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Common Medical Definitions

Sometimes it seems as if medical professionals speak an entirely different language from the rest of us. Just like other professions, the medical field has a jargon all its own. The language can be intimidating, but never be afraid to ask questions if you don’t understand what your provider says. It is your right as a patient to be informed and take an active part in your care. A responsible provider will not be irritated by your questions and should answer them willingly. Here are a few definitions that you might find helpful. Consult a medical dictionary for a complete list of terms.

• Alternative Medicine or Complementary Care - an area of patient care that is not necessarily dependent on the traditional western medicine model.

• BMP - Basic Metabolic Panel

• CBC - Complete Blood Count

• CMP - Comprehensive Metabolic Panel with electrolytes, kidney function tests and liver function tests

• Colposcopy - exam of vaginal and cervical tissues by using an instrument with a magnifying lens - used in selecting sites of abnormal epithelium for biopsy in patients with abnormal Pap smears.

• CT Scan - Computerized Tomography; a non-invasive special radiological technique designed to show detailed images of internal structures of the body.

• Dermatologist - medical practitioner who specializes in diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the skin, hair and nails

• ECG or EKG - Electrocardiogram: a test that determines the electrical activity of the heart.

• EEG - Electroencephalogram: A test that determines the electrical activity of the brain. One test used in head injuries or seizure activity.

• Endoscopy - inspection of body organs or cavities by use of a tube like device with an optical system

• ENT - ear, nose and throat

• Family or General Practitioner - comprehensive medical practitioner with responsibility for health care that is not limited by patient’s age, sex, gender, particular organ, system or disease.

• Gastroenterologist - medical practitioner who specializes in the treatment of stomach and intestinal diseases.

• Gynecologist - a physician who specializes in the diseases and routine physical care of women’s reproductive systems.

• Incontinence - the inability to control the function of one’s bladder or bowel.

• Internist - physician specializing in medical (non-surgical) care.

• Mammogram - a radiological exam of the breast. Recommended periodically (the frequency depends on your age and prior medical history) to detect breast cancer in its earliest stages.

• MRI - Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A radiological imaging technique especially helpful in viewing the soft tissues of the body such as the brain, the heart and the kidneys.

• Neurologist - specialist of the nervous system

• Obstetrician - a physician who treats women during pregnancy and delivers infants.

• Ophthalmologist - a physician who specializes in the treatment of eye disorders.

• Orthopedic Surgeon - specialist in performing surgical prevention and correction of musculoskeletal deformities.

• Pap Test/Smear - Papanicolaou test; A microscopic test of the cells from the cervix and the vagina in order to detect early any signs of cancer of the female organs.

• Pediatrician - a physician who specializes in the treatment of infants, children and teenagers

• Physical Therapist - an individual who is legally responsible for planning, conducting, and evaluating a physical therapy program referred by a physician.

• Physiatrist - health professional who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation.

• Podiatrist - health professional responsible for examination, diagnosis, prevention, treatment and care of conditions and functions of the human foot.

• Primary Care - health care that is provided by a family or general practitioner

• Prostate Screening - may include a physical as well as laboratory exam in order to detect prostatic cancer in its earliest stages. Recommended periodically (the frequency depends on your age and prior medical history).

• PSA - Prostate Specific Antigen; measures an inflammatory response in the prostate which is indicative of prostatic growths and cancers

• Ultrasound - a special non-invasive test that utilizes radio waves to determine the structures of various soft tissue organs, such as the heart, the kidneys, and the uterus.