diseases.

Licensure vs. Certification

• Licensure: Mandatory for medical practice, regulated by state statutes, ensures adequate knowledge and skills.
• Certification: Not mandatory for MAs in many states, but may be required by the government or healthcare organizations for specific services.

Health Care Licensure

• Regulated by state statutes through medical practice acts.
• Mandatory for physicians, controlled by state boards of medical examiners.
• Accomplished by examination, reciprocity, or endorsement.
• Licensure by endorsement granted on a case-by-case basis based on examinations.

Certification

• May be required by the government or specific services.
• Advantages: increased initial job placement, higher wages, and career advancement.

Maintaining a Certification

• Must be maintained to stay current.
• Ensures up-to-date information and validity to the overall profession.
• Follow recertification process of sponsoring organization.

Inpatient and Outpatient

• Inpatient care: Occurs when the patient is admitted to a hospital or facility.

• Ambulatory care: Any care received in an outpatient facility.

• Primary care clinics: Seen for routine visits, wellness checks, prevention counseling, chronic conditions, medication management, and minor acute needs.

• Specialty care clinics: Seen for complex or severe diseases and conditions by specialists.

• Home health: Specific types of care provided to those who cannot leave their home easily: physical, occupational, and speech therapy, and skilled nursing.

• Must be prescribed and overseen by a provider; Typically not used on an ongoing basis for a patient but is ordered for a set period.

• Mobile health units: Bring healthcare to underserved communities using specialized medical equipment.

• COVID-19 pandemic expanded their use for testing and vaccinations.

• Hospice: Comfort rather than curative efforts for terminally ill patients; outpatient or inpatient care.

Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH)

• PCP coordinates treatment to ensure patients receive the required care when and where they need it and in a way they can understand.
• Medical assistants are an integral piece of the PCMH team, assisting with direct patient care, care coordination, patient education, and administrative tasks.

Technology-Based Methods for Providing Health Care and Information

• Telehealth and virtual visits: Healthcare delivered virtually, commonly via video call; expands access in rural areas.

Patient Portals

• Allow patients to log in to view health information, such as test results, visit notes, and education materials.
• May include secure messaging with the healthcare team and appointment scheduling.
• The MA may be responsible for uploading information to the portal, as well as assisting the patient with enrolling and getting set up with an account.
• Benefits: increased transparency about care, decreased wait times for results, and reduced demand on office staff.

Health Care Payment Models

• Fee-for-service: Providers bill insurance and patients for each service provided with procedural codes and charges.
• Value-based plans: Cost is more holistic; prioritizes prevention and early intervention; clinics are rewarded for keeping patients healthy.

Quadruple Aim

• Improved patient outcomes
• Improved patient satisfaction
• Lower cost
• Health care professional well-being

Other Health Care Models

• Managed care: Healthcare provided in return for preset scheduled payments and coordinated care through a defined network of providers and hospitals.
• Capitation (partial or full): Patients are assigned a per-member, per-month payment based on age, race, sex, lifestyle, medical history, and benefit design.
• Health maintenance organization (HMO): Contracts with a medical center/group to provide preventive and acute care; requires referrals to specialists and pre-authorization for procedures/admissions.
• Preferred provider organization (PPO): More flexibility than HMO; insured person does not need a PCP or referrals; in-network providers cost less.
• Point-of-service (POS) plan: Great flexibility for patients; self-referrals to specialists; cost depends on whether providers are within the plan’s panel.

General vs. Specialty Health Care and Services

• General practitioners (GPs): Treat acute and chronic illnesses, provide preventive care and health education.
• Family practitioners: Offer care to the whole family, familiar with a range of disorders and diseases.
• Internists: Provide comprehensive care for adults, diagnosing and treating chronic conditions; may focus on pediatric or adult medicine.

Specialty Health Care Services

• Specialists focused on diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders of specific body systems.

Specialist Care

• Allergist: Immune system disorders, medication/food reactions, anaphylaxis, autoimmune disease, asthma.
• Anesthesiologist: Manages pain or administers sedation during surgical procedures.
• Cardiologist: Diseases/conditions of the heart and blood vessels.
• Dermatologist: Skin conditions.
• Endocrinologist: Hormonal and glandular conditions, often works with diabetes patients.
• Gastroenterologist: Diseases of the GI tract (stomach, intestines, esophagus, liver, pancreas, colon, rectum).
• Gynecologist: Internal reproductive system and fertility disorders.
• Hematologist: Blood and blood-producing organs; anemia, leukemia, lymphoma.
• Hepatologists: Diseases related to the liver, biliary tree, gallbladder, and pancreas.
• Neonatologist: Care of newborns, specifically those who are ill or premature.
• Nephrologist: Diseases and disorders of the kidney and its associated structures.
• Obstetrician: Care of patients during and after pregnancy.
• Oncologist: Treats and provides care for patients who have cancer.
• Ophthalmologist: Diseases and conditions of the eye.
• Orthopedist: Injuries and diseases of the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
• Neurologist: Diseases and disorders of the brain and nervous system.
• Otolaryngologist: Diseases and conditions of the ear, nose, and throat.
• Pediatrician: Manages newborn to adolescent health.
• Psychiatrist: Mental disorders and conditions.
• Radiologist: Uses and interprets imaging to detect abnormalities in the body.
• Urologist: Disorders of the urinary tract.

Ancillary Services and Complementary Therapies

• Providing ancillary services adds convenience for patients and revenue for the organization.
• Urgent care: An alternative to the emergency department, costing less with a shorter wait time.
• Appropriate for non-life-threatening acute injuries and illnesses.
• Laboratory services: Perform diagnostic testing on blood, body fluids, and other specimens.
• Diagnostic imaging: Using x-ray, ultrasound, MRI, and CT scan.
• Occupational therapy: Assists patients who have conditions that disable them developmentally, emotionally, mentally, or physically.
• Physical therapy: Assists patients in regaining mobility, improving strength, and range of motion.

Complementary Therapies

• Acupuncture: Pricking the skin with needles to relieve pain and treat conditions.
• Chiropractic medicine: Diagnosis and treatment through spinal manipulation and alignment.
• Energy therapy: Clearing cellular memory promoting health, balance, and relaxation.
• Dietary supplements: Vitamins, minerals, herbs, or other botanicals.

Team-Based Patient Care

• Partnership between providers and patients; communication among team members essential.
• The patient’s health is everyone’s responsibility.
• Seamless care is provided through team collaboration.
• Team members work at the top of their license aligning to their credentials.
• Clinicians needed to address all needs of the patient.

Primary Care Team

• Provider, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.

Other Healthcare Providers

• Mental health specialists, therapists, pharmacists, nutritionists, and dentists.

Support Staff

• (Medical assistants, administrative staff members) also provide valuable and essential services.

Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH)

• Care delivery model coordinates patient treatment through the primary care provider.
• Goal: centralized setting that facilitates partnerships between patient, provider, and family.
• Long-term goal: improve patient outcomes and reduce costs.

PCMH Core Function and Attributes

• Comprehensive care: Care for the whole patient, involving all members of the healthcare team.
• Patient-centered care: Patients and their families are core members of the team, focuses on individual needs.
• Coordinated care: Provider-directed medical practice oversees all specialty care, hospital, home healthcare, and community services.
• Accessible services: Tools provided through patient information web portals.
• Quality and safety commitments: Deliver quality healthcare through evidence-based medicine; assess by collecting safety data and measuring patient satisfaction.

Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs)

• Providers associated with a defined patient population, accountable for quality and cost of care delivered.
• Focus on care coordination; includes multiple providers, hospitals, and specialty clinics.
• Emphasis on public health to prevent illness: outreach programs (smoking cessation, weight loss, nutrition, online education).

Specific Roles of Team Members

• Primary Care Provider (PCP):
  • First provider from whom a patient seeks care.
  • Main goal: coordinating preventive healthcare services.
  • Can be family practitioners, internal medicine physicians, MDs, DOs, or pediatricians.
• Specialist:
  • Diagnoses and treats a specific area of expertise and knowledge.
  • PCPs may refer patients to specialists to diagnose or treat a specific short-term condition.
• Physician Assistant/Physician Associate:
  • Have similar training to physicians and are licensed to practice medicine as long as a licensed doctor (MD, DO) supervises them.
  • PAs can conduct physical exams, provide preventative care, prescribe diagnostic tests, assist with surgical procedures, diagnose illnesses, and prescribe medicine.
• Advance Practice Nurse:
  • Advanced practice nurses (APNs) have more education and experience than RNs and can usually perform many of the same tasks as a physician assistant.
  • Clinical nurse specialists, nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners (NPs), and nurse midwives are common APNs.
• Registered Nurse:
  • RNs are licensed by individual states and have an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing.
  • RNs can perform more complicated clinical tasks and usually oversee the case management of patients who have complex chronic conditions.
• Licensed Practical Nurse:
  • Licensed practical nurses (LPNs)—sometimes referred to as vocational nurses—are licensed by individual states.
  • LPNs usually train for approximately 1 year at a community college or vocational school, receiving a diploma or associate degree.
  • These healthcare professionals often triage phone calls, administer medications, and assist with other clinical duties in the clinical setting.
• Pharmacist:
  • Pharmacists prepare and dispense medications prescribed by authorized providers.
  • They must be knowledgeable of individual and various combinations of medicines to educate patients on their use and answer questions about side effects.
• Dentist
• Therapist
  • Some clinics offer rehabilitation services.
  • Therapy services within the clinic are an added convenience for many patients and improve the communication process between providers and therapists.
• Psychiatrist:
  • Psychiatrists are physicians who diagnose, prescribe medications for, and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders.
• Psychologist:
  • Psychologists are not physicians but have a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree.
• Social Worker:
  • Social workers assist patients and families in times of transition or crisis.
  • They assist patients in a clinical or hospital setting with physical, emotional, and financial issues related to an illness or injury.
  • Social workers often coordinate additional services (transportation, housing, access to meals, financial resources, long-term care, hospice services).
• Dietitian:
  • A registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) is an expert in diet and nutrition.
  • RDNs educate patients on the connection between chronic disease and nutrition, assist with menu planning, and help low-income patients obtain healthier foods at lower prices.

Support Staff

• Administrative and clinical staff professionals are also key players in providing the best possible experience for healthcare consumers.

Common Job Titles for Support Staff

• Clinic coordinator
• Medical administrative assistant
• Clinical medical assistant
• Medical records specialist
• Medical billing specialist
• Financial counselor
• Scheduler

Patients and Family Members

• The role of the patient and family members is more essential in patient-centered healthcare than the traditional delivery of healthcare.
• The patient’s and family’s wants and needs are the focus areas in this type of delivery.
• Patients decide treatments, outcomes, and need for education and counseling.
• Effective communication is key to achieving the full participation of patients and their families.
• Patients feel like they are in partnership with their medical provider increases satisfaction with their overall care.
• Fewer hospitalizations, less testing, and fewer treatments are also achieved with successful patient-family-centered health care.
• As a result, healthcare costs are also decreased.

Participate in the Transition of Care for Patients

• Lack of communication between providers regarding histories, medication therapies, and needs increases risk of rehospitalizations, adverse events, increased spending, and poor quality of care.

To Overcome Shortfalls

• Communicate effectively with referring providers, other providers, and the patient.
• Educate patients regarding managing their own care and encourage them and their families to take an active role.
• Empowering and leads to more adherence.
• The key is excellent communication between the PCP, patient, and new/additional providers.

Resources and Procedures to Coordinate Care and Outpatient Services

• Be cognizant of what community agencies offer and provide contact Information for services.
• Keep a list of community resources in an easily accessible location.
• Lists can be organized according to patient condition, age, or socioeconomic status.
• The CDC website has resources that provide services within specified geographic locations.
• Local hospital websites also provide information regarding outreach programs.
• Document all information provided to the patient in the health record to promote continuity of care.

Facilitate Teamwork & Team Engagement

• Effective teamwork and engagement are essential for a positive environment and patient satisfaction.
• Each team member impacts patient healthcare and has specific responsibilities to complete.
• Gossip, negative tones, and dramatic outbursts are unacceptable.
• Professionalism and cooperative can helps to engage team members and increase patient satisfaction.
• A healthcare is provided by a team that works well together, involving each member in the process.

Medical Terminology

• Acquire medical terminology similar to how one learns another language via coursework, listening, and prefix, roots, suffix to expand understanding.

Do Not Use Abbreviations

• MS, MSO4 (use Morphine MgSO4)
• Abbreviated medication name (use full medication name Nitro - Nitroglycerin)
• u, U, IU (use Units)
• x3d (use mcg or microgram)
• cc (use mL)
• Apothecary units (use Metric units)
• od, O.D., OD (use Daily or intended time of administration)
• q.d, qd, Q.D, QD, q1d, i/d (use Daily)
• q.o.d., QOD (use Every other day)
• Q6PM (use 6 p.m. daily)
• TIW, tw (use 3 times weekly)
• HS (use half-strength, bedtime (hour of sleep))
• SC, SQ, sub q (use subcutaneously)
• IN (use intranasal)
• IJ (use injection)
• OJ (use orange juice)
• @ (use at)
• &, + (use and)
• / (use per)
• AD, AS, AU (use right ear, left ear, both ears)
• OD, OS, OU (use right eye, left eye, both eyes)
• D/C, dc, d/c (use discharge or discontinue)

Common Abbreviations and Acronyms

• Abd - Abdomen
• ABGs - Arterial blood gases, a.c. - Before meals
• ACLS - Advance cardiac life support
• Ad lib - As desired
• ADHD - Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
• AKA - Above-the-knee amputation
• AMA - Against medical advice
• ASA - Aspirin
• ASAP - As soon as possible
• BE - Barium enema
• BKA - Below-the-knee amputation
• BM - Bowel movement
• BMI - Body mass index
• BP - Blood pressure
• BPH - Benign prostatic hypertrophy
• BPM - Beats per minute
• BRP - Bathroom privileges
• BSA - Body surface area, BUN - Blood urea nitrogen
• Bx - Biopsy
• C - Celsius, C&S - Culture and sensitivity
• Ca - Calcium; cancer
• CABG - Coronary artery bypass graft
• CAD - Coronary artery disease
• CBC - Complete blood count
• CC - Chief complaint
• CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Cm - Centimeter, c̄ - With
• CMS - Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
• CNS - Central nervous system
• CP - Chest pain, CPR - Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• c/o - Complains of
• COPD - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Csf - Cerebrospinal fluid
• CT - Computed tomography
• Cv - Cardiovascular, CVA - Cerebrovascular accident (stroke)
• CXR - Chest x-ray, d - Day
• D&C - Dilation and curettage, D/C, dc - Discharge, discontinue
• DM - Diabetes mellitus
• DNR - Do not resuscitate
• DOB - Date of birth
• DTap - Diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis vaccine
• Dx - Diagnosis
• ECG, EKG - Electrocardiogram
• ED - Emergency department, EEG - Electroencephalogram
• ENT - Ear, nose, and throat, F - Fahrenheit, FBS, FBG - Fasting blood sugar/glucose
• f/u - Follow up
• FUO - Fever of unknown origin
• Fx - Fracture
• GI - Gastrointestinal
• GTT - Glucose tolerance test
• gt - Drop
• GU - Genitourinary
• GYN - Gynecology, gynecologist
• H, hr - Hour, Hct - Hematocrit
• HEENT - Head, ears, eyes, nose, throat
• HF - Heart failure, Hgb - Hemoglobin
• HIPAA - Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
• HIV - Human immunodeficiency virus
• HPV - Human papillomavirus
• HTN - Hypertension, Hx - History
• I&D - Incision and drainage
• I&O - Intake and output
• ICU - Intensive care unit
• IUD - Intrauterine device, K - Potassium
• KUB - Kidneys, ureters, bladder, L - Liter or left
• lb - Pound, LLE - Left lower extremity
• LLL - Left lower lobe
• LLE - Left lower extremity
• LLL - Left lower lobe
• LLQ - Left lower quadrant
• LMP - Last menstrual period
• LUE - Left upper extremity
• LUQ - Left upper quadrant
• mg/dl - Milligrams per deciliter
• MI - Myocardial infarction
• mL - Milliliters, MM - Mucous membrane
• mm Hg - Millimeters of mercury
• MRI - Magnetic resonance imaging
• MS - Multiple sclerosis
• N/V - Nausea/vomiting, NB - Newborn
• NG - Nasogastric
• NKA/NKDA - No known allergies/no known drug allergies
• NPO - Nothing by mouth (nil per os)
• NS - Normal saline
• NSAID - Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
• OB - Obstetrics
• OC - Oral contraceptive
• OOB - Out of bed
• OP - Outpatient, OT - Occupational therapy/therapist
• OTC - Over-the-counter
• PA - Posteroanterior, physician assistant
• PC - After meals (post cibos), PE - Physical examination, pulmonary embolism
• PID - Pelvic inflammatory disease
• PMS - Premenstrual syndrome
• PO - By mouth
• PRN - As needed, PT - Physical therapy/therapist
• Pt - Patient
• R - Right, RA - Rheumatoid arthritis, RBC - Red blood cell
• RLE - Right lower extremity, RLL - Right lower lobe
• RLQ - Right lower quadrant
• R/O - Rule out, ROM - Range of motion
• RT - Respiratory therapy/therapist
• Symptoms, T&A - Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy
• TB - Tuberculosis
• TIA - Transient Ischemic Attack
• TX - Treatment
• UA - Urinalysis
• URI - Upper respiratory infection
• UTI - Urinary tract infection
• VS - Vital signs
• WBC - White blood cell
• WNL - Within normal limits
• YO, y/o - Years old

Symbols

• > < (greater than, less than), ≥ ≤ (greater than or equal to, less than or equal to)
• Do not use @ and &, as people can mistake them for the numeral 2. Likewise, the plus sign should not be used, because it can look like the numeral 4. When in doubt, spell it out.
• ↑ ↑ could look like the numeral 7, ↓ ↓ could look like the numeral 1, and º could look like the numeral 0.

Meaning

• # - Pounds, number
• ↑ - Increase
• ↓ - Decrease
• ♂ - Male
• ♀ - Female
• ‘ - Feet
• “ - Inches
• ° - Degrees

Medical Word Building

Word components shared by many terms help determine the term's definition. The presence of a prefix, root, or suffix can offer a clue to the term's meaning, even if the complete definition is unknown.

Word Roots

• Core component of many words, medical terms can have one, two or more.
• For example, hem- means blood, and -rrhage means excessive flow. The “o” between the two creates the medical term hemorrhage, meaning excessive blood flow. Not all word roots relate to a body system or a body part

Endocrine

• Aden - Gland
• Pancreat - Pancreas
• Thyr - Thyroid gland

Hematologic

• Hem, hemat - Blood
• Phleb - Vein
• Thromb - Clot

Musculoskeletal

• Arthr - Joint
• Brachi - Arm
• Cervic - Neck
• Chondr - Cartilage
• Cost - Rib
• Crani - Skull
• Dactyl - Finger or toe
• Fibr - Connective tissue
• My - Muscle
• Oste - Bone
• Pod - Foot
• Sacr - Sacrum
• Spondyl, vertebr - Vertebra
• Ten, tendin - Tendon

Gastrointestinal

• Abdomin - Abdomen
• An - Anus
• Appendic - Appendix
• Bil, chol - Bile, gall
• Col - Colon
• Dent - Teeth
• Enter - Intestines
• Esophag - Esophagus
• Gastr - Stomach
• Gingiv - Gums
• Gloss - Tongue
• Hepat - Liver
• Icter - Jaundice
• Ile - Ileum
• Lapar - Abdominal wall
• Lingu - Tongue
• Pancreat - Pancreas
• Pepsia - Digestion
• Phag - Eating, swallowing
• Proct - Rectum
• Splen - Spleen
• Stomat - Mouth

Genitourinary/Reproductive

• Andr - Male
• Colp - Vagina
• Cyst - Bladder
• Gravid - Pregnant
• Gynec - Female
• Hyster - Uterus
• Mamm, mast - Breast
• Metr - Uterus
• Nephr - Kidney
• Ov - Ovum
• Oophor - Ovary
• Orchid - Testicles
• Prostat - Prostate gland
• Pyel - Pelvis of the kidney
• Ren - Renal/kidney
• Salping - Fallopian tube
• Ureter - Ureters
• Ur - Urinary
• Vesic - Bladder

Respiratory

• Bronch - Bronchial
• Laryng - Larynx
• Nas - Nose
• Pleur - Pleura
• Pneum, pneumon - Lungs, air
• Pulmon - Lung
• Rhin - Nose
• Steth - Chest
• Thorac - Thorax
• Trache - Trachea

Integumentary

• Derm, dermat - Skin
• Hidr - Sweat
• Trich - Hair
• Onych - Nail
• Xer - Dry

Cardiovascular

• Angi - Blood vessel
• Arteri, arter - Artery
• Cardi - Heart
• Vas - Vessel
• Ven - Vein

Neurologic

• Blephar - Eyelid
• Cephal - Head
• Cerebr - Cerebrum
• Encephal - Brain
• Esthesi - Sensation
• Irid, ird - Iris
• Mening, meningi - Membranes, meninges
• Myel - Spinal cord, bone marrow
• Myring - Eardrum
• Neur - Nerve
• Ocul, ophthalm - Eye
• Ot - Ear

Other

• Adip - Fat, Bio - Life
• Carcin - Cancer, Cry - Cold
• Dors - Back portion of the body
• Gluc, glyc - Sugar
• Hemi - Hernia
• Hist - Tissue, Hydra - Water
• Lact - Milk, Later - Side
• Lip - Fat
• Lith - Stone
• Med, medi - Middle
• Narc - Numbness, stupor, sleep, Necr - Death
• Onc - Tumor, Path - Disease
• Ped - Child; foot
• Psych - Mind, Pyo - Pus
• Pyr - Fever, heat
• Septic - Infection
• Therm - Heat

Combining Root Words

• A combining form is a word root with a combining vowel
  Often, the combining vowel makes the medical term easier to pronoun
  In most cases, the combining vowel is an “o,” but it is sometimes “i” or “e.”
• A combining form should be used when the last word root in a medical term connects with a suffix that begins with a consonant.
• When the word root connects with a suffix that starts with a vowel, just the word root shouldBe used

Combining Form Examples

• Col + o + -stomy = Colostomy
• Cephal + o + -algia = Cephalagia
• Col + o + -ectomy = Colectomy
• Cephal + o + -dynia = Cephalodynia

Prefixes