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Interviews","slug":"winning-at-uk-nursing-school-assessments-and-interviews","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","medical","nursing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/166391"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":281573,"slug":"get-into-uk-nursing-school-for-dummies","isbn":"9781118560389","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","medical","nursing"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1118560388/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1118560388/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1118560388-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1118560388/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1118560388/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/get-into-uk-nursing-school-for-dummies-cover-9781118560389-169x255.jpg","width":169,"height":255},"title":"Get into UK Nursing School For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"<p><b data-author-id=\"9720\">Andrew Evered, RN, MSc (Econ), PGCE</b> is a Lead Admissions Tutor and Senior Lecturer for Adult Nursing at the College of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University, and he has extensive experience working with both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. </p>","authors":[{"authorId":9720,"name":"Andrew Evered","slug":"andrew-evered","description":" <p><b>Andrew Evered, RN, MSc &#40;Econ&#41;, PGCE</b> is a Lead Admissions Tutor and Senior Lecturer for Adult Nursing at the College of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University, and he has extensive experience working with both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9720"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;medical&quot;,&quot;nursing&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781118560389&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b3c73128\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;medical&quot;,&quot;nursing&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781118560389&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b3c73b8a\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":166399,"title":"Planning Your UK Nursing School Application","slug":"planning-your-uk-nursing-school-application","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","medical","nursing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/166399"}},{"articleId":166392,"title":"What’s Involved in a Nursing Career?","slug":"whats-involved-in-a-nursing-career","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","medical","nursing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/166392"}},{"articleId":166394,"title":"Choosing the Right University for Your UK Nursing Course","slug":"choosing-the-right-university-for-your-uk-nursing-course","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","medical","nursing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/166394"}},{"articleId":166393,"title":"Perfecting Your Personal Statement for Your UK Nursing School Application","slug":"perfecting-your-personal-statement-for-your-uk-nursing-school-application","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","medical","nursing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/166393"}},{"articleId":166391,"title":"Winning at UK Nursing School Assessments and Interviews","slug":"winning-at-uk-nursing-school-assessments-and-interviews","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","medical","nursing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/166391"}}],"content":[{"title":"Planning your nursing school application","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Getting into nursing is very competitive. To improve your chances of success you need to research nursing, demonstrate commitment and show motivation. Preparing your application to the highest standard takes time and effort.</p>\n<p>This timeline illustrates the milestones to consider in your preparations:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>24 months before starting a nursing course:</b> Consider your academic options. Do you need to choose full-time courses, such as &#8220;A&#8221; levels and BTECs, or are part-time courses, such as ACCESS more appropriate?</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>20 months</b>: Plan any necessary work experience. Do you need to gain care experience or will any work experience with people be sufficient?</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>16 months:</b> Undertake research into nursing and the different fields. This helps identify your options.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>14 months</b>: Think about attending open days and UCAS events. Visiting potential universities helps you plan your choices.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>12 months</b>: One-year academic courses are available for mature candidates. Consider enrolling now.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>10 months:</b> Prepare your UCAS application, develop your personal statement and seek out appropriate referees.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>8 months:</b> If your application is accepted you’re invited to selection events and interviews. This can be a busy time meeting admissions tutors and other candidates.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>6 months:</b> Should any universities have made offers, this is the time for you to make your decisions. Picking your first choice and reserve university can be challenging.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>2 months:</b> The results of your exams are published and universities confirm your offers. If you didn’t quite make the grade for your first choice, seek other universities.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>0 months:</b> If all has gone to plan, it’s time to go to university; your career starts here!</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"What's involved in a nursing career?","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>When applying to nursing school, you’re expected to done some research about the field. The term &#8220;nursing&#8221; is used liberally by the public and the media as a collective way of describing the many disciplines of the profession, but you need to be more specific.</p>\n<p>To improve your chances of success, you need to demonstrate which field of nursing you’re interested in, what the field entails, and what you have to offer. As a good candidate you can:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Explain your chosen field. </b>What’s special about the field; how does it differ from the other fields of nursing?</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Identify similarities.</b> Although your chosen field is very distinct from other forms of nursing, what do they have in common? What are the general principles underpinning nursing?</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Show what you have to offer.</b> What drew you to particular aspects of the role, and what do you have to offer nursing? Make clear what qualities and abilities you can bring to this nursing field.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Your future in nursing.</b> Nursing isn’t just a job but a career. While you don’t need to fully understand career opportunities, do realize how nursing relates to health care in the U.K. and have some appreciation of how you want your career to develop.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Choosing the right university for your nursing study","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>With more than 68 universities to choose from in the U.K., finding the right one for you can be quite a challenge. Do your research to ensure success and a happy education. Before you decide, attend open days and read the university prospectus. Consider the following:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><strong>Location.</strong> Do you want to stay close to home or are you happy to move further afield? Is the accommodation suitable for you?</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><strong>Atmosphere.</strong> Does the campus feel welcoming, and how do the lecturing staff and team engage with you?</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><strong>Clinical environment.</strong> What learning opportunities are on offer? Are there any interesting placements? How far are you expected to travel to placements?</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><strong>Program structure.</strong> How is the course put together, and does it feel right for your way of learning?</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><strong>Others’ experiences.</strong> Check out student surveys to find out what’s good and what’s not about the university you’re considering.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Perfecting your personal statement for your application","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Being the ideal nursing candidate isn’t all about being the best academic student. The admissions tutors are looking for candidates who also demonstrate a high level of personal and professional aptitude towards nursing.</p>\n<p>To increase your chances of success, ensure you sell yourself in your personal statement. Here are a few tips:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Have a balanced introduction. </b>Set the scene for your statement but steer away from quotes and references to childhood aspirations.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Explain your application.</b> Identify which field of nursing you have chosen and why you think it’s right for you.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Demonstrate motivation and commitment. </b>Illustrate what you’ve done to prepare for nursing, such as gaining care or work experience.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Sell your abilities.</b> Explain what you have to offer your chosen field and say how you can match your abilities against your choice.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Personal qualities. </b>Explain other life experiences that make you a sound candidate for the nursing role.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Clear conclusion.</b> Offer a summary of your dedication to nursing and some insight into your nursing aspirations.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Doing your best at assessments and interviews","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>All candidates who show potential on their application form undertake some face-to-face assessments before being offered a place at university. It’s crucial to score well at these assessments to increase your chances of receiving an offer. Assessments differ between universities but here are some general tips to help your preparations:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Know what to expect. </b>Research each of your chosen university assessment strategies. Information is available to you beforehand and often the university websites give more details.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Revise.</b> Don’t assume you know everything. Revisit your numeracy and literacy skills.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Practice.</b> Interviews are stressful and you can forget things when you’re put on the spot. Gain some interview experience to understand what it’s really like.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Behavior.</b> You may be judged on how you engage with other candidates and admission staff just as much as you are in the assessments and interviews. Brush up on your people skills.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>First impressions.</b> They really do count! Be good, look good, do good!</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Advance","lifeExpectancy":"Two years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-04-25T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":207973},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:49:31+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-04-25T20:44:42+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:19:40+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34038"},"slug":"body-mind-spirit","categoryId":34038},{"name":"Medical","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34077"},"slug":"medical","categoryId":34077},{"name":"Medical School","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34083"},"slug":"medical-school","categoryId":34083}],"title":"Getting into Medical School For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"getting into medical school for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"getting-into-medical-school-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Get quickly up to speed on applying for medical school, including an application timeline and tips for scoring well on the MCAT.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Getting into medical school is extremely competitive, and the application process is long and complex. Keeping track of the application timeline is essential because early applicants are at an advantage when it comes to getting admitted to medical school. The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a particularly important part of the admissions decision, and doing well on it will greatly enhance your chances of acceptance.\r\n\r\nYour primary application contains many elements of your application package, including your personal statement, course work, and activities, so make sure you invest the time and effort needed to present your candidacy for medical school as effectively as possible on this document.","description":"Getting into medical school is extremely competitive, and the application process is long and complex. Keeping track of the application timeline is essential because early applicants are at an advantage when it comes to getting admitted to medical school. The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a particularly important part of the admissions decision, and doing well on it will greatly enhance your chances of acceptance.\r\n\r\nYour primary application contains many elements of your application package, including your personal statement, course work, and activities, so make sure you invest the time and effort needed to present your candidacy for medical school as effectively as possible on this document.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9671,"name":"Carleen Eaton","slug":"carleen-eaton","description":" <p><b>Carleen Eaton</b>, MD, has used her expertise in admissions and test preparation, as well as her experiences as an applicant who received acceptances to top-ranked medical schools, to guide hundreds of applicants successfully through the medical school admissions process. She is the founder of prehealthadvising.com, a medical school admissions consulting firm.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9671"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34083,"title":"Medical School","slug":"medical-school","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34083"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":[{"articleId":192609,"title":"How to Pray the Rosary: A Comprehensive Guide","slug":"how-to-pray-the-rosary","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/192609"}},{"articleId":208741,"title":"Kabbalah For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"kabbalah-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","kabbalah"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/208741"}},{"articleId":230957,"title":"Nikon D3400 For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"nikon-d3400-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","photography"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/230957"}},{"articleId":235851,"title":"Praying the Rosary and Meditating on the Mysteries","slug":"praying-rosary-meditating-mysteries","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/235851"}},{"articleId":284787,"title":"What Your Society Says About You","slug":"what-your-society-says-about-you","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","humanities"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/284787"}}],"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":167136,"title":"Be Ready to Explain Why You Want to Be an Osteopathic Physician","slug":"be-ready-to-explain-why-you-want-to-be-an-osteopathic-physician","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","medical","medical-school"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/167136"}},{"articleId":167135,"title":"How Do Letters of Recommendation Affect Your Medical School Application?","slug":"how-do-letters-of-recommendation-affect-your-medical-school-application","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","medical","medical-school"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/167135"}},{"articleId":167132,"title":"Thinking about Changing Careers to Become a Physician?","slug":"thinking-about-changing-careers-to-become-a-physician","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","medical","medical-school"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/167132"}},{"articleId":167133,"title":"Ten Avoidable Pitfalls of the Medical School Application Process","slug":"ten-avoidable-pitfalls-of-the-medical-school-application-process","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","medical","medical-school"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/167133"}},{"articleId":167134,"title":"Selecting a Specialty for Medical School","slug":"selecting-a-specialty-for-medical-school","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","medical","medical-school"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/167134"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":208125,"title":"Get into UK Medical School For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"get-into-uk-medical-school-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","medical","medical-school"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/208125"}},{"articleId":167135,"title":"How Do Letters of Recommendation Affect Your Medical School Application?","slug":"how-do-letters-of-recommendation-affect-your-medical-school-application","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","medical","medical-school"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/167135"}},{"articleId":167136,"title":"Be Ready to Explain Why You Want to Be an Osteopathic Physician","slug":"be-ready-to-explain-why-you-want-to-be-an-osteopathic-physician","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","medical","medical-school"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/167136"}},{"articleId":167134,"title":"Selecting a Specialty for Medical School","slug":"selecting-a-specialty-for-medical-school","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","medical","medical-school"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/167134"}},{"articleId":167132,"title":"Thinking about Changing Careers to Become a Physician?","slug":"thinking-about-changing-careers-to-become-a-physician","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","medical","medical-school"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/167132"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282235,"slug":"getting-into-medical-school-for-dummies","isbn":"9781118424278","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","medical","medical-school"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1118424271/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1118424271/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1118424271-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1118424271/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1118424271/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/getting-into-medical-school-for-dummies-cover-9781118424278-202x255.jpg","width":202,"height":255},"title":"Getting into Medical School For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"<p><b data-author-id=\"9671\">Carleen Eaton</b>, MD, has used her expertise in admissions and test preparation, as well as her experiences as an applicant who received acceptances to top-ranked medical schools, to guide hundreds of applicants successfully through the medical school admissions process. She is the founder of prehealthadvising.com, a medical school admissions consulting firm.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9671,"name":"Carleen Eaton","slug":"carleen-eaton","description":" <p><b>Carleen Eaton</b>, MD, has used her expertise in admissions and test preparation, as well as her experiences as an applicant who received acceptances to top-ranked medical schools, to guide hundreds of applicants successfully through the medical school admissions process. She is the founder of prehealthadvising.com, a medical school admissions consulting firm.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9671"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;medical&quot;,&quot;medical-school&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781118424278&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b3c48668\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;medical&quot;,&quot;medical-school&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781118424278&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b3c48ee5\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":166957,"title":"Timeline for Medical School Applications","slug":"timeline-for-medical-school-applications","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","medical","medical-school"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/166957"}},{"articleId":166944,"title":"Maximizing Your MCAT Score for Medical School Admissions","slug":"maximizing-your-mcat-score-for-medical-school-admissions","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","medical","medical-school"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/166944"}},{"articleId":166958,"title":"Completing Primary Applications for Medical School Admissions","slug":"completing-primary-applications-for-medical-school-admissions","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","medical","medical-school"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/166958"}}],"content":[{"title":"Timeline for medical school applications","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Understanding the timeline for applying to medical school helps ensure you complete every step early in the application cycle. Submitting a timely medical school application improves your chances of acceptance to a med school.</p>\n<p class=\"Warning\">With <i>rolling admissions</i> (where schools review applicants’ files as they receive them), early applicants are at an advantage while those who delay face worse odds of admission to medical school.</p>\n<p>The following suggested timeline can help keep you on track during the admissions process.</p>\n<h3>Med school preparation: What to do in your junior year of college</h3>\n<p>In September through December:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Become familiar with the application process and gather information about medical schools.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Register and study for the MCAT if you plan to take the test in January. (Register at least two months prior to your planned test date.)</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Check with your premedical advisor to see whether your school provides a committee letter of recommendation.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<p>In January through March:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Take the MCAT in January or prepare for a spring test date.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Begin writing your personal statement.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Request individual letters of recommendation or follow your institution’s protocol for obtaining a committee letter.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<p>In April through June:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Continue working on your personal statement and other aspects of your primary application.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Take MCAT by the end of May if possible in order to have your scores available early in the cycle.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS) opens (early May).</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) and American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS) applications become available online.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">AMCAS and AACOMAS may be submitted beginning in early June.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<p>In July through August:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Begin receiving secondary (supplemental) applications. Aim to submit secondary applications within one week of receipt.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Some schools begin extending interview invitations as early as July.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<h3>College senior year before medical school</h3>\n<p>In September through April:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Interviews are underway at most medical schools by September and continue until late February at many schools. Some schools continue interviews through late March or early April.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Earliest acceptances for regular (non-early decision program) AMCAS applicants are offered in mid-October.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Send letters of update or interest to schools at which you’re waitlisted.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<p>In May through September:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">By May 15, cut down multiple acceptances so that you’re holding only one, although you may remain on waitlists for other schools.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Continue to update schools at which you’re waitlisted.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Finalize your plans for medical school.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Begin medical school!</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Maximizing your MCAT score","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Your MCAT score is a crucial factor in admission to medical school. A stellar MCAT score can take your medical school application from good to great in admissions committees&#8217; eyes. Here are some tips to help you nail this challenging exam:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Make a detailed (but flexible) study schedule.</b> Map out your study schedule as specifically as you can, but be flexible as well. If you see that you need to spend more time on one area and less on another, adjust accordingly. Plan to spend at least three or four months studying for the test, and even longer if you’re juggling a full course load with your MCAT studies.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Start with your weakest area.</b> Your weakest subjects are the ones that you have the most room to improve in. Mastering those areas can have a major effect on your score, so begin addressing them early.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Consider taking a preparation course if you need structure for your studying.</b> For some students, attending class each week and having specific assignments is more effective than self-study.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Do plenty of practice questions.</b> Reading and memorizing aren’t enough to succeed on the MCAT. The test is also about being able to think critically and apply information, so make sure that you incorporate ample practice questions and examinations into your study routine.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Don’t neglect the Verbal Reasoning section.</b> It may not be science, but schools take this section seriously, and you should too.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Completing primary applications","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Your medical school primary application is the first step in getting admitted to medical school. The application services submit your primary application to every medical school you apply to, so completing it properly is an admissions must.</p>\n<p>The primary application contains detailed information about every aspect of your candidacy for medical school, from your academic record and list of activities to a personal statement and biographical information.</p>\n<p>Check out the following tips for guidance as you prepare to undertake this critical step of the medical school admissions process.</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Start your personal statement at least two months before you plan to submit your application.</b> A compelling personal statement takes a long time to create, and you don’t want to end up rushing to finish it or delaying your application while you perfect your statement.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Be aware of length limits.</b> Each section of the application has specific character limits. Check the specifications for each element before you start working on it to avoid having to go back and cut down an essay or response that turns out to be too long.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Compile a list of the information you need to fill out the work and activities section. </b>This way, you aren’t scrambling around looking up details while you’re trying to finish this section. For each activity, you need the name of the organization, dates you participated, hours per week, location, and contact information of someone who can verify your participation.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Start filling out the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) and the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS) applications online in May.</b> Although you can’t submit these applications until June, they’re available online in May so that applicants may begin entering information. (The Texas Medical and Dental School Application Service opens in May and may be submitted then.)</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Request copies of transcripts from every post-secondary institution you’ve attended to be sent to the application services you’re using.</b> The application services verify the course work you’ve entered on your application against your official transcript. You must list every course you’ve taken and provide the application service an official transcript from each institution you’ve attended.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Proofread carefully.</b> Nothing looks worse than an application riddled with errors. Proofread every word of the application carefully, and have someone else read your application over as well.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Advance","lifeExpectancy":"Two years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-04-25T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":207979},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:54:13+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-01-20T21:16:23+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:19:02+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34038"},"slug":"body-mind-spirit","categoryId":34038},{"name":"Medical","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34077"},"slug":"medical","categoryId":34077},{"name":"Dosage Calculations","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34080"},"slug":"dosage-calculations","categoryId":34080}],"title":"Medical Dosage Calculations For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"medical dosage calculations for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"medical-dosage-calculations-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"This Cheat Sheet is a handy reference for medical professionals on appropriate prescription abbreviations and calculating medicine dosages.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"No matter what initials you have after your name (RN, CNA, PA, and so on), you can bet you’ll see math on a daily basis if you’re going into (or are already in) a career in the medical field.\r\n\r\nGrasping some medical math basics — such as how to break down medical dosage problems into steps and use conversion factors — can simplify everyday situations all health care professionals face.\r\n\r\nIn addition to just knowing math, you’re going to need to know how to read and interpret doctors’ orders, and spot when there’s potential trouble.","description":"No matter what initials you have after your name (RN, CNA, PA, and so on), you can bet you’ll see math on a daily basis if you’re going into (or are already in) a career in the medical field.\r\n\r\nGrasping some medical math basics — such as how to break down medical dosage problems into steps and use conversion factors — can simplify everyday situations all health care professionals face.\r\n\r\nIn addition to just knowing math, you’re going to need to know how to read and interpret doctors’ orders, and spot when there’s potential trouble.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9459,"name":"Richard Snyder","slug":"richard-snyder","description":" <p><b>Rich Snyder, DO,</b> is board certified in both internal medicine and nephrology. He teaches, lectures, and works with PA students, medical students, and medical residents.</p> <p><b>Barry Schoenborn,</b> coauthor of <i>Medical Dosage Calculations For Dummies,</i> is a long-time technical and science writer.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9459"}},{"authorId":9795,"name":"Barry Schoenborn","slug":"barry-schoenborn","description":" <p><b>Barry Schoenborn</b>, a longtime math, science, and technical writer, is the coauthor of <i>Technical Math For Dummies, Medical Dosage Calculations For Dummies, </i>and<i> Physician Assistant Exam For Dummies.</i></p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9795"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34080,"title":"Dosage Calculations","slug":"dosage-calculations","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34080"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":[{"articleId":192609,"title":"How to Pray the Rosary: A Comprehensive Guide","slug":"how-to-pray-the-rosary","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/192609"}},{"articleId":208741,"title":"Kabbalah For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"kabbalah-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","kabbalah"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/208741"}},{"articleId":230957,"title":"Nikon D3400 For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"nikon-d3400-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","photography"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/230957"}},{"articleId":235851,"title":"Praying the Rosary and Meditating on the Mysteries","slug":"praying-rosary-meditating-mysteries","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/235851"}},{"articleId":284787,"title":"What Your Society Says About You","slug":"what-your-society-says-about-you","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","humanities"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/284787"}}],"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":188503,"title":"Figuring IV Flow Rate, Infusion Time, and Total Volume","slug":"figuring-iv-flow-rate-infusion-time-and-total-volume","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","medical","dosage-calculations"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/188503"}},{"articleId":188502,"title":"Unacceptable Abbreviations in Prescriptions","slug":"unacceptable-abbreviations-in-prescriptions","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","medical","dosage-calculations"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/188502"}},{"articleId":188499,"title":"Common Conversion Factors in Medical Dosage Calculations","slug":"common-conversion-factors-in-medical-dosage-calculations","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","medical","dosage-calculations"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/188499"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":188503,"title":"Figuring IV Flow Rate, Infusion Time, and Total Volume","slug":"figuring-iv-flow-rate-infusion-time-and-total-volume","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","medical","dosage-calculations"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/188503"}},{"articleId":188502,"title":"Unacceptable Abbreviations in Prescriptions","slug":"unacceptable-abbreviations-in-prescriptions","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","medical","dosage-calculations"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/188502"}},{"articleId":188499,"title":"Common Conversion Factors in Medical Dosage Calculations","slug":"common-conversion-factors-in-medical-dosage-calculations","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","medical","dosage-calculations"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/188499"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282387,"slug":"medical-dosage-calculations-for-dummies","isbn":"9780470930649","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","medical","dosage-calculations"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0470930640/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0470930640/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/0470930640-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0470930640/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/0470930640/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/medical-dosage-calculations-for-dummies-cover-9780470930649-202x255.jpg","width":202,"height":255},"title":"Medical Dosage Calculations For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"<b data-author-id=\"9459\">Dr. Richard W. Snyder</b>, DO is an osteopathic physician, board certified in both internal medicine and nephrology. He has authored and coauthored several articles in peer-reviewed journals. <p><b data-author-id=\"9795\">Barry Schoenborn</b> is a longtime technical writer and is the coauthor of <i>Technical Math For Dummies</i>.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9459,"name":"Richard Snyder","slug":"richard-snyder","description":" <p><b>Rich Snyder, DO,</b> is board certified in both internal medicine and nephrology. He teaches, lectures, and works with PA students, medical students, and medical residents.</p> <p><b>Barry Schoenborn,</b> coauthor of <i>Medical Dosage Calculations For Dummies,</i> is a long-time technical and science writer.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9459"}},{"authorId":9795,"name":"Barry Schoenborn","slug":"barry-schoenborn","description":" <p><b>Barry Schoenborn</b>, a longtime math, science, and technical writer, is the coauthor of <i>Technical Math For Dummies, Medical Dosage Calculations For Dummies, </i>and<i> Physician Assistant Exam For Dummies.</i></p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9795"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;medical&quot;,&quot;dosage-calculations&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780470930649&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b16bfb68\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;medical&quot;,&quot;dosage-calculations&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780470930649&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b16c03fd\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":188503,"title":"Figuring IV Flow Rate, Infusion Time, and Total Volume","slug":"figuring-iv-flow-rate-infusion-time-and-total-volume","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","medical","dosage-calculations"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/188503"}},{"articleId":188499,"title":"Common Conversion Factors in Medical Dosage Calculations","slug":"common-conversion-factors-in-medical-dosage-calculations","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","medical","dosage-calculations"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/188499"}},{"articleId":188502,"title":"Unacceptable Abbreviations in Prescriptions","slug":"unacceptable-abbreviations-in-prescriptions","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","medical","dosage-calculations"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/188502"}}],"content":[{"title":"Figuring IV flow rate, infusion time, and total volume","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Whenever you’re administering intravenous (IV) infusions, you need to know the flow rate, infusion time, and total volume. Fortunately, calculating any one of these three variables is easy to do when you know the other two variables. Use the following equations:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">flow rate (mL/hr) = total volume (mL) ÷ infusion time (hr)</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">infusion time (hr) = total volume (mL) ÷ flow rate (mL/hr)</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">total volume (mL) = flow rate (mL/hr) × infusion time (hr)</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<p>For example, if you must administer 1 L (1,000 mL) of fluid over 4 hours, use the first formula to calculate the flow rate, like so:</p>\n<blockquote><p>flow rate (mL/hr) = total volume (mL) ÷ infusion time (hr)</p></blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>flow rate (mL/hr) = 1,000 ÷ 4</p></blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>flow rate (mL/hr) = 250</p></blockquote>\n<p>The flow rate is 250 mL/hr.</p>\n"},{"title":"Common conversion factors in medical dosage calculations","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>As a healthcare professional, you have to convert patient weights, fluid volumes, medication weights, and more. Conversion math isn’t hard to do as long as you know the basic conversion factors. Here are the most useful ones:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Converting lb to kg and kg to lb</p>\n<p class=\"child-para\">lb = kg × 2.2</p>\n<p class=\"child-para\">kg = lb ÷ 2.2</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Converting mL to L and L to mL</p>\n<p class=\"child-para\">mL = L × 1,000</p>\n<p class=\"child-para\">L = mL ÷ 1,000</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Converting mg to g, g to mg, mg to mcg, and mcg to mg</p>\n<p class=\"child-para\">mg = g × 1,000</p>\n<p class=\"child-para\">g = mg ÷ 1,000</p>\n<p class=\"child-para\">mcg = mg × 1,000</p>\n<p class=\"child-para\">mg = mcg ÷ 1,000</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Unacceptable abbreviations in prescriptions","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Making sure that you correctly calculate a dose doesn’t matter much if the medication itself is incorrect or the dosing instructions are unclear. Some abbreviations in prescriptions are unacceptable because they cause ambiguity and confusion (the enemies of patient safety and quality healthcare!). For this reason, you don’t want to see these abbreviations on any medical orders you work with.</p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th>Abbreviation</th>\n<th>Mistaken Meanings</th>\n<th>Better Choice</th>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>DC or D/C</td>\n<td>Does it mean “discontinue” or<br />\n“discharge”?</td>\n<td>Write discontinue or discharge.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>HS</td>\n<td>Does it mean “half-strength” or “at<br />\nbedtime”?</td>\n<td>Write <i>at bedtime</i> or a designated time.<br />\nAlso write out the specific dosing strength and/or quantity</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>QD</td>\n<td>Does it mean “every day” or “right eye”?<br />\n<i>QD</i> looks like <i>OD,</i> which means “right eye.”<br />\n(<i>OS</i> means “left eye.”)</td>\n<td>Write <i>every day.</i></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>QOD</td>\n<td>Does it mean “every other day” or<br />\n“daily”?</td>\n<td>Write <i>every other day</i> <i></i>or <i>daily,</i> according<br />\nto patient’s needs.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>MSO4</td>\n<td>Does it mean “magnesium sulfate” or “morphine<br />\nsulfate”?</td>\n<td>Write magnesium sulfate or morphine sulfate.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>U or IU</td>\n<td>Does it mean “unit” or “zero”? Could it be<br />\nmistaken for “0” or “10”?</td>\n<td>Write <i>units.</i></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>IV</td>\n<td>Does it mean “intravenous,” “international<br />\nunits,” or “4”?</td>\n<td><i>IV</i> is an acceptable abbreviation for<br />\n“intravenous,” but the doc could write <i>international<br />\nunits</i> or <i>intravenous</i> to be clearer.<br />\nOr “4”</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>SQ or SC</td>\n<td>Does it mean “subcutaneous” or could it be mistaken<br />\nfor “5Q” (“5 every”)?</td>\n<td>Write Subq, subcut, subcutaneous, or 5 every.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>TIW</td>\n<td>Does it mean “twice a week” or “three times a<br />\nweek” (the real meaning)?</td>\n<td>Write twice a week or three times a week.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>cc</td>\n<td>Does it mean “cubic centimeter” or<br />\n“milliliter”? Could it be mistaken for<br />\n“00”?</td>\n<td>Write milliliter or mL.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Ug or g</td>\n<td>Does it mean “microgram” or “Ugh”? Could it<br />\nbe mistaken for <i>mg</i>?</td>\n<td>Write microgram or mcg.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>OD</td>\n<td>Does it mean “once daily” or “right<br />\neye”?</td>\n<td>Write once daily or right eye.</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\n<p>Source: The National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention (NCC MERP). http://www.nccmerp.org/</p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Advance","lifeExpectancy":"One year","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-01-20T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":208667},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2021-09-15T19:22:42+00:00","modifiedTime":"2021-09-15T19:22:42+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:18:37+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34038"},"slug":"body-mind-spirit","categoryId":34038},{"name":"Medical","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34077"},"slug":"medical","categoryId":34077},{"name":"Vaccines","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34530"},"slug":"vaccines","categoryId":34530}],"title":"Vaccines For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"vaccines for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"vaccines-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Let this cheat sheet guide you through the vaccination process. Learn how to talk to your pediatrician and about adult vaccines.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Vaccinations are a hot topic today. While vaccines can have some side effects, the benefits outweigh any possible risks. Vaccines have saved untold numbers of lives. Many previously feared childhood and adult diseases have been eliminated. Take a look at the entire vaccination process.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_286378\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-286378\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/vaccines-administered.jpg\" alt=\"vaccine being administered\" width=\"556\" height=\"371\" /> © Studio Romantic / Shutterstock.com[/caption]","description":"Vaccinations are a hot topic today. While vaccines can have some side effects, the benefits outweigh any possible risks. Vaccines have saved untold numbers of lives. Many previously feared childhood and adult diseases have been eliminated. Take a look at the entire vaccination process.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_286378\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-286378\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/vaccines-administered.jpg\" alt=\"vaccine being administered\" width=\"556\" height=\"371\" /> © Studio Romantic / Shutterstock.com[/caption]","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":34555,"name":"Megan Coffee","slug":"megan-coffee","description":" <p><b>Megan Coffee, MD, PhD, is a faculty member at the Grossman School of Medicine at New York University Hospital. She is an attending physician in infectious diseases at Bellevue Hospital in New York City and teaches on communicable diseases in humanitarian crises at Columbia University. She collaborates with a team at NYU to better predict disease severity in COVID.</b> <p><b>Sharon Perkins, RN, is the co-author of more than 10 <i>For Dummies</i> titles including</b> <i>Pregnancy For Dummies, Healthy Aging For Dummies, Dad&#8217;s Guide to Baby&#8217;s First Year For Dummies</i>, <b>and most recently, <i>Getting Pregnant For Dummies</i>.</b> ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/34555"}},{"authorId":9114,"name":"Sharon Perkins","slug":"sharon-perkins","description":" <p><B>Matthew M. F. Miller</b> is a father and uncle. He is the author of Maybe Baby: An Infertile Love Story.</p> <p><b>Sharon Perkins</B> is a mother and grandmother, as well as a seasoned author and registered nurse with 25+ years&#8217; experience providing prenatal and labor and delivery care. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9114"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34530,"title":"Vaccines","slug":"vaccines","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34530"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":[{"articleId":192609,"title":"How to Pray the Rosary: A Comprehensive Guide","slug":"how-to-pray-the-rosary","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/192609"}},{"articleId":208741,"title":"Kabbalah For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"kabbalah-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","kabbalah"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/208741"}},{"articleId":230957,"title":"Nikon D3400 For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"nikon-d3400-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","photography"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/230957"}},{"articleId":235851,"title":"Praying the Rosary and Meditating on the Mysteries","slug":"praying-rosary-meditating-mysteries","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/235851"}},{"articleId":284787,"title":"What Your Society Says About You","slug":"what-your-society-says-about-you","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","humanities"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/284787"}}],"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":286388,"slug":"vaccines-for-dummies","isbn":"9781119787815","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","medical","vaccines"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119787815/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119787815/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119787815-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119787815/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119787815/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/vaccines-for-dummies-cover-9781119787815-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Vaccines For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><p><B>Matthew M. F. Miller</b> is a father and uncle. He is the author of Maybe Baby: An Infertile Love Story.</p> <p><b><b data-author-id=\"9114\">Sharon Perkins</b></B> is a mother and grandmother, as well as a seasoned author and registered nurse with 25+ years&#8217; experience providing prenatal and labor and delivery care. <p><b><b data-author-id=\"34555\">Megan Coffee</b>, MD, PhD, is a faculty member at the Grossman School of Medicine at New York University Hospital. She is an attending physician in infectious diseases at Bellevue Hospital in New York City and teaches on communicable diseases in humanitarian crises at Columbia University. She collaborates with a team at NYU to better predict disease severity in COVID.</b> <p><b>Sharon Perkins, RN, is the co-author of more than 10 <i>For Dummies</i> titles including</b> <i>Pregnancy For Dummies, Healthy Aging For Dummies, Dad&#8217;s Guide to Baby&#8217;s First Year For Dummies</i>, <b>and most recently, <i>Getting Pregnant For Dummies</i>.</b></p>","authors":[{"authorId":9114,"name":"Sharon Perkins","slug":"sharon-perkins","description":" <p><B>Matthew M. F. Miller</b> is a father and uncle. He is the author of Maybe Baby: An Infertile Love Story.</p> <p><b>Sharon Perkins</B> is a mother and grandmother, as well as a seasoned author and registered nurse with 25+ years&#8217; experience providing prenatal and labor and delivery care. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9114"}},{"authorId":34555,"name":"Megan Coffee","slug":"megan-coffee","description":" <p><b>Megan Coffee, MD, PhD, is a faculty member at the Grossman School of Medicine at New York University Hospital. She is an attending physician in infectious diseases at Bellevue Hospital in New York City and teaches on communicable diseases in humanitarian crises at Columbia University. She collaborates with a team at NYU to better predict disease severity in COVID.</b> <p><b>Sharon Perkins, RN, is the co-author of more than 10 <i>For Dummies</i> titles including</b> <i>Pregnancy For Dummies, Healthy Aging For Dummies, Dad&#8217;s Guide to Baby&#8217;s First Year For Dummies</i>, <b>and most recently, <i>Getting Pregnant For Dummies</i>.</b> ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/34555"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;medical&quot;,&quot;vaccines&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119787815&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221afdbd512\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;medical&quot;,&quot;vaccines&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119787815&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221afdbdfd2\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":0,"title":"","slug":null,"categoryList":[],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/"}}],"content":[{"title":"How to talk to your pediatrician about vaccinations","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>The topic of vaccinations comes up very early in your child’s life — right after birth, in fact. That’s why it’s important to talk to your pediatrician before your baby is even born, so that you know what’s being given and why it’s important. Here are some general questions to ask:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Do you follow the American Academy of Pediatrics schedule for immunizing infants and children?</li>\n<li>Does a minor illness prevent my child from getting their vaccinations?</li>\n<li>When <em>shouldn’t</em> my child get an immunization?</li>\n<li>What are the most common side effects of these vaccinations?</li>\n<li>What should I give my child for any side effects?</li>\n<li>Is there anything I should watch for or call you about after vaccination?</li>\n<li>What can we do to distract my child from any pain from the vaccine?</li>\n<li>How often do we need to come to the pediatrician’s office for vaccines?</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Vaccinations for adults","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>When we think about vaccines, we often think about kids heading to the doctor to get their shots&#8230;and, hopefully, getting a lollipop afterward! While children do get the lion’s share of vaccinations, adults also need boosters of previous vaccines as well as vaccinations meant just for adults. Vaccinations for <a href=\"https://dummies-wp-admin.dummies.com/health/preventive-health-services-for-adults-and-the-affordable-care-act/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">adults</a> include the following:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>COVID-19 vaccine:</strong> Every adult should be given the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccination is the best way to keep pandemic outbreaks under control.</li>\n<li><strong>Boosters of previously given vaccines:</strong> Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough) are examples. All these vaccines decrease in effectiveness over time.</li>\n<li><strong>Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine: </strong>Because this vaccine is fairly recent, you may not have had it as a tween or teen. Adults up to age 26 should have this vaccine.</li>\n<li><strong>Influenza vaccine:</strong> Because the strain of flu changes from year to year, you need a flu shot every fall, particularly as you get older and more prone to flu complications.</li>\n<li><strong>Shingles vaccine:</strong> If you had chicken pox, the virus remains in your system and can reactivate as shingles, a very painful disorder with lesions that cause nerve pain. Every adult over age 50 should have the shingles vaccine unless health issues prevent it.</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Different types of vaccines","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Vaccines are created in different ways. They differ either because they were formulated at a time when most vaccines were made that way, or because scientists found it to be the most effective way to create immunity against a certain disease without causing harm. Here are the main types of vaccines:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Live-attenuated vaccines</strong> use a small, weakened part of the germ that causes the disease. These vaccines create a strong immune response but can also cause more side effects.</li>\n<li><strong>Inactivated vaccines</strong> are made from killed parts of the germ. There’s no chance of getting sick from inactivated vaccines.</li>\n<li><strong>Subunit vaccines</strong> contain a specific part of the germ that makes you sick. It could be a protein or sugar from the surface of the germ. These vaccines won’t make you sick, but they also don’t last as long as live vaccines, requiring boosters.</li>\n<li><strong>Toxoid vaccines</strong> protect against diseases where the toxin produced by the germ is what actually makes you sick. The toxoids used in the vaccines create antibodies against the toxins, not the germ, and are themselves harmless.</li>\n<li><strong>Nucleic acid vaccines, including the mRNA vaccine: </strong>The COVID-19 vaccine falls into this category; it’s also the first vaccine of this type. The vaccine sends a set of instructions to cells on how to make proteins, or antigens, that produce an immune response.</li>\n</ul>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Six months","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2021-09-15T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":286377},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T08:10:59+00:00","modifiedTime":"2021-08-11T21:42:47+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:18:32+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34038"},"slug":"body-mind-spirit","categoryId":34038},{"name":"Medical","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34077"},"slug":"medical","categoryId":34077},{"name":"Terminology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34086"},"slug":"terminology","categoryId":34086}],"title":"Internal Medical Terminology","strippedTitle":"internal medical terminology","slug":"medical-terminology-for-your-interior","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Check out this extensive list of medical terminology for your internal organs, areas of the body, and other important terms.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"What makes up the inside of your body, from cells to organs and everything in between, lends itself to an abundance of body part-related medical terms. All the root words and combining forms can morph into all kinds of different words that explain everything from everyday common conditions and procedures to pathology and pharmacology.\r\n<p class=\"Tip\">Remember that you can take any root word or combining form and create several different medical terms.</p>\r\n\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th>Root Word</th>\r\n<th>What It Means</th>\r\n<th>Example(s)</th>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Abdomin/o</td>\r\n<td>Abdomen</td>\r\n<td>Abdominoplasty: Surgical repair or reconstruction of the\r\nabdomen</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Angi/o</td>\r\n<td>Vessel</td>\r\n<td>Angioplasty: Surgical repair or reconstruction of a vessel</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Arteri/o</td>\r\n<td>Artery</td>\r\n<td>Arterioplasty: Surgical repair or reconstruction of an\r\nartery</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Arthr/o</td>\r\n<td>Joint</td>\r\n<td>Arthritis: Inflammation of a joint\r\nArthroplasty: Surgical repair or reconstruction of a joint</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Audi/o</td>\r\n<td>Hearing</td>\r\n<td>Audiometry: Measurement of hearing using an audiometer</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Bio</td>\r\n<td>Life</td>\r\n<td>Biology: The study of life and living organisms</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Bronch/i, bronch/o</td>\r\n<td>Bronchus/lung</td>\r\n<td>Bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchi\r\nBronchoscopy: Visual examination of the bronchi</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Cardi/o</td>\r\n<td>Heart</td>\r\n<td>Cardiomegaly: Enlargement of the heart\r\nCardiac: Pertaining to the heart\r\nCarditis: Inflammation of the heart</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Cholecyst/o</td>\r\n<td>Gallbladder</td>\r\n<td>Cholecystectomy: Removal of the gallbladder\r\nCholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Chondr/i, chondr/o</td>\r\n<td>Cartilage</td>\r\n<td>Chondromalacia: Softening of cartilage</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Col/o</td>\r\n<td>Colon</td>\r\n<td>Colonoscopy: Visual examination of the colon\r\nColonoscope: Instrument used in colonoscopy</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Cry/o</td>\r\n<td>Cold</td>\r\n<td>Cryobiology: Branch of biology dealing with effects of low\r\ntemperatures</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Cysti, cyst/o</td>\r\n<td>Bladder, or cyst</td>\r\n<td>Cystectomy: Surgical removal of a simple cyst or of the urinary\r\nbladder\r\nCystitis: Inflammation of the bladder\r\nCystogram: Radiograph of the bladder\r\nCystopexy: Surgical fixation of the bladder to abdominal wall</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Cyt/o</td>\r\n<td>Cell</td>\r\n<td>Cytology: Study of cells</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Duoden/o</td>\r\n<td>Duodenum</td>\r\n<td>Duodenotomy: Surgical cutting into the duodenum\r\nDuodenectomy: Surgical removal of the duodenum\r\nDuodenitis: Inflammation of the duodenum</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Encephal/o</td>\r\n<td>Brain</td>\r\n<td>Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Episi/o</td>\r\n<td>Vulva</td>\r\n<td>Episiotomy: Surgical cutting of the vulva</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Erythr/o</td>\r\n<td>Red</td>\r\n<td>Erythrocytes: Red blood cells\r\nErythema: Reddening of the skin</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Esophag/o</td>\r\n<td>Esophagus</td>\r\n<td>Esophagitis: Inflammation of the esophagus\r\nEsophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD): Visual examination of the\r\nesophagus, stomach, and duodenum by scope</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Galact/o</td>\r\n<td>Milk</td>\r\n<td>Galactorrhea: Spontaneous flow of milk when nursing</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Gastr/o</td>\r\n<td>Stomach</td>\r\n<td>Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach\r\nGastrectomy: Surgical removal of the stomach\r\nGastrodynia: Stomach ache</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Glyc/o</td>\r\n<td>Sugar</td>\r\n<td>Glycosuria: Sugar in the urine</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Gynec/o</td>\r\n<td>Female</td>\r\n<td>Gynecologist: Physician who studies and treats diseases of\r\nfemale reproductive organs</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Hemat/o, hem/o</td>\r\n<td>Blood</td>\r\n<td>Hematocyte: Blood cell</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Hepat/o, hepatic/o</td>\r\n<td>Liver</td>\r\n<td>Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Heter/o</td>\r\n<td>Other, different</td>\r\n<td>Heterosexual: Sexually attracted to the opposite sex</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Hist/o, histi/o</td>\r\n<td>Tissue</td>\r\n<td>Histology: Study and function of tissue</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Hom/o, home/o</td>\r\n<td>Same, alike</td>\r\n<td>Homosexual: Sexually attracted to the same sex</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Hydr/o</td>\r\n<td>Water, wet</td>\r\n<td>Hydromassage: Massage by means of moving water</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Hyster/o</td>\r\n<td>Uterus</td>\r\n<td>Hysterectomy: Surgical removal of the uterus</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Ile/o</td>\r\n<td>Ileum (intestine)</td>\r\n<td>Ileostomy: Artificial opening into the ileum\r\nIleitis: Inflammation of the ileum</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Ili/o</td>\r\n<td>Ilium (pelvic bone)</td>\r\n<td>Ilioinguinal: Pertaining to the ilium and inguinal regions</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Jejun/o</td>\r\n<td>Jejunum</td>\r\n<td>Jejunitis: Inflammation of the jejunum\r\nJejunostomy: Artificial opening into the jejunum</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Lacrima</td>\r\n<td>Tears</td>\r\n<td>Lacrimatory: Causing a flow of tears</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Laryng/o</td>\r\n<td>Larynx</td>\r\n<td>Laryngitis: Inflammation of the larynx\r\nLaryngectomy: Surgical removal of the larynx</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Leuk/o</td>\r\n<td>White</td>\r\n<td>Leukocyte: White blood cell</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Lith/o</td>\r\n<td>Stone or calculus</td>\r\n<td>Lithotripsy: Crushing of a stone or calculus</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Men/o</td>\r\n<td>Menstruation</td>\r\n<td>Menorrhea: Menstrual flow\r\nMenorrhagia: Excessive or heavy menstrual flow</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Myel/o</td>\r\n<td>Bone marrow/spinal cord</td>\r\n<td>Myelogram: Recording of the spinal cord</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>My/o</td>\r\n<td>Muscle</td>\r\n<td>Myositis: Inflammation of a muscle\r\nMyalgia: Pain in a muscle or painful muscle</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Nat/o</td>\r\n<td>Birth</td>\r\n<td>Prenatal: Before birth\r\nPostnatal: After birth</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Necr/o</td>\r\n<td>Death</td>\r\n<td>Necrosis: Death of a cell\r\nNecrophobia: Morbid fear of death or dead bodies</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Nephr/o</td>\r\n<td>Kidney</td>\r\n<td>Nephrectomy: Surgical removal of a kidney</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Neur/o, neur/i</td>\r\n<td>Nerve</td>\r\n<td>Neurologist: Physician who studies and treats conditions of the\r\nnervous system</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Oophor/o</td>\r\n<td>Ovary</td>\r\n<td>Oophorectomy: Surgical removal of an ovary\r\nOophoritis: Inflammation of an ovary</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Orchid/o, orchi/o</td>\r\n<td>Testis</td>\r\n<td>Orchialgia: A pain in the testicle\r\nOrchiectomy: Surgical removal of a testicle</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Peritone/o</td>\r\n<td>Peritoneum</td>\r\n<td>Peritoneal: Pertaining to the peritoneum\r\nPeritonitis: Inflammation of the peritoneum</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Pharyng/o</td>\r\n<td>Pharynx</td>\r\n<td>Pharyngitis: Inflammation of the pharynx (sore throat)</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Pleur/o, pleur/a</td>\r\n<td>Pleura, rib (side)</td>\r\n<td>Pleurisy: Inflammation of the lining of the chest cavity\r\nPleurolysis: Surgical separation of pleural adhesions</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Pneum/a/o/ato/ono</td>\r\n<td>Lungs</td>\r\n<td>Pneumonitis: Inflammation of the lung</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Proct/o</td>\r\n<td>Rectum, anus</td>\r\n<td>Proctologist: Physician who studies and treats diseases of\r\nrectum and anus</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Pulmon/o</td>\r\n<td>Lungs</td>\r\n<td>Pulmonary: Pertaining to the lungs</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Pyel/o</td>\r\n<td>Renal pelvis</td>\r\n<td>Pyelography: Radiograph (x-ray) of the pelvis of the\r\nkidneyPyelolithotomy: Removal of a stone from the kidney\r\npelvis</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Rect/o</td>\r\n<td>Rectum</td>\r\n<td>Rectosigmoid: Pertaining to the rectum and sigmoid</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Salping/o</td>\r\n<td>Fallopian tube</td>\r\n<td>Salpingectomy: Surgical removal of a fallopian tube</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Sarc/o</td>\r\n<td>Flesh</td>\r\n<td>Sarcoid: Resembling flesh</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Splen/o</td>\r\n<td>Spleen</td>\r\n<td>Splenomegaly: Enlargement of the spleen\r\nSplenectomy: Surgical removal of the spleen</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Tend/o, ten/o, tendin/o</td>\r\n<td>Tendon</td>\r\n<td>Tendinitis (or tendonitis): Inflammation of a tendon</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Testicul/o</td>\r\n<td>Testis</td>\r\n<td>Testicular: Pertaining to a testis or testicle\r\nTestitis: Inflammation of a testis</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Thorac/o</td>\r\n<td>Chest</td>\r\n<td>Thoracotomy: Incision into the chest cavity\r\nThoracentesis: Surgical puncture into chest cavity</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Tonsill/o</td>\r\n<td>Tonsils</td>\r\n<td>Tonsillectomy: Surgical removal of tonsils\r\nTonsillitis: Inflammation of the tonsils</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Ureter/o</td>\r\n<td>Ureter</td>\r\n<td>Ureterolithotomy: Removal of a calculus (stone) from a ureter\r\nby means of incision\r\nUreteropelvic: Pertaining to the ureter and pelvis of the\r\nkidney</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Urethr/o</td>\r\n<td>Urethra</td>\r\n<td>Urethritis: Inflammation of the urethra\r\nUrethropexy: Surgical fixation of the urethra</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Vas/o</td>\r\n<td>Vas deferens</td>\r\n<td>Vasectomy: Surgical removal of portion of vas deferens for male\r\nsterilization</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Viscer/o</td>\r\n<td>Viscera (organs)</td>\r\n<td>Viscerography: Radiography of the viscera</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</tbody>\r\n</table>","description":"What makes up the inside of your body, from cells to organs and everything in between, lends itself to an abundance of body part-related medical terms. All the root words and combining forms can morph into all kinds of different words that explain everything from everyday common conditions and procedures to pathology and pharmacology.\r\n<p class=\"Tip\">Remember that you can take any root word or combining form and create several different medical terms.</p>\r\n\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th>Root Word</th>\r\n<th>What It Means</th>\r\n<th>Example(s)</th>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Abdomin/o</td>\r\n<td>Abdomen</td>\r\n<td>Abdominoplasty: Surgical repair or reconstruction of the\r\nabdomen</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Angi/o</td>\r\n<td>Vessel</td>\r\n<td>Angioplasty: Surgical repair or reconstruction of a vessel</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Arteri/o</td>\r\n<td>Artery</td>\r\n<td>Arterioplasty: Surgical repair or reconstruction of an\r\nartery</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Arthr/o</td>\r\n<td>Joint</td>\r\n<td>Arthritis: Inflammation of a joint\r\nArthroplasty: Surgical repair or reconstruction of a joint</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Audi/o</td>\r\n<td>Hearing</td>\r\n<td>Audiometry: Measurement of hearing using an audiometer</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Bio</td>\r\n<td>Life</td>\r\n<td>Biology: The study of life and living organisms</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Bronch/i, bronch/o</td>\r\n<td>Bronchus/lung</td>\r\n<td>Bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchi\r\nBronchoscopy: Visual examination of the bronchi</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Cardi/o</td>\r\n<td>Heart</td>\r\n<td>Cardiomegaly: Enlargement of the heart\r\nCardiac: Pertaining to the heart\r\nCarditis: Inflammation of the heart</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Cholecyst/o</td>\r\n<td>Gallbladder</td>\r\n<td>Cholecystectomy: Removal of the gallbladder\r\nCholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Chondr/i, chondr/o</td>\r\n<td>Cartilage</td>\r\n<td>Chondromalacia: Softening of cartilage</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Col/o</td>\r\n<td>Colon</td>\r\n<td>Colonoscopy: Visual examination of the colon\r\nColonoscope: Instrument used in colonoscopy</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Cry/o</td>\r\n<td>Cold</td>\r\n<td>Cryobiology: Branch of biology dealing with effects of low\r\ntemperatures</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Cysti, cyst/o</td>\r\n<td>Bladder, or cyst</td>\r\n<td>Cystectomy: Surgical removal of a simple cyst or of the urinary\r\nbladder\r\nCystitis: Inflammation of the bladder\r\nCystogram: Radiograph of the bladder\r\nCystopexy: Surgical fixation of the bladder to abdominal wall</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Cyt/o</td>\r\n<td>Cell</td>\r\n<td>Cytology: Study of cells</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Duoden/o</td>\r\n<td>Duodenum</td>\r\n<td>Duodenotomy: Surgical cutting into the duodenum\r\nDuodenectomy: Surgical removal of the duodenum\r\nDuodenitis: Inflammation of the duodenum</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Encephal/o</td>\r\n<td>Brain</td>\r\n<td>Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Episi/o</td>\r\n<td>Vulva</td>\r\n<td>Episiotomy: Surgical cutting of the vulva</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Erythr/o</td>\r\n<td>Red</td>\r\n<td>Erythrocytes: Red blood cells\r\nErythema: Reddening of the skin</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Esophag/o</td>\r\n<td>Esophagus</td>\r\n<td>Esophagitis: Inflammation of the esophagus\r\nEsophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD): Visual examination of the\r\nesophagus, stomach, and duodenum by scope</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Galact/o</td>\r\n<td>Milk</td>\r\n<td>Galactorrhea: Spontaneous flow of milk when nursing</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Gastr/o</td>\r\n<td>Stomach</td>\r\n<td>Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach\r\nGastrectomy: Surgical removal of the stomach\r\nGastrodynia: Stomach ache</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Glyc/o</td>\r\n<td>Sugar</td>\r\n<td>Glycosuria: Sugar in the urine</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Gynec/o</td>\r\n<td>Female</td>\r\n<td>Gynecologist: Physician who studies and treats diseases of\r\nfemale reproductive organs</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Hemat/o, hem/o</td>\r\n<td>Blood</td>\r\n<td>Hematocyte: Blood cell</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Hepat/o, hepatic/o</td>\r\n<td>Liver</td>\r\n<td>Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Heter/o</td>\r\n<td>Other, different</td>\r\n<td>Heterosexual: Sexually attracted to the opposite sex</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Hist/o, histi/o</td>\r\n<td>Tissue</td>\r\n<td>Histology: Study and function of tissue</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Hom/o, home/o</td>\r\n<td>Same, alike</td>\r\n<td>Homosexual: Sexually attracted to the same sex</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Hydr/o</td>\r\n<td>Water, wet</td>\r\n<td>Hydromassage: Massage by means of moving water</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Hyster/o</td>\r\n<td>Uterus</td>\r\n<td>Hysterectomy: Surgical removal of the uterus</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Ile/o</td>\r\n<td>Ileum (intestine)</td>\r\n<td>Ileostomy: Artificial opening into the ileum\r\nIleitis: Inflammation of the ileum</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Ili/o</td>\r\n<td>Ilium (pelvic bone)</td>\r\n<td>Ilioinguinal: Pertaining to the ilium and inguinal regions</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Jejun/o</td>\r\n<td>Jejunum</td>\r\n<td>Jejunitis: Inflammation of the jejunum\r\nJejunostomy: Artificial opening into the jejunum</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Lacrima</td>\r\n<td>Tears</td>\r\n<td>Lacrimatory: Causing a flow of tears</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Laryng/o</td>\r\n<td>Larynx</td>\r\n<td>Laryngitis: Inflammation of the larynx\r\nLaryngectomy: Surgical removal of the larynx</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Leuk/o</td>\r\n<td>White</td>\r\n<td>Leukocyte: White blood cell</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Lith/o</td>\r\n<td>Stone or calculus</td>\r\n<td>Lithotripsy: Crushing of a stone or calculus</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Men/o</td>\r\n<td>Menstruation</td>\r\n<td>Menorrhea: Menstrual flow\r\nMenorrhagia: Excessive or heavy menstrual flow</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Myel/o</td>\r\n<td>Bone marrow/spinal cord</td>\r\n<td>Myelogram: Recording of the spinal cord</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>My/o</td>\r\n<td>Muscle</td>\r\n<td>Myositis: Inflammation of a muscle\r\nMyalgia: Pain in a muscle or painful muscle</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Nat/o</td>\r\n<td>Birth</td>\r\n<td>Prenatal: Before birth\r\nPostnatal: After birth</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Necr/o</td>\r\n<td>Death</td>\r\n<td>Necrosis: Death of a cell\r\nNecrophobia: Morbid fear of death or dead bodies</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Nephr/o</td>\r\n<td>Kidney</td>\r\n<td>Nephrectomy: Surgical removal of a kidney</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Neur/o, neur/i</td>\r\n<td>Nerve</td>\r\n<td>Neurologist: Physician who studies and treats conditions of the\r\nnervous system</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Oophor/o</td>\r\n<td>Ovary</td>\r\n<td>Oophorectomy: Surgical removal of an ovary\r\nOophoritis: Inflammation of an ovary</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Orchid/o, orchi/o</td>\r\n<td>Testis</td>\r\n<td>Orchialgia: A pain in the testicle\r\nOrchiectomy: Surgical removal of a testicle</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Peritone/o</td>\r\n<td>Peritoneum</td>\r\n<td>Peritoneal: Pertaining to the peritoneum\r\nPeritonitis: Inflammation of the peritoneum</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Pharyng/o</td>\r\n<td>Pharynx</td>\r\n<td>Pharyngitis: Inflammation of the pharynx (sore throat)</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Pleur/o, pleur/a</td>\r\n<td>Pleura, rib (side)</td>\r\n<td>Pleurisy: Inflammation of the lining of the chest cavity\r\nPleurolysis: Surgical separation of pleural adhesions</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Pneum/a/o/ato/ono</td>\r\n<td>Lungs</td>\r\n<td>Pneumonitis: Inflammation of the lung</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Proct/o</td>\r\n<td>Rectum, anus</td>\r\n<td>Proctologist: Physician who studies and treats diseases of\r\nrectum and anus</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Pulmon/o</td>\r\n<td>Lungs</td>\r\n<td>Pulmonary: Pertaining to the lungs</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Pyel/o</td>\r\n<td>Renal pelvis</td>\r\n<td>Pyelography: Radiograph (x-ray) of the pelvis of the\r\nkidneyPyelolithotomy: Removal of a stone from the kidney\r\npelvis</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Rect/o</td>\r\n<td>Rectum</td>\r\n<td>Rectosigmoid: Pertaining to the rectum and sigmoid</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Salping/o</td>\r\n<td>Fallopian tube</td>\r\n<td>Salpingectomy: Surgical removal of a fallopian tube</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Sarc/o</td>\r\n<td>Flesh</td>\r\n<td>Sarcoid: Resembling flesh</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Splen/o</td>\r\n<td>Spleen</td>\r\n<td>Splenomegaly: Enlargement of the spleen\r\nSplenectomy: Surgical removal of the spleen</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Tend/o, ten/o, tendin/o</td>\r\n<td>Tendon</td>\r\n<td>Tendinitis (or tendonitis): Inflammation of a tendon</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Testicul/o</td>\r\n<td>Testis</td>\r\n<td>Testicular: Pertaining to a testis or testicle\r\nTestitis: Inflammation of a testis</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Thorac/o</td>\r\n<td>Chest</td>\r\n<td>Thoracotomy: Incision into the chest cavity\r\nThoracentesis: Surgical puncture into chest cavity</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Tonsill/o</td>\r\n<td>Tonsils</td>\r\n<td>Tonsillectomy: Surgical removal of tonsils\r\nTonsillitis: Inflammation of the tonsils</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Ureter/o</td>\r\n<td>Ureter</td>\r\n<td>Ureterolithotomy: Removal of a calculus (stone) from a ureter\r\nby means of incision\r\nUreteropelvic: Pertaining to the ureter and pelvis of the\r\nkidney</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Urethr/o</td>\r\n<td>Urethra</td>\r\n<td>Urethritis: Inflammation of the urethra\r\nUrethropexy: Surgical fixation of the urethra</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Vas/o</td>\r\n<td>Vas deferens</td>\r\n<td>Vasectomy: Surgical removal of portion of vas deferens for male\r\nsterilization</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Viscer/o</td>\r\n<td>Viscera (organs)</td>\r\n<td>Viscerography: Radiography of the viscera</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</tbody>\r\n</table>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9294,"name":"Beverley Henderson","slug":"beverley-henderson","description":" <p><b>Beverley Henderson, CMT&#45;R, HRT</b> has more than 40 years of experience in medical terminology and transcription as both an educator and manager. <b>Jennifer L. 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These common medical root words give you a general idea of what you’re dealing with or specify a body part.</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Abdomin/o: </strong>Abdomen</li>\n<li><strong>Aden/o:</strong> Gland</li>\n<li><strong>Anter/o:</strong> Front</li>\n<li><strong>Arteri/o:</strong> Artery</li>\n<li><strong>Audi/o:</strong> Hearing</li>\n<li><strong>Bio:</strong> Life</li>\n<li><strong>Brachi/o:</strong> Arm</li>\n<li><strong>Bronch/i, bronch/o:</strong> Bronchus</li>\n<li><strong>Carcin/o:</strong> Cancer</li>\n<li><strong>Cardi/o:</strong> Heart</li>\n<li><strong>Col/o:</strong> Colon</li>\n<li><strong>Cyt/o:</strong> Cell</li>\n<li><strong>Derm/a, derm/o, dermat/o: </strong>Skin</li>\n<li><strong>Dors/i, dors/o:</strong> Back or posterior</li>\n<li><strong>Encephal/o:</strong> Brain</li>\n<li><strong>Gastr/o:</strong> Stomach</li>\n<li><strong>Gynec/o:</strong> Female</li>\n<li><strong>Hemat/o: </strong>Bl ood</li>\n<li><strong>Hist/o, histi/o:</strong> Tissue</li>\n<li><strong>Intestin/o:</strong> Intestine</li>\n<li><strong>Lapar/o:</strong> Abdomen, loin or flank</li>\n<li><strong>Lymph/o:</strong> Lymph vessels</li>\n<li><strong>My/o:</strong> Muscle</li>\n<li><strong>Neur/o:</strong> Nerve</li>\n<li><strong>Ocul/o:</strong> Eye</li>\n<li><strong>Ophthalm/o:</strong> Eyes</li>\n<li><strong>Optic/o, opt/o:</strong> Seeing, sight</li>\n<li><strong>Or/o:</strong> Mouth</li>\n<li><strong>Ot/o:</strong> Ear</li>\n<li><strong>Path/o:</strong> Disease</li>\n<li><strong>Pharmac/o:</strong> Drug</li>\n<li><strong>Pulmon/o:</strong> Lungs</li>\n<li><strong>Sept/o:</strong> Infection</li>\n<li><strong>Thorac/o:</strong> Chest/thorax</li>\n<li><strong>Thyr/o:</strong> Thyroid gland</li>\n<li><strong>Trachel/o:</strong> Neck or necklike</li>\n<li><strong>Trich/o:</strong> Hair or hairlike</li>\n<li><strong>Ventr/i, ventr/o:</strong> Front of body</li>\n<li><strong>Viscer/o:</strong> Viscera (internal organs)</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Greek Tidbits in Medical Terms","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Most common medical terms used today are derived from Latin or Greek. After all, the Greeks were the founders of modern medicine. Examples of medical terminology used today based on the Greek language are</p>\n<ul>\n<li>The word <em>semantics</em> is derived from the Greek <em>semantikos</em>, meaning “significant.”</li>\n<li><em>Coccyx</em> comes from the Greek word for “cuckoo” &#8212; it resembles a cuckoo’s beak.</li>\n<li>Remember: <em>myo</em> (muscle) is not to be confused with <em>myelo</em> (bone marrow).</li>\n<li><em>Diaphoresis</em> comes from the Greek <em>dia</em> meaning “through” and <em>phoreo </em>meaning “I carry.” Translated, it means “the carrying through of perspiration.”</li>\n<li>Glaucoma: Greek <em>glaukos</em> means “blue-grey,” and <em>oma</em> means “a condition.” In <em>glaucoma</em>, gray color replaces the black pupil.</li>\n<li>Both Latin and Greek play a role in the roots of the word for heart, <em>cardium</em>. This word stems from the Greek word <em>kardia</em>.</li>\n<li><em>Adenoid</em> comes from the Greek <em>aden,</em> meaning “gland,” and <em>cidos</em>, meaning “like.” The term was once used for the prostate gland.</li>\n<li><em>Pancreas</em> is so named because of its fleshy appearance. Greek <em>pan</em> means “all,” and <em>krea</em> means “flesh.”</li>\n<li><em>Endocrine</em>: Take <em>endo</em> and add it to the Greek <em>krinein</em>, which means “to separate.”</li>\n<li><em>Paraplegia</em>: The Greek <em>para</em> means “beside,” and <em>plegia</em> means “paralysis.”</li>\n<li>The Greek word <em>pyelos </em>means “tub-shaped vessel,” which describes the shape of the kidney.</li>\n<li><em>Venereal</em> is derived from Venus, the goddess of love. It was thought in ancient times to be one of the misfortunes of love.</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Medical Terms Commonly Misspelled","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Don’t get discouraged studying medical terminology. A large group of medical terms are notorious for being difficult to spell. These medical terms are commonly misspelled:</p>\n<p>Abscess, adolescence, alimentation, alopecia, Alzheimer, analyze, aneurysm, anorexia, arrhythmia, ascites, asphyxia, asystole, auscultation, callus, catheter, Caucasian, chickenpox, cirrhosis, curettage, decubitus, diabetes mellitus, diaphoresis, diaphragm, dilatation, diphtheria, eczema, effusion, elicit, epididymitis, fascia, flaccid, gallbladder, gangrene, gauge, gonorrhea, hemoptysis, hemorrhoid, humerus, hygiene, icterus, inoculate, intraocular, intussusception, ischemia, melanin, menstruation, oophorectomy, ophthalmology, orthopnea, pacemaker, palliative, palpate, palpitation, perineum, periosteum, peritoneum, peroneal, prosthesis, prostate, protocol, pruritus, rhythm, sagittal, sedentary, sequela, sieve, spleen, splenectomy, supersede, syncope, syphilis, tonsils, tonsillectomy, tricuspid, ventricle, vertical, and xiphoid.</p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Advance","lifeExpectancy":"Six months","lifeExpectancySetFrom":null,"dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":209448},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2020-01-02T03:56:18+00:00","modifiedTime":"2020-01-23T15:43:21+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:17:30+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34038"},"slug":"body-mind-spirit","categoryId":34038},{"name":"Medical","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34077"},"slug":"medical","categoryId":34077},{"name":"Billing & Coding","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34079"},"slug":"billing-coding","categoryId":34079}],"title":"Where Medical Billing and Coding Specialists Work","strippedTitle":"where medical billing and coding specialists work","slug":"where-medical-billing-coding-specialists-work","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Discover the environments in which you can work as a medical billing and coding specialist—from hospitals, insurance companies, to the federal government.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Before you start job-hunting as a <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/careers/medical-careers/medical-billing-coding/medical-billing-coding-for-dummies-cheat-sheet/\">medical billing and coding</a> specialist, give some thought to what sort of environment you want to work in. The possibilities are almost endless, and if you think about your preferences before you search for a job, you can narrow down your list of possible employers, saving yourself a boatload of time. Are you, for example, interested in the fast-paced, volume-heavy work that you’d likely find in a hospital? Or does the controlled chaos of a smaller physician’s office seem more up your alley?\r\n\r\nThe good news is that all medical facilities and offices need some sort of billing and coding staff who can either work in the office or work remotely. Medical billers and coders are essential to the efficient processing of data, compliance with government regulations, and protection of patient privacy as required by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_267085\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-267085\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/medical-billing-physicians-0ffice.jpg\" alt=\"medical billing in an office\" width=\"556\" height=\"371\" /> ©Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock.com[/caption]\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tech\">Currently, medical billing and coding jobs comprise one-fifth of the healthcare workforce, a number that is expected to grow. The transition to ICD-10, the updated version of the International Classification of Diseases that replaced ICD-9, increased the demand for medical coders because it made the coding and billing process more complicated (due to the increased specificity of the classifications) and more time-consuming. On the heels of ICD-10 is ICD-11, which is tentatively scheduled to become effective after January 1, 2022; ICD-11 will unlikely create concerns that were part of the ICD-10 delay.</p>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">As you consider where you want to ply your trade, keep in mind that the environment you choose can impact how broad or narrow your exposure to the coding and billing profession is. For example, if you work for a general surgeon (an optimal — and most sought after — position for a coder), you get experience in most areas of coding. The surgeon may use evaluation and management codes in addition to procedural codes from every section of the coding book. In contrast, a position in a pathology laboratory may limit your experience to that area of practice. A coder with experience in all areas becomes more valuable as an employee to the bigger employers.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >The doctor is in: Working in a physician’s office</h2>\r\nIf you’ve seen someone buried under stacks of medical files as you take care of your copay in the doctor’s office, chances are you’re looking at a medical biller or coder. Just think — that could be you!\r\n\r\nSeveral different kinds of physician offices employ their own coders and billers. Here are just a few possibilities:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Working in an office in which a group of physicians share a practice:</strong> In a multi-physician office, the pace is usually a little faster, and more demands are placed on the administrative staff. Usually, a larger practice has an office manager in addition to the clerical staff.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Working in an office that has just one or two docs:</strong> In this situation, the coder may function as the receptionist and biller as well. These offices can be great places to work. Due to size, you may find less office politics, and life usually tends to move at a slower pace when you’re dealing with just one doc. The downside is that getting time off can be difficult, and your days off generally correspond to the physician’s days off, so you have less flexibility with regard to personal time.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Working in an office in which the physicians do their own coding:</strong> In this case, the physicians may use only the services of a biller. A certified coder is optimal to fill this type of position because, when the physician is out of her comfort zone from a coding perspective, a certified coder can assist with assigning the correct codes, as well as keeping abreast of code changes and other requirements. The downside to working in this environment is that your coding may not be as accurate as it should be (you may work with a physician who likes to “do it his way”), and moving to another job will be more difficult. Keeping providers like these on the right track is often a difficult and delicate position to put yourself in.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Hooking up with a hospital</h2>\r\nGet all the images of <em>Grey’s Anatomy</em> out of your head right now. Working in a hospital may be busy and exciting, but it’s not always <em>that</em> dramatic, especially in the “back of house,” where billers and coders do their stuff. That said, working in a hospital environment has a lot to keep you hopping.\r\n\r\nWorking in a hospital can be a rewarding experience for the coder. Hospitals are very departmentalized, with each department having its own coders. In most circumstances, the coding in a particular department is specific to a certain specialty or set of specialties, just as it would be if you were working in a physician’s office. The difference is that the coding is for the facility, so expenses that are incurred by the facility — including drugs and implantable items such as stents or shunts, for example — are reimbursed through the hospital coding. In addition, most hospitals have a centralized billing department (or they may send the billing out to a billing company; see the next section).\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tech\">Medicare and some state Medicaid plans reimburse hospitals based on diagnosis-related groups (for example, MS-DRGs or APR-DRGs) for inpatient claims. This means that the admitting diagnosis is linked to the severity of the patient’s illness. The level of risk associated with the treatment can affect the level of reimbursement received from Medicare and other payers. In other words, the sicker the patient, the greater the risk, and the higher the level of reimbursement. Coding that drives diagnosis related groups (DRGs) is more complex than non-DRG claims. There are specific rules that govern sequencing diagnosis codes and also the documentation that is required to support using those codes.</p>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">Don’t think that you can’t create a niche for yourself in a larger hospital setting. You can, thanks to all the smaller sub-clinics and offices under the hospital umbrella that service the entire facility. For example, many surgeries can’t be performed without anesthesia (well, they could, but it wouldn’t be a popular choice!). So hospitals use anesthesiologists, who have to bill patients just like any other function of the hospital.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Focusing on a billing or practice management company</h2>\r\nOther options for employment as a biller or coder usually involve working for a practice management or billing company. These companies provide various levels of administrative support, with some handling all of a provider’s practice administrative duties (even though having someone on site who understands insurance is still important for every provider office).\r\n\r\nBilling and practice management companies come in all sizes and specialties. The larger companies handle numerous clients and usually have a team of people working on one or two of the accounts. In addition, if the company provides practice management — including coding and billing for a physician or group — the work is the same as if the provider were handling this aspect of the practice in-house.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">Work at a billing or practice management company may be a good bet for the novice coder or biller because it’s a great way to learn the ropes under the tutelage of a more seasoned professional. It also provides an outlet for giving and receiving feedback and working through some of the stickier details with a coworker. In this work environment, you wouldn’t be flying solo! As a general rule, bigger companies usually have more structure with regard to how they do things, and they provide the best on-the-job training. That being said, be mindful of companies that have internal training programs run by people who have only worked at that one company!</p>\r\nJust as with hospitals, you can find your own niche in practice management companies, too. Some practice management companies within larger organizations, for example, specialize in certain areas, such as anesthesia or radiological practices. Working for one of these companies enables you to focus on and gain expertise in those specialties. With anesthesia, for example, you would need to know <em>all</em> surgical and procedural codes, and radiology overlaps with cardiology because of the noninvasive cardiac procedures that are now common.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">Many billing companies are contractually obligated to their clients to employ only certified medical coders to perform the coding. Although the AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders) now offers a Certified Professional Biller certification, billers may often be trained on the job, but having knowledge prior to employment gives you an advantage as a job seeker.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab4\" >Processing claims for an insurance company</h2>\r\nYou may decide that you want to work in claims. Working in a claims job is one way to stretch the limits of your billing and coding knowledge.\r\n\r\nMajor insurance payers use automated claims processing. The claims are received electronically and do not require a human touch unless there are problems. Smaller payers may either receive the information electronically or scan it into their processing software, where it is processed, ideally correctly. To ensure more efficient, yet timely claim processing, many of these companies also use a claims processor.\r\n\r\nTo be successful as a claims processor, you need to know medical claim coding, billing procedures, and insurance obligations. These processors carefully examine each claim to determine its validity and accuracy. The processor then refers to the patient’s insurance policy benefit or plan to determine the correct level of payment for the claim. The processor also has software that contains the contracts that are linked to individual medical providers by their tax identification number or National Provider Identifier (NPI). They apply the plan provisions and payer contract to the claim to determine payment. After doing all this, the payment is issued accordingly. If the claim needs additional clarification or information, the claims processor sends a notice to the appropriate office to request the missing details.\r\n\r\nIn addition to payer-processing positions, insurance companies also need people to handle incorrectly processed claims when the providers appeal them. Again, solid knowledge of medical terminology, diagnosis, and procedural codes are valuable tools for these employees.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab5\" >The best of the rest</h2>\r\nThe possibilities are nearly endless in the billing and coding field. Even though you’re most likely to find employment in a physician’s office or in a larger facility like a hospital or clinic, here are a few other options you may find enticing:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Nursing homes</li>\r\n \t<li>Outpatient facilities</li>\r\n \t<li>Home healthcare services</li>\r\n \t<li>Durable medical equipment providers</li>\r\n \t<li>Federal government agencies such as the Department of Health & Human Services, Social Security, Medicare, Tricare, or the Department of Labor</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nIn short, billing and coding is important to any business that provides healthcare.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab6\" >Getting your foot in the door</h2>\r\nWhether you find work in a doctor’s office, at the local hospital, at a practice management company, or for an insurance company, you have several options for jobs within those offices. Think of the world of billing and coding as a buffet, and you have a plate just waiting to be filled with a big, tasty job. The good news is that you get to pick based on your level of skill and your interests.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">Still, finding employment as a novice can be a challenge. Many offices are fully staffed and may hesitate to hire a newly trained coder without any medical office experience. An excellent way to get your foot in the door is to accept a position that involves verifying each patient’s benefits.</p>","description":"Before you start job-hunting as a <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/careers/medical-careers/medical-billing-coding/medical-billing-coding-for-dummies-cheat-sheet/\">medical billing and coding</a> specialist, give some thought to what sort of environment you want to work in. The possibilities are almost endless, and if you think about your preferences before you search for a job, you can narrow down your list of possible employers, saving yourself a boatload of time. Are you, for example, interested in the fast-paced, volume-heavy work that you’d likely find in a hospital? Or does the controlled chaos of a smaller physician’s office seem more up your alley?\r\n\r\nThe good news is that all medical facilities and offices need some sort of billing and coding staff who can either work in the office or work remotely. Medical billers and coders are essential to the efficient processing of data, compliance with government regulations, and protection of patient privacy as required by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_267085\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-267085\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/medical-billing-physicians-0ffice.jpg\" alt=\"medical billing in an office\" width=\"556\" height=\"371\" /> ©Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock.com[/caption]\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tech\">Currently, medical billing and coding jobs comprise one-fifth of the healthcare workforce, a number that is expected to grow. The transition to ICD-10, the updated version of the International Classification of Diseases that replaced ICD-9, increased the demand for medical coders because it made the coding and billing process more complicated (due to the increased specificity of the classifications) and more time-consuming. On the heels of ICD-10 is ICD-11, which is tentatively scheduled to become effective after January 1, 2022; ICD-11 will unlikely create concerns that were part of the ICD-10 delay.</p>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">As you consider where you want to ply your trade, keep in mind that the environment you choose can impact how broad or narrow your exposure to the coding and billing profession is. For example, if you work for a general surgeon (an optimal — and most sought after — position for a coder), you get experience in most areas of coding. The surgeon may use evaluation and management codes in addition to procedural codes from every section of the coding book. In contrast, a position in a pathology laboratory may limit your experience to that area of practice. A coder with experience in all areas becomes more valuable as an employee to the bigger employers.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >The doctor is in: Working in a physician’s office</h2>\r\nIf you’ve seen someone buried under stacks of medical files as you take care of your copay in the doctor’s office, chances are you’re looking at a medical biller or coder. Just think — that could be you!\r\n\r\nSeveral different kinds of physician offices employ their own coders and billers. Here are just a few possibilities:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Working in an office in which a group of physicians share a practice:</strong> In a multi-physician office, the pace is usually a little faster, and more demands are placed on the administrative staff. Usually, a larger practice has an office manager in addition to the clerical staff.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Working in an office that has just one or two docs:</strong> In this situation, the coder may function as the receptionist and biller as well. These offices can be great places to work. Due to size, you may find less office politics, and life usually tends to move at a slower pace when you’re dealing with just one doc. The downside is that getting time off can be difficult, and your days off generally correspond to the physician’s days off, so you have less flexibility with regard to personal time.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Working in an office in which the physicians do their own coding:</strong> In this case, the physicians may use only the services of a biller. A certified coder is optimal to fill this type of position because, when the physician is out of her comfort zone from a coding perspective, a certified coder can assist with assigning the correct codes, as well as keeping abreast of code changes and other requirements. The downside to working in this environment is that your coding may not be as accurate as it should be (you may work with a physician who likes to “do it his way”), and moving to another job will be more difficult. Keeping providers like these on the right track is often a difficult and delicate position to put yourself in.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Hooking up with a hospital</h2>\r\nGet all the images of <em>Grey’s Anatomy</em> out of your head right now. Working in a hospital may be busy and exciting, but it’s not always <em>that</em> dramatic, especially in the “back of house,” where billers and coders do their stuff. That said, working in a hospital environment has a lot to keep you hopping.\r\n\r\nWorking in a hospital can be a rewarding experience for the coder. Hospitals are very departmentalized, with each department having its own coders. In most circumstances, the coding in a particular department is specific to a certain specialty or set of specialties, just as it would be if you were working in a physician’s office. The difference is that the coding is for the facility, so expenses that are incurred by the facility — including drugs and implantable items such as stents or shunts, for example — are reimbursed through the hospital coding. In addition, most hospitals have a centralized billing department (or they may send the billing out to a billing company; see the next section).\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tech\">Medicare and some state Medicaid plans reimburse hospitals based on diagnosis-related groups (for example, MS-DRGs or APR-DRGs) for inpatient claims. This means that the admitting diagnosis is linked to the severity of the patient’s illness. The level of risk associated with the treatment can affect the level of reimbursement received from Medicare and other payers. In other words, the sicker the patient, the greater the risk, and the higher the level of reimbursement. Coding that drives diagnosis related groups (DRGs) is more complex than non-DRG claims. There are specific rules that govern sequencing diagnosis codes and also the documentation that is required to support using those codes.</p>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">Don’t think that you can’t create a niche for yourself in a larger hospital setting. You can, thanks to all the smaller sub-clinics and offices under the hospital umbrella that service the entire facility. For example, many surgeries can’t be performed without anesthesia (well, they could, but it wouldn’t be a popular choice!). So hospitals use anesthesiologists, who have to bill patients just like any other function of the hospital.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Focusing on a billing or practice management company</h2>\r\nOther options for employment as a biller or coder usually involve working for a practice management or billing company. These companies provide various levels of administrative support, with some handling all of a provider’s practice administrative duties (even though having someone on site who understands insurance is still important for every provider office).\r\n\r\nBilling and practice management companies come in all sizes and specialties. The larger companies handle numerous clients and usually have a team of people working on one or two of the accounts. In addition, if the company provides practice management — including coding and billing for a physician or group — the work is the same as if the provider were handling this aspect of the practice in-house.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">Work at a billing or practice management company may be a good bet for the novice coder or biller because it’s a great way to learn the ropes under the tutelage of a more seasoned professional. It also provides an outlet for giving and receiving feedback and working through some of the stickier details with a coworker. In this work environment, you wouldn’t be flying solo! As a general rule, bigger companies usually have more structure with regard to how they do things, and they provide the best on-the-job training. That being said, be mindful of companies that have internal training programs run by people who have only worked at that one company!</p>\r\nJust as with hospitals, you can find your own niche in practice management companies, too. Some practice management companies within larger organizations, for example, specialize in certain areas, such as anesthesia or radiological practices. Working for one of these companies enables you to focus on and gain expertise in those specialties. With anesthesia, for example, you would need to know <em>all</em> surgical and procedural codes, and radiology overlaps with cardiology because of the noninvasive cardiac procedures that are now common.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">Many billing companies are contractually obligated to their clients to employ only certified medical coders to perform the coding. Although the AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders) now offers a Certified Professional Biller certification, billers may often be trained on the job, but having knowledge prior to employment gives you an advantage as a job seeker.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab4\" >Processing claims for an insurance company</h2>\r\nYou may decide that you want to work in claims. Working in a claims job is one way to stretch the limits of your billing and coding knowledge.\r\n\r\nMajor insurance payers use automated claims processing. The claims are received electronically and do not require a human touch unless there are problems. Smaller payers may either receive the information electronically or scan it into their processing software, where it is processed, ideally correctly. To ensure more efficient, yet timely claim processing, many of these companies also use a claims processor.\r\n\r\nTo be successful as a claims processor, you need to know medical claim coding, billing procedures, and insurance obligations. These processors carefully examine each claim to determine its validity and accuracy. The processor then refers to the patient’s insurance policy benefit or plan to determine the correct level of payment for the claim. The processor also has software that contains the contracts that are linked to individual medical providers by their tax identification number or National Provider Identifier (NPI). They apply the plan provisions and payer contract to the claim to determine payment. After doing all this, the payment is issued accordingly. If the claim needs additional clarification or information, the claims processor sends a notice to the appropriate office to request the missing details.\r\n\r\nIn addition to payer-processing positions, insurance companies also need people to handle incorrectly processed claims when the providers appeal them. Again, solid knowledge of medical terminology, diagnosis, and procedural codes are valuable tools for these employees.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab5\" >The best of the rest</h2>\r\nThe possibilities are nearly endless in the billing and coding field. Even though you’re most likely to find employment in a physician’s office or in a larger facility like a hospital or clinic, here are a few other options you may find enticing:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Nursing homes</li>\r\n \t<li>Outpatient facilities</li>\r\n \t<li>Home healthcare services</li>\r\n \t<li>Durable medical equipment providers</li>\r\n \t<li>Federal government agencies such as the Department of Health & Human Services, Social Security, Medicare, Tricare, or the Department of Labor</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nIn short, billing and coding is important to any business that provides healthcare.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab6\" >Getting your foot in the door</h2>\r\nWhether you find work in a doctor’s office, at the local hospital, at a practice management company, or for an insurance company, you have several options for jobs within those offices. Think of the world of billing and coding as a buffet, and you have a plate just waiting to be filled with a big, tasty job. The good news is that you get to pick based on your level of skill and your interests.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">Still, finding employment as a novice can be a challenge. Many offices are fully staffed and may hesitate to hire a newly trained coder without any medical office experience. An excellent way to get your foot in the door is to accept a position that involves verifying each patient’s benefits.</p>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9225,"name":"Karen Smiley","slug":"karen-smiley","description":" <p><b>Karen Smiley, CPC,</b> is a certified, multi&#45;specialty coding expert in physician and outpatient reimbursement. With an extensive background as a coder, auditor, accounts receivable manager, and practice administrator, she has also served as an independent consultant to physician practices and as an assistant coding instructor. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9225"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34079,"title":"Billing & Coding","slug":"billing-coding","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34079"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":[{"articleId":192609,"title":"How to Pray the Rosary: A Comprehensive Guide","slug":"how-to-pray-the-rosary","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/192609"}},{"articleId":208741,"title":"Kabbalah For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"kabbalah-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","kabbalah"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/208741"}},{"articleId":230957,"title":"Nikon D3400 For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"nikon-d3400-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","photography"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/230957"}},{"articleId":235851,"title":"Praying the Rosary and Meditating on the Mysteries","slug":"praying-rosary-meditating-mysteries","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/235851"}},{"articleId":284787,"title":"What Your Society Says About You","slug":"what-your-society-says-about-you","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","humanities"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/284787"}}],"inThisArticle":[{"label":"The doctor is in: Working in a physician’s office","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"Hooking up with a hospital","target":"#tab2"},{"label":"Focusing on a billing or practice management company","target":"#tab3"},{"label":"Processing claims for an insurance company","target":"#tab4"},{"label":"The best of the rest","target":"#tab5"},{"label":"Getting your foot in the door","target":"#tab6"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":267089,"title":"Who Sets Medical Billing and Coding Compliance Rules","slug":"who-sets-medical-billing-and-coding-compliance-rules","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","medical","billing-coding"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/267089"}},{"articleId":267081,"title":"Medical Billing & Coding: Working with Medicare and Medicare Contractors","slug":"medical-billing-coding-working-with-medicare-and-medicare-contractors","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","medical","billing-coding"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/267081"}},{"articleId":267078,"title":"The Role of the Professional Medical Biller and Coder","slug":"the-role-of-the-professional-medical-biller-and-coder","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","medical","billing-coding"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/267078"}},{"articleId":267067,"title":"Body Systems to Know for the Medical 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Contractors","slug":"medical-billing-coding-working-with-medicare-and-medicare-contractors","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","medical","billing-coding"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/267081"}},{"articleId":267078,"title":"The Role of the Professional Medical Biller and Coder","slug":"the-role-of-the-professional-medical-biller-and-coder","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","medical","billing-coding"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/267078"}},{"articleId":267067,"title":"Body Systems to Know for the Medical Billing & Coding Certification","slug":"body-systems-to-know-for-the-medical-billing-coding-certification","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","medical","billing-coding"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/267067"}},{"articleId":208289,"title":"Medical Billing & Coding For Dummies Cheat 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Billing & Coding For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><p><b><b data-author-id=\"9225\">Karen Smiley</b>, CPC,</b> is a certified, multi&#45;specialty coding expert in physician and outpatient reimbursement. With an extensive background as a coder, auditor, accounts receivable manager, and practice administrator, she has also served as an independent consultant to physician practices and as an assistant coding instructor.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9225,"name":"Karen Smiley","slug":"karen-smiley","description":" <p><b>Karen Smiley, CPC,</b> is a certified, multi&#45;specialty coding expert in physician and outpatient reimbursement. With an extensive background as a coder, auditor, accounts receivable manager, and practice administrator, she has also served as an independent consultant to physician practices and as an assistant coding instructor. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9225"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;medical&quot;,&quot;billing-coding&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119625445&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221ababb906\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;medical&quot;,&quot;billing-coding&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119625445&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221ababc19e\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Advance","lifeExpectancy":null,"lifeExpectancySetFrom":null,"dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":267084},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2020-01-03T21:58:27+00:00","modifiedTime":"2020-01-15T21:56:32+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:17:30+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34038"},"slug":"body-mind-spirit","categoryId":34038},{"name":"Medical","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34077"},"slug":"medical","categoryId":34077},{"name":"Terminology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34086"},"slug":"terminology","categoryId":34086}],"title":"How the Urinary System Works","strippedTitle":"how the urinary system works","slug":"how-the-urinary-system-works","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Learn how the urinary system works and about the four main parts: kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra—from Dummies.com.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"The <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/careers/medical-careers/medical-terminology/medical-terminology-related-to-the-urinary-system/\">urinary system</a> is made up of the <em>kidneys</em> (you have two), <em>ureters</em> (also two), <em>bladder,</em> and <em>urethra</em> (one). This system’s main function is to remove urea, the waste product of metabolism, from the bloodstream and excrete the urea (in the urine) from the body.\r\n\r\nSo, how does that big steak dinner you ate last night turn into the next morning’s output in the form of urine? Well, food and oxygen combine in cells to produce energy, a process called <em>catabolism.</em> In the process, food and oxygen are not destroyed, but small particles making up the food and oxygen are rearranged in new combinations, and part of the result is waste products. Waste products in the form of gases (carbon dioxide) are removed from the body by exhaling through the lungs. <em>Nitrogenous</em> waste (the by-product of protein food) is more difficult to excrete from the body than gases. This kind of waste is secreted as a soluble dissolved in water, a waste substance called urine. The main function of the urinary system is to remove urea from the bloodstream.\r\n\r\nUrea is formed in the liver from <em>ammonia</em> (which is, believe it or not, basically the same stuff you use to clean the kitchen). The bloodstream carries it (in the same manner as hormones and lymph) to the kidneys, where it passes with water, salts, and acids out of the bloodstream into the kidneys. The kidneys remove waste products, producing urine that travels through each ureter into the bladder. Urine is then excreted from the bladder via the urethra. Magically (or so it might seem), your steak dinner has turned into pee!\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_267150\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-267150\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/medical-terms-urinary-system.jpg\" alt=\"The urinary system.\" width=\"556\" height=\"468\" /> Illustration by Kathryn Born<br /><br />The urinary system.[/caption]\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Kidneys</h2>\r\nYou have two <em>kidneys,</em> unless you’ve had one removed. Kidneys are dark reddish brown, bean-shaped organs that are located behind the abdominal cavity on each side of the spine in the lumbar region. They are embedded in a cushion of <em>adipose</em> (fat) tissue and surrounded by connective tissue for support. Each kidney is about the size of a fist and weighs approximately 8 ounces. The left kidney is a little larger and sits a little higher than the right one.\r\n\r\nEach kidney consists of an outer <em>cortex</em> and an inner <em>medulla</em> region. The cortex contains millions of nephrons, and the medulla contains the collecting <em>tubules</em> (small tubes). A segment on the medial border of each kidney, called the <em>hilum,</em> allows the blood vessels, nerves, and ureter to pass through. The <em>nephron</em> is the kidney’s functional and structural unit, or the “brains” of the kidney. Each is a urine-producing microscopic structure, consisting of a <em>renal corpuscle</em> and <em>renal tubule.</em>\r\n\r\n<em>Hilum</em>’s Latin meaning is “a small thing or a trifle.” This is a term for a depression or pit in an organ where vessels and nerves enter.\r\n\r\n<em>Glomeruli</em> (singular <em>glomerulus</em>) are clusters of <em>capillaries</em> (small vessels) at the entrance of each nephron. They help filter the blood, beginning the process of urine production. In the blood-filtering process, water and solutes from the blood in the glomeruli pass through the capillaries and the walls that make up the glomeruli into the tubules. Tubules have the ability to remove substances your body needs and return them to the blood.\r\n\r\nThe Greek word <em>pyelos</em> means “tub-shaped vessel,” which describes the shape of each kidney.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Ureters</h2>\r\nYou have two <em>ureters</em> (right and left). They are muscular tubes about 15–18 inches long, lined with mucous membrane, extending from the renal pelvis down to the bladder. The left ureter is longer because the left kidney sits higher in position. The urine enters the bladder in spurts via each ureter every 10–30 seconds.\r\n\r\nAt the bladder entrance is a <em>ureteral orifice</em> (opening) that opens to allow urine into the bladder from each ureter. The orifice works in sequence with the <em>peristaltic</em> (wavelike) action that propels the urine through the ureter. This action prevents urine from flowing back into the ureter when the bladder contracts.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Urinary bladder</h2>\r\nThe <em>urinary bladder</em> is a hollow, very elastic muscular sac in the pelvic cavity. It acts as a temporary reservoir or “holding tank” for urine. It has two openings to receive the urine coming from each ureter. Another opening, the urethra, provides an exit route for the urine out of the body. The <em>trigone</em> is a triangular space at the base of the bladder where the ureters enter the bladder.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tech\">An average bladder holds more than 250 ml of urine before producing the desire to urinate.</p>\r\nContraction of the bladder and <em>internal sphincter</em> is an involuntary action, whereas the action of the <em>external sphincter</em> is controlled by you. The act of preventing or concluding <em>voiding</em> (urination) is learned and voluntary in a healthy body.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab4\" >Urethra</h2>\r\nThe <em>urethra</em> is a membranous tube that carries urine from the bladder to the exterior of the body. The process of expelling or voiding urine is technically called <em>micturition.</em> The external opening of the urethra is the <em>urethral meatus</em> or <em>urinary meatus.</em> The female urethra is about 11/2 inches long, and its only function is urination. In the male, it is approximately 8 inches long. It extends from the bladder neck through the prostate and through the penis. The male urethra carries both urine and reproductive organ secretions. Thanks to Mother Nature, the urethra can’t mix sperm and urine, so it’s difficult to pee with an erection. That sure prevents unwanted embarrassment during those tender moments.\r\n\r\n<em>Catheter</em> comes from the Greek <em>catheter,</em> meaning “a thing let down.” A catheter lets down urine from the bladder.\r\n\r\n<em>Micturate</em> comes from the Latin <em>mictus,</em> which means “a making of water.” From the verb <em>micturate</em> comes the noun <em>micturition.</em> Be sure to note the spelling: <em>Micturition</em> (expelling urine) is often misspelled as <em>micturation.</em>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips warning\">The <em>p</em> is silent in <em>pneumonia</em>, just as pee is silent in a swimming pool. That’s why you probably should not frequent swim-up bars on vacation. You never know what is lurking in the water.</p>","description":"The <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/careers/medical-careers/medical-terminology/medical-terminology-related-to-the-urinary-system/\">urinary system</a> is made up of the <em>kidneys</em> (you have two), <em>ureters</em> (also two), <em>bladder,</em> and <em>urethra</em> (one). This system’s main function is to remove urea, the waste product of metabolism, from the bloodstream and excrete the urea (in the urine) from the body.\r\n\r\nSo, how does that big steak dinner you ate last night turn into the next morning’s output in the form of urine? Well, food and oxygen combine in cells to produce energy, a process called <em>catabolism.</em> In the process, food and oxygen are not destroyed, but small particles making up the food and oxygen are rearranged in new combinations, and part of the result is waste products. Waste products in the form of gases (carbon dioxide) are removed from the body by exhaling through the lungs. <em>Nitrogenous</em> waste (the by-product of protein food) is more difficult to excrete from the body than gases. This kind of waste is secreted as a soluble dissolved in water, a waste substance called urine. The main function of the urinary system is to remove urea from the bloodstream.\r\n\r\nUrea is formed in the liver from <em>ammonia</em> (which is, believe it or not, basically the same stuff you use to clean the kitchen). The bloodstream carries it (in the same manner as hormones and lymph) to the kidneys, where it passes with water, salts, and acids out of the bloodstream into the kidneys. The kidneys remove waste products, producing urine that travels through each ureter into the bladder. Urine is then excreted from the bladder via the urethra. Magically (or so it might seem), your steak dinner has turned into pee!\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_267150\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-267150\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/medical-terms-urinary-system.jpg\" alt=\"The urinary system.\" width=\"556\" height=\"468\" /> Illustration by Kathryn Born<br /><br />The urinary system.[/caption]\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Kidneys</h2>\r\nYou have two <em>kidneys,</em> unless you’ve had one removed. Kidneys are dark reddish brown, bean-shaped organs that are located behind the abdominal cavity on each side of the spine in the lumbar region. They are embedded in a cushion of <em>adipose</em> (fat) tissue and surrounded by connective tissue for support. Each kidney is about the size of a fist and weighs approximately 8 ounces. The left kidney is a little larger and sits a little higher than the right one.\r\n\r\nEach kidney consists of an outer <em>cortex</em> and an inner <em>medulla</em> region. The cortex contains millions of nephrons, and the medulla contains the collecting <em>tubules</em> (small tubes). A segment on the medial border of each kidney, called the <em>hilum,</em> allows the blood vessels, nerves, and ureter to pass through. The <em>nephron</em> is the kidney’s functional and structural unit, or the “brains” of the kidney. Each is a urine-producing microscopic structure, consisting of a <em>renal corpuscle</em> and <em>renal tubule.</em>\r\n\r\n<em>Hilum</em>’s Latin meaning is “a small thing or a trifle.” This is a term for a depression or pit in an organ where vessels and nerves enter.\r\n\r\n<em>Glomeruli</em> (singular <em>glomerulus</em>) are clusters of <em>capillaries</em> (small vessels) at the entrance of each nephron. They help filter the blood, beginning the process of urine production. In the blood-filtering process, water and solutes from the blood in the glomeruli pass through the capillaries and the walls that make up the glomeruli into the tubules. Tubules have the ability to remove substances your body needs and return them to the blood.\r\n\r\nThe Greek word <em>pyelos</em> means “tub-shaped vessel,” which describes the shape of each kidney.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Ureters</h2>\r\nYou have two <em>ureters</em> (right and left). They are muscular tubes about 15–18 inches long, lined with mucous membrane, extending from the renal pelvis down to the bladder. The left ureter is longer because the left kidney sits higher in position. The urine enters the bladder in spurts via each ureter every 10–30 seconds.\r\n\r\nAt the bladder entrance is a <em>ureteral orifice</em> (opening) that opens to allow urine into the bladder from each ureter. The orifice works in sequence with the <em>peristaltic</em> (wavelike) action that propels the urine through the ureter. This action prevents urine from flowing back into the ureter when the bladder contracts.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Urinary bladder</h2>\r\nThe <em>urinary bladder</em> is a hollow, very elastic muscular sac in the pelvic cavity. It acts as a temporary reservoir or “holding tank” for urine. It has two openings to receive the urine coming from each ureter. Another opening, the urethra, provides an exit route for the urine out of the body. The <em>trigone</em> is a triangular space at the base of the bladder where the ureters enter the bladder.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tech\">An average bladder holds more than 250 ml of urine before producing the desire to urinate.</p>\r\nContraction of the bladder and <em>internal sphincter</em> is an involuntary action, whereas the action of the <em>external sphincter</em> is controlled by you. The act of preventing or concluding <em>voiding</em> (urination) is learned and voluntary in a healthy body.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab4\" >Urethra</h2>\r\nThe <em>urethra</em> is a membranous tube that carries urine from the bladder to the exterior of the body. The process of expelling or voiding urine is technically called <em>micturition.</em> The external opening of the urethra is the <em>urethral meatus</em> or <em>urinary meatus.</em> The female urethra is about 11/2 inches long, and its only function is urination. In the male, it is approximately 8 inches long. It extends from the bladder neck through the prostate and through the penis. The male urethra carries both urine and reproductive organ secretions. Thanks to Mother Nature, the urethra can’t mix sperm and urine, so it’s difficult to pee with an erection. That sure prevents unwanted embarrassment during those tender moments.\r\n\r\n<em>Catheter</em> comes from the Greek <em>catheter,</em> meaning “a thing let down.” A catheter lets down urine from the bladder.\r\n\r\n<em>Micturate</em> comes from the Latin <em>mictus,</em> which means “a making of water.” From the verb <em>micturate</em> comes the noun <em>micturition.</em> Be sure to note the spelling: <em>Micturition</em> (expelling urine) is often misspelled as <em>micturation.</em>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips warning\">The <em>p</em> is silent in <em>pneumonia</em>, just as pee is silent in a swimming pool. That’s why you probably should not frequent swim-up bars on vacation. You never know what is lurking in the water.</p>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9294,"name":"Beverley Henderson","slug":"beverley-henderson","description":" <p><b>Beverley Henderson, CMT&#45;R, HRT</b> has more than 40 years of experience in medical terminology and transcription as both an educator and manager. <b>Jennifer L. Dorsey, PhD</b> has coauthored, revised, and ghostwritten books in the medical, business, and personal growth categories for more than 20 years. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9294"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34086,"title":"Terminology","slug":"terminology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34086"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":[{"articleId":192609,"title":"How to Pray the Rosary: A Comprehensive Guide","slug":"how-to-pray-the-rosary","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/192609"}},{"articleId":208741,"title":"Kabbalah For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"kabbalah-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","kabbalah"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/208741"}},{"articleId":230957,"title":"Nikon D3400 For Dummies Cheat 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Nails","slug":"integumentary-system-glands-hair-and-nails","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","medical","terminology"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/267144"}},{"articleId":267136,"title":"How the Muscular System Works","slug":"how-the-muscular-system-works","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","medical","terminology"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/267136"}},{"articleId":267130,"title":"How the Skeletal System Works","slug":"how-the-skeletal-system-works","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","medical","terminology"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/267130"}},{"articleId":209448,"title":"Medical Terminology For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"medical-terminology-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","medical","terminology"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209448"}},{"articleId":145572,"title":"Medical Terminology for Regions of the 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Terminology For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><p><b><b data-author-id=\"9294\">Beverley Henderson</b>, CMT&#45;R, HRT</b> has more than 40 years of experience in medical terminology and transcription as both an educator and manager. <b>Jennifer L. Dorsey, PhD</b> has coauthored, revised, and ghostwritten books in the medical, business, and personal growth categories for more than 20 years. <p><b>Beverley Henderson, CMT&#45;R, HRT</b> has more than 40 years of experience in medical terminology and transcription as both an educator and manager. <b><b data-author-id=\"33242\">Jennifer L. Dorsey</b>, PhD</b> has coauthored, revised, and ghostwritten books in the medical, business, and personal growth categories for more than 20 years.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9294,"name":"Beverley Henderson","slug":"beverley-henderson","description":" <p><b>Beverley Henderson, CMT&#45;R, HRT</b> has more than 40 years of experience in medical terminology and transcription as both an educator and manager. <b>Jennifer L. Dorsey, PhD</b> has coauthored, revised, and ghostwritten books in the medical, business, and personal growth categories for more than 20 years. 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Consider it your marketing team, letting the world know by their condition how healthy the rest of your body is. Healthy skin, along with accessory organs glands, hair, and nails, are the hallmarks of healthy insides, so care for them accordingly.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Sebaceous and sudoriferous glands</h2>\r\nThe skin has two types of glands that, as accessory organs, produce important secretions. These glands under the skin’s surface are called the sebaceous (oil) glands and the sudoriferous (sweat) glands.\r\n\r\nThe <em>sebaceous</em> glands produce an oily secretion called <em>sebum,</em> whereas the <em>sudoriferous</em> glands produce a watery secretion called <em>sweat.</em> Sebum and sweat are carried to the outer edges of the skin by ducts and excreted through openings in the skin called <em>pores.</em> Sebum helps lubricate the skin. Sebaceous glands are closely associated with hair follicles, and their ducts open into the hair follicle through which the sebum is released.\r\n\r\nSebaceous glands are influenced by sex hormones. This causes them to be overactive at puberty and underactive in old age. This explains the excess oil production of the skin at puberty and gradual drying of the skin as we age.\r\n\r\n<em>Sudoriferous</em> (sweat) glands are tiny coiled glands found on almost all body surfaces. You have about 2 million of them in your body. There are many more in the palms of the hands, and you’d find approximately 3,000 glands per square inch on the sole of your foot. The tiny openings on the surface are called <em>pores.</em> Sweat helps cool the body as it evaporates from the skin surface. Nerve fibers under the skin detect pain, temperature, pressure, and touch. The adjustment of the body to its environment depends on the sensory messages relayed to the brain and spinal cord by the sensitive nerve endings in the skin.\r\n\r\n<em>Diaphoresis</em> comes from the Greek <em>dia,</em> meaning “through,” and <em>phoreo,</em> meaning “I carry.” Translated, it means “the carrying through of perspiration.”\r\n\r\nThe following figure illustrates the layers of the skin and some of its structures.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_267145\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-267145\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/medical-terms-skin-layers.jpg\" alt=\"skin layers\" width=\"556\" height=\"342\" /> Illustration by Kathryn Born<br /><br />Cross section of the skin showing layers and some specialized structures.[/caption]\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Stinking it up: Your sweat glands</h2>\r\n<em>Sweat</em> gets a bad rap for being smelly when, in fact, it’s not your fault. Your body’s smell is caused by bacteria. Sweat or perspiration is almost pure water, with dissolved materials such as salt making up less than 1 percent of its total composition. Sweat is actually colorless and odorless. The odor produced when sweat accumulates is due to the action of bacteria on it.\r\n\r\nCertain sweat glands, active only from puberty onward and larger than ordinary sweat glands, are concentrated near the reproductive organs and in the <em>axillae</em> (armpits). These glands secrete an odorless sweat that contains substances that are easily broken down by skin bacteria. The breakdown products are responsible for the characteristic “human body odor.” So the next time someone tells you your sweat stinks, you can say, “I beg to differ. My bacteria are the culprits.”\r\n\r\nThe <em>ceruminous glands</em> are classified as modified sweat glands and are found in the ear canal. These glands produce a yellow waxy substance called <em>cerumen</em> (ear wax).\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Hair and Nails</h2>\r\nA <em>hair fiber</em> is composed of a network of horny cells (hold your giggles, please) filled with hard protein called <em>keratin.</em> Hair growth is similar to the growth of the epidermal layer of the skin. Deep-lying cells in hair roots move forward through the hair <em>follicles,</em> or shafts, that hold the hair fiber. <em>Melanocytes</em> located at the root of hair follicles supply the melanin pigment for the hair fiber. Hair color depends on the amount of melanin present, as it does with the color of the skin. Because hormone production decreases as we get older, the hair loses color and becomes transparent (which we see as gray).\r\n\r\n<em>Nails</em> are hard keratin plates that cover the <em>dorsal</em> (top) surface of the last bone of each toe and finger. Nails are composed of horny cells that are cemented together and can extend indefinitely until cut or broken. A nail grows in thickness and length by division of the cells of the nerve root, at the base of the nail plate. Nails grow approximately 1 millimeter a week, which means that fingernails may regrow completely in three to five months. Toenails grow more slowly than fingernails, but if you have lost a toenail due to a nasty stubbing incident, it will come back eventually.","description":"Your skin (the body’s largest organ), glands, nails, and hair — also known as the <em><a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/education/science/anatomy/the-integumentary-system-the-epidermis/\">integumentary system</a></em> — serve as the “public face” of your body. Consider it your marketing team, letting the world know by their condition how healthy the rest of your body is. Healthy skin, along with accessory organs glands, hair, and nails, are the hallmarks of healthy insides, so care for them accordingly.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Sebaceous and sudoriferous glands</h2>\r\nThe skin has two types of glands that, as accessory organs, produce important secretions. These glands under the skin’s surface are called the sebaceous (oil) glands and the sudoriferous (sweat) glands.\r\n\r\nThe <em>sebaceous</em> glands produce an oily secretion called <em>sebum,</em> whereas the <em>sudoriferous</em> glands produce a watery secretion called <em>sweat.</em> Sebum and sweat are carried to the outer edges of the skin by ducts and excreted through openings in the skin called <em>pores.</em> Sebum helps lubricate the skin. Sebaceous glands are closely associated with hair follicles, and their ducts open into the hair follicle through which the sebum is released.\r\n\r\nSebaceous glands are influenced by sex hormones. This causes them to be overactive at puberty and underactive in old age. This explains the excess oil production of the skin at puberty and gradual drying of the skin as we age.\r\n\r\n<em>Sudoriferous</em> (sweat) glands are tiny coiled glands found on almost all body surfaces. You have about 2 million of them in your body. There are many more in the palms of the hands, and you’d find approximately 3,000 glands per square inch on the sole of your foot. The tiny openings on the surface are called <em>pores.</em> Sweat helps cool the body as it evaporates from the skin surface. Nerve fibers under the skin detect pain, temperature, pressure, and touch. The adjustment of the body to its environment depends on the sensory messages relayed to the brain and spinal cord by the sensitive nerve endings in the skin.\r\n\r\n<em>Diaphoresis</em> comes from the Greek <em>dia,</em> meaning “through,” and <em>phoreo,</em> meaning “I carry.” Translated, it means “the carrying through of perspiration.”\r\n\r\nThe following figure illustrates the layers of the skin and some of its structures.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_267145\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-267145\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/medical-terms-skin-layers.jpg\" alt=\"skin layers\" width=\"556\" height=\"342\" /> Illustration by Kathryn Born<br /><br />Cross section of the skin showing layers and some specialized structures.[/caption]\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Stinking it up: Your sweat glands</h2>\r\n<em>Sweat</em> gets a bad rap for being smelly when, in fact, it’s not your fault. Your body’s smell is caused by bacteria. Sweat or perspiration is almost pure water, with dissolved materials such as salt making up less than 1 percent of its total composition. Sweat is actually colorless and odorless. The odor produced when sweat accumulates is due to the action of bacteria on it.\r\n\r\nCertain sweat glands, active only from puberty onward and larger than ordinary sweat glands, are concentrated near the reproductive organs and in the <em>axillae</em> (armpits). These glands secrete an odorless sweat that contains substances that are easily broken down by skin bacteria. The breakdown products are responsible for the characteristic “human body odor.” So the next time someone tells you your sweat stinks, you can say, “I beg to differ. My bacteria are the culprits.”\r\n\r\nThe <em>ceruminous glands</em> are classified as modified sweat glands and are found in the ear canal. These glands produce a yellow waxy substance called <em>cerumen</em> (ear wax).\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Hair and Nails</h2>\r\nA <em>hair fiber</em> is composed of a network of horny cells (hold your giggles, please) filled with hard protein called <em>keratin.</em> Hair growth is similar to the growth of the epidermal layer of the skin. Deep-lying cells in hair roots move forward through the hair <em>follicles,</em> or shafts, that hold the hair fiber. <em>Melanocytes</em> located at the root of hair follicles supply the melanin pigment for the hair fiber. Hair color depends on the amount of melanin present, as it does with the color of the skin. Because hormone production decreases as we get older, the hair loses color and becomes transparent (which we see as gray).\r\n\r\n<em>Nails</em> are hard keratin plates that cover the <em>dorsal</em> (top) surface of the last bone of each toe and finger. Nails are composed of horny cells that are cemented together and can extend indefinitely until cut or broken. A nail grows in thickness and length by division of the cells of the nerve root, at the base of the nail plate. Nails grow approximately 1 millimeter a week, which means that fingernails may regrow completely in three to five months. Toenails grow more slowly than fingernails, but if you have lost a toenail due to a nasty stubbing incident, it will come back eventually.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9294,"name":"Beverley Henderson","slug":"beverley-henderson","description":" <p><b>Beverley Henderson, CMT&#45;R, HRT</b> has more than 40 years of experience in medical terminology and transcription as both an educator and manager. <b>Jennifer L. Dorsey, PhD</b> has coauthored, revised, and ghostwritten books in the medical, business, and personal growth categories for more than 20 years. 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Guidance for aspiring health-care professionals — how to get into med school, learn billing and coding, become a transcriptionist, and more.

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Billing & Coding Medical Billing & Coding For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 11-13-2024

Working as a medical biller and coder is a challenging and rewarding job that takes you right into the heart of the medical industry. You are the touchpoint for everyone involved in the healthcare experience, from the patient and front office staff to providers and payers. To succeed, you'll need to know how to file an error-free claim, important acronyms, and what to look for in a payer contract.

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Nursing Get Into UK Nursing School For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 04-25-2022

With the right approach and preparation you can give yourself a head start in applying to nursing school in the U.K. This Cheat Sheet gives you the key things to know about the application timeline, choosing the right university, writing your personal statement and preparing for assessments and interviews.

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Medical School Getting into Medical School For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 04-25-2022

Getting into medical school is extremely competitive, and the application process is long and complex. Keeping track of the application timeline is essential because early applicants are at an advantage when it comes to getting admitted to medical school. The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a particularly important part of the admissions decision, and doing well on it will greatly enhance your chances of acceptance. Your primary application contains many elements of your application package, including your personal statement, course work, and activities, so make sure you invest the time and effort needed to present your candidacy for medical school as effectively as possible on this document.

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Dosage Calculations Medical Dosage Calculations For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 01-20-2022

No matter what initials you have after your name (RN, CNA, PA, and so on), you can bet you’ll see math on a daily basis if you’re going into (or are already in) a career in the medical field. Grasping some medical math basics — such as how to break down medical dosage problems into steps and use conversion factors — can simplify everyday situations all health care professionals face. In addition to just knowing math, you’re going to need to know how to read and interpret doctors’ orders, and spot when there’s potential trouble.

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Vaccines Vaccines For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 09-15-2021

Vaccinations are a hot topic today. While vaccines can have some side effects, the benefits outweigh any possible risks. Vaccines have saved untold numbers of lives. Many previously feared childhood and adult diseases have been eliminated. Take a look at the entire vaccination process.

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Terminology Internal Medical Terminology

Article / Updated 08-11-2021

What makes up the inside of your body, from cells to organs and everything in between, lends itself to an abundance of body part-related medical terms. All the root words and combining forms can morph into all kinds of different words that explain everything from everyday common conditions and procedures to pathology and pharmacology. Remember that you can take any root word or combining form and create several different medical terms. Root Word What It Means Example(s) Abdomin/o Abdomen Abdominoplasty: Surgical repair or reconstruction of the abdomen Angi/o Vessel Angioplasty: Surgical repair or reconstruction of a vessel Arteri/o Artery Arterioplasty: Surgical repair or reconstruction of an artery Arthr/o Joint Arthritis: Inflammation of a joint Arthroplasty: Surgical repair or reconstruction of a joint Audi/o Hearing Audiometry: Measurement of hearing using an audiometer Bio Life Biology: The study of life and living organisms Bronch/i, bronch/o Bronchus/lung Bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchi Bronchoscopy: Visual examination of the bronchi Cardi/o Heart Cardiomegaly: Enlargement of the heart Cardiac: Pertaining to the heart Carditis: Inflammation of the heart Cholecyst/o Gallbladder Cholecystectomy: Removal of the gallbladder Cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder Chondr/i, chondr/o Cartilage Chondromalacia: Softening of cartilage Col/o Colon Colonoscopy: Visual examination of the colon Colonoscope: Instrument used in colonoscopy Cry/o Cold Cryobiology: Branch of biology dealing with effects of low temperatures Cysti, cyst/o Bladder, or cyst Cystectomy: Surgical removal of a simple cyst or of the urinary bladder Cystitis: Inflammation of the bladder Cystogram: Radiograph of the bladder Cystopexy: Surgical fixation of the bladder to abdominal wall Cyt/o Cell Cytology: Study of cells Duoden/o Duodenum Duodenotomy: Surgical cutting into the duodenum Duodenectomy: Surgical removal of the duodenum Duodenitis: Inflammation of the duodenum Encephal/o Brain Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain Episi/o Vulva Episiotomy: Surgical cutting of the vulva Erythr/o Red Erythrocytes: Red blood cells Erythema: Reddening of the skin Esophag/o Esophagus Esophagitis: Inflammation of the esophagus Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD): Visual examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum by scope Galact/o Milk Galactorrhea: Spontaneous flow of milk when nursing Gastr/o Stomach Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach Gastrectomy: Surgical removal of the stomach Gastrodynia: Stomach ache Glyc/o Sugar Glycosuria: Sugar in the urine Gynec/o Female Gynecologist: Physician who studies and treats diseases of female reproductive organs Hemat/o, hem/o Blood Hematocyte: Blood cell Hepat/o, hepatic/o Liver Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver Heter/o Other, different Heterosexual: Sexually attracted to the opposite sex Hist/o, histi/o Tissue Histology: Study and function of tissue Hom/o, home/o Same, alike Homosexual: Sexually attracted to the same sex Hydr/o Water, wet Hydromassage: Massage by means of moving water Hyster/o Uterus Hysterectomy: Surgical removal of the uterus Ile/o Ileum (intestine) Ileostomy: Artificial opening into the ileum Ileitis: Inflammation of the ileum Ili/o Ilium (pelvic bone) Ilioinguinal: Pertaining to the ilium and inguinal regions Jejun/o Jejunum Jejunitis: Inflammation of the jejunum Jejunostomy: Artificial opening into the jejunum Lacrima Tears Lacrimatory: Causing a flow of tears Laryng/o Larynx Laryngitis: Inflammation of the larynx Laryngectomy: Surgical removal of the larynx Leuk/o White Leukocyte: White blood cell Lith/o Stone or calculus Lithotripsy: Crushing of a stone or calculus Men/o Menstruation Menorrhea: Menstrual flow Menorrhagia: Excessive or heavy menstrual flow Myel/o Bone marrow/spinal cord Myelogram: Recording of the spinal cord My/o Muscle Myositis: Inflammation of a muscle Myalgia: Pain in a muscle or painful muscle Nat/o Birth Prenatal: Before birth Postnatal: After birth Necr/o Death Necrosis: Death of a cell Necrophobia: Morbid fear of death or dead bodies Nephr/o Kidney Nephrectomy: Surgical removal of a kidney Neur/o, neur/i Nerve Neurologist: Physician who studies and treats conditions of the nervous system Oophor/o Ovary Oophorectomy: Surgical removal of an ovary Oophoritis: Inflammation of an ovary Orchid/o, orchi/o Testis Orchialgia: A pain in the testicle Orchiectomy: Surgical removal of a testicle Peritone/o Peritoneum Peritoneal: Pertaining to the peritoneum Peritonitis: Inflammation of the peritoneum Pharyng/o Pharynx Pharyngitis: Inflammation of the pharynx (sore throat) Pleur/o, pleur/a Pleura, rib (side) Pleurisy: Inflammation of the lining of the chest cavity Pleurolysis: Surgical separation of pleural adhesions Pneum/a/o/ato/ono Lungs Pneumonitis: Inflammation of the lung Proct/o Rectum, anus Proctologist: Physician who studies and treats diseases of rectum and anus Pulmon/o Lungs Pulmonary: Pertaining to the lungs Pyel/o Renal pelvis Pyelography: Radiograph (x-ray) of the pelvis of the kidneyPyelolithotomy: Removal of a stone from the kidney pelvis Rect/o Rectum Rectosigmoid: Pertaining to the rectum and sigmoid Salping/o Fallopian tube Salpingectomy: Surgical removal of a fallopian tube Sarc/o Flesh Sarcoid: Resembling flesh Splen/o Spleen Splenomegaly: Enlargement of the spleen Splenectomy: Surgical removal of the spleen Tend/o, ten/o, tendin/o Tendon Tendinitis (or tendonitis): Inflammation of a tendon Testicul/o Testis Testicular: Pertaining to a testis or testicle Testitis: Inflammation of a testis Thorac/o Chest Thoracotomy: Incision into the chest cavity Thoracentesis: Surgical puncture into chest cavity Tonsill/o Tonsils Tonsillectomy: Surgical removal of tonsils Tonsillitis: Inflammation of the tonsils Ureter/o Ureter Ureterolithotomy: Removal of a calculus (stone) from a ureter by means of incision Ureteropelvic: Pertaining to the ureter and pelvis of the kidney Urethr/o Urethra Urethritis: Inflammation of the urethra Urethropexy: Surgical fixation of the urethra Vas/o Vas deferens Vasectomy: Surgical removal of portion of vas deferens for male sterilization Viscer/o Viscera (organs) Viscerography: Radiography of the viscera

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Terminology Medical Terminology For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 03-14-2021

Grasping medical terminology starts with knowing the body’s systems, recognizing medical root words commonly used, understanding the Greek influence in medical terminology, and learning those pesky hard-to-spell medical words.

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Billing & Coding Where Medical Billing and Coding Specialists Work

Article / Updated 01-23-2020

Before you start job-hunting as a medical billing and coding specialist, give some thought to what sort of environment you want to work in. The possibilities are almost endless, and if you think about your preferences before you search for a job, you can narrow down your list of possible employers, saving yourself a boatload of time. Are you, for example, interested in the fast-paced, volume-heavy work that you’d likely find in a hospital? Or does the controlled chaos of a smaller physician’s office seem more up your alley? The good news is that all medical facilities and offices need some sort of billing and coding staff who can either work in the office or work remotely. Medical billers and coders are essential to the efficient processing of data, compliance with government regulations, and protection of patient privacy as required by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Currently, medical billing and coding jobs comprise one-fifth of the healthcare workforce, a number that is expected to grow. The transition to ICD-10, the updated version of the International Classification of Diseases that replaced ICD-9, increased the demand for medical coders because it made the coding and billing process more complicated (due to the increased specificity of the classifications) and more time-consuming. On the heels of ICD-10 is ICD-11, which is tentatively scheduled to become effective after January 1, 2022; ICD-11 will unlikely create concerns that were part of the ICD-10 delay. As you consider where you want to ply your trade, keep in mind that the environment you choose can impact how broad or narrow your exposure to the coding and billing profession is. For example, if you work for a general surgeon (an optimal — and most sought after — position for a coder), you get experience in most areas of coding. The surgeon may use evaluation and management codes in addition to procedural codes from every section of the coding book. In contrast, a position in a pathology laboratory may limit your experience to that area of practice. A coder with experience in all areas becomes more valuable as an employee to the bigger employers. The doctor is in: Working in a physician’s office If you’ve seen someone buried under stacks of medical files as you take care of your copay in the doctor’s office, chances are you’re looking at a medical biller or coder. Just think — that could be you! Several different kinds of physician offices employ their own coders and billers. Here are just a few possibilities: Working in an office in which a group of physicians share a practice: In a multi-physician office, the pace is usually a little faster, and more demands are placed on the administrative staff. Usually, a larger practice has an office manager in addition to the clerical staff. Working in an office that has just one or two docs: In this situation, the coder may function as the receptionist and biller as well. These offices can be great places to work. Due to size, you may find less office politics, and life usually tends to move at a slower pace when you’re dealing with just one doc. The downside is that getting time off can be difficult, and your days off generally correspond to the physician’s days off, so you have less flexibility with regard to personal time. Working in an office in which the physicians do their own coding: In this case, the physicians may use only the services of a biller. A certified coder is optimal to fill this type of position because, when the physician is out of her comfort zone from a coding perspective, a certified coder can assist with assigning the correct codes, as well as keeping abreast of code changes and other requirements. The downside to working in this environment is that your coding may not be as accurate as it should be (you may work with a physician who likes to “do it his way”), and moving to another job will be more difficult. Keeping providers like these on the right track is often a difficult and delicate position to put yourself in. Hooking up with a hospital Get all the images of Grey’s Anatomy out of your head right now. Working in a hospital may be busy and exciting, but it’s not always that dramatic, especially in the “back of house,” where billers and coders do their stuff. That said, working in a hospital environment has a lot to keep you hopping. Working in a hospital can be a rewarding experience for the coder. Hospitals are very departmentalized, with each department having its own coders. In most circumstances, the coding in a particular department is specific to a certain specialty or set of specialties, just as it would be if you were working in a physician’s office. The difference is that the coding is for the facility, so expenses that are incurred by the facility — including drugs and implantable items such as stents or shunts, for example — are reimbursed through the hospital coding. In addition, most hospitals have a centralized billing department (or they may send the billing out to a billing company; see the next section). Medicare and some state Medicaid plans reimburse hospitals based on diagnosis-related groups (for example, MS-DRGs or APR-DRGs) for inpatient claims. This means that the admitting diagnosis is linked to the severity of the patient’s illness. The level of risk associated with the treatment can affect the level of reimbursement received from Medicare and other payers. In other words, the sicker the patient, the greater the risk, and the higher the level of reimbursement. Coding that drives diagnosis related groups (DRGs) is more complex than non-DRG claims. There are specific rules that govern sequencing diagnosis codes and also the documentation that is required to support using those codes. Don’t think that you can’t create a niche for yourself in a larger hospital setting. You can, thanks to all the smaller sub-clinics and offices under the hospital umbrella that service the entire facility. For example, many surgeries can’t be performed without anesthesia (well, they could, but it wouldn’t be a popular choice!). So hospitals use anesthesiologists, who have to bill patients just like any other function of the hospital. Focusing on a billing or practice management company Other options for employment as a biller or coder usually involve working for a practice management or billing company. These companies provide various levels of administrative support, with some handling all of a provider’s practice administrative duties (even though having someone on site who understands insurance is still important for every provider office). Billing and practice management companies come in all sizes and specialties. The larger companies handle numerous clients and usually have a team of people working on one or two of the accounts. In addition, if the company provides practice management — including coding and billing for a physician or group — the work is the same as if the provider were handling this aspect of the practice in-house. Work at a billing or practice management company may be a good bet for the novice coder or biller because it’s a great way to learn the ropes under the tutelage of a more seasoned professional. It also provides an outlet for giving and receiving feedback and working through some of the stickier details with a coworker. In this work environment, you wouldn’t be flying solo! As a general rule, bigger companies usually have more structure with regard to how they do things, and they provide the best on-the-job training. That being said, be mindful of companies that have internal training programs run by people who have only worked at that one company! Just as with hospitals, you can find your own niche in practice management companies, too. Some practice management companies within larger organizations, for example, specialize in certain areas, such as anesthesia or radiological practices. Working for one of these companies enables you to focus on and gain expertise in those specialties. With anesthesia, for example, you would need to know all surgical and procedural codes, and radiology overlaps with cardiology because of the noninvasive cardiac procedures that are now common. Many billing companies are contractually obligated to their clients to employ only certified medical coders to perform the coding. Although the AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders) now offers a Certified Professional Biller certification, billers may often be trained on the job, but having knowledge prior to employment gives you an advantage as a job seeker. Processing claims for an insurance company You may decide that you want to work in claims. Working in a claims job is one way to stretch the limits of your billing and coding knowledge. Major insurance payers use automated claims processing. The claims are received electronically and do not require a human touch unless there are problems. Smaller payers may either receive the information electronically or scan it into their processing software, where it is processed, ideally correctly. To ensure more efficient, yet timely claim processing, many of these companies also use a claims processor. To be successful as a claims processor, you need to know medical claim coding, billing procedures, and insurance obligations. These processors carefully examine each claim to determine its validity and accuracy. The processor then refers to the patient’s insurance policy benefit or plan to determine the correct level of payment for the claim. The processor also has software that contains the contracts that are linked to individual medical providers by their tax identification number or National Provider Identifier (NPI). They apply the plan provisions and payer contract to the claim to determine payment. After doing all this, the payment is issued accordingly. If the claim needs additional clarification or information, the claims processor sends a notice to the appropriate office to request the missing details. In addition to payer-processing positions, insurance companies also need people to handle incorrectly processed claims when the providers appeal them. Again, solid knowledge of medical terminology, diagnosis, and procedural codes are valuable tools for these employees. The best of the rest The possibilities are nearly endless in the billing and coding field. Even though you’re most likely to find employment in a physician’s office or in a larger facility like a hospital or clinic, here are a few other options you may find enticing: Nursing homes Outpatient facilities Home healthcare services Durable medical equipment providers Federal government agencies such as the Department of Health & Human Services, Social Security, Medicare, Tricare, or the Department of Labor In short, billing and coding is important to any business that provides healthcare. Getting your foot in the door Whether you find work in a doctor’s office, at the local hospital, at a practice management company, or for an insurance company, you have several options for jobs within those offices. Think of the world of billing and coding as a buffet, and you have a plate just waiting to be filled with a big, tasty job. The good news is that you get to pick based on your level of skill and your interests. Still, finding employment as a novice can be a challenge. Many offices are fully staffed and may hesitate to hire a newly trained coder without any medical office experience. An excellent way to get your foot in the door is to accept a position that involves verifying each patient’s benefits.

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Terminology How the Urinary System Works

Article / Updated 01-15-2020

The urinary system is made up of the kidneys (you have two), ureters (also two), bladder, and urethra (one). This system’s main function is to remove urea, the waste product of metabolism, from the bloodstream and excrete the urea (in the urine) from the body. So, how does that big steak dinner you ate last night turn into the next morning’s output in the form of urine? Well, food and oxygen combine in cells to produce energy, a process called catabolism. In the process, food and oxygen are not destroyed, but small particles making up the food and oxygen are rearranged in new combinations, and part of the result is waste products. Waste products in the form of gases (carbon dioxide) are removed from the body by exhaling through the lungs. Nitrogenous waste (the by-product of protein food) is more difficult to excrete from the body than gases. This kind of waste is secreted as a soluble dissolved in water, a waste substance called urine. The main function of the urinary system is to remove urea from the bloodstream. Urea is formed in the liver from ammonia (which is, believe it or not, basically the same stuff you use to clean the kitchen). The bloodstream carries it (in the same manner as hormones and lymph) to the kidneys, where it passes with water, salts, and acids out of the bloodstream into the kidneys. The kidneys remove waste products, producing urine that travels through each ureter into the bladder. Urine is then excreted from the bladder via the urethra. Magically (or so it might seem), your steak dinner has turned into pee! Kidneys You have two kidneys, unless you’ve had one removed. Kidneys are dark reddish brown, bean-shaped organs that are located behind the abdominal cavity on each side of the spine in the lumbar region. They are embedded in a cushion of adipose (fat) tissue and surrounded by connective tissue for support. Each kidney is about the size of a fist and weighs approximately 8 ounces. The left kidney is a little larger and sits a little higher than the right one. Each kidney consists of an outer cortex and an inner medulla region. The cortex contains millions of nephrons, and the medulla contains the collecting tubules (small tubes). A segment on the medial border of each kidney, called the hilum, allows the blood vessels, nerves, and ureter to pass through. The nephron is the kidney’s functional and structural unit, or the “brains” of the kidney. Each is a urine-producing microscopic structure, consisting of a renal corpuscle and renal tubule. Hilum’s Latin meaning is “a small thing or a trifle.” This is a term for a depression or pit in an organ where vessels and nerves enter. Glomeruli (singular glomerulus) are clusters of capillaries (small vessels) at the entrance of each nephron. They help filter the blood, beginning the process of urine production. In the blood-filtering process, water and solutes from the blood in the glomeruli pass through the capillaries and the walls that make up the glomeruli into the tubules. Tubules have the ability to remove substances your body needs and return them to the blood. The Greek word pyelos means “tub-shaped vessel,” which describes the shape of each kidney. Ureters You have two ureters (right and left). They are muscular tubes about 15–18 inches long, lined with mucous membrane, extending from the renal pelvis down to the bladder. The left ureter is longer because the left kidney sits higher in position. The urine enters the bladder in spurts via each ureter every 10–30 seconds. At the bladder entrance is a ureteral orifice (opening) that opens to allow urine into the bladder from each ureter. The orifice works in sequence with the peristaltic (wavelike) action that propels the urine through the ureter. This action prevents urine from flowing back into the ureter when the bladder contracts. Urinary bladder The urinary bladder is a hollow, very elastic muscular sac in the pelvic cavity. It acts as a temporary reservoir or “holding tank” for urine. It has two openings to receive the urine coming from each ureter. Another opening, the urethra, provides an exit route for the urine out of the body. The trigone is a triangular space at the base of the bladder where the ureters enter the bladder. An average bladder holds more than 250 ml of urine before producing the desire to urinate. Contraction of the bladder and internal sphincter is an involuntary action, whereas the action of the external sphincter is controlled by you. The act of preventing or concluding voiding (urination) is learned and voluntary in a healthy body. Urethra The urethra is a membranous tube that carries urine from the bladder to the exterior of the body. The process of expelling or voiding urine is technically called micturition. The external opening of the urethra is the urethral meatus or urinary meatus. The female urethra is about 11/2 inches long, and its only function is urination. In the male, it is approximately 8 inches long. It extends from the bladder neck through the prostate and through the penis. The male urethra carries both urine and reproductive organ secretions. Thanks to Mother Nature, the urethra can’t mix sperm and urine, so it’s difficult to pee with an erection. That sure prevents unwanted embarrassment during those tender moments. Catheter comes from the Greek catheter, meaning “a thing let down.” A catheter lets down urine from the bladder. Micturate comes from the Latin mictus, which means “a making of water.” From the verb micturate comes the noun micturition. Be sure to note the spelling: Micturition (expelling urine) is often misspelled as micturation. The p is silent in pneumonia, just as pee is silent in a swimming pool. That’s why you probably should not frequent swim-up bars on vacation. You never know what is lurking in the water.

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Terminology Integumentary System: Glands, Hair, and Nails

Article / Updated 01-03-2020

Your skin (the body’s largest organ), glands, nails, and hair — also known as the integumentary system — serve as the “public face” of your body. Consider it your marketing team, letting the world know by their condition how healthy the rest of your body is. Healthy skin, along with accessory organs glands, hair, and nails, are the hallmarks of healthy insides, so care for them accordingly. Sebaceous and sudoriferous glands The skin has two types of glands that, as accessory organs, produce important secretions. These glands under the skin’s surface are called the sebaceous (oil) glands and the sudoriferous (sweat) glands. The sebaceous glands produce an oily secretion called sebum, whereas the sudoriferous glands produce a watery secretion called sweat. Sebum and sweat are carried to the outer edges of the skin by ducts and excreted through openings in the skin called pores. Sebum helps lubricate the skin. Sebaceous glands are closely associated with hair follicles, and their ducts open into the hair follicle through which the sebum is released. Sebaceous glands are influenced by sex hormones. This causes them to be overactive at puberty and underactive in old age. This explains the excess oil production of the skin at puberty and gradual drying of the skin as we age. Sudoriferous (sweat) glands are tiny coiled glands found on almost all body surfaces. You have about 2 million of them in your body. There are many more in the palms of the hands, and you’d find approximately 3,000 glands per square inch on the sole of your foot. The tiny openings on the surface are called pores. Sweat helps cool the body as it evaporates from the skin surface. Nerve fibers under the skin detect pain, temperature, pressure, and touch. The adjustment of the body to its environment depends on the sensory messages relayed to the brain and spinal cord by the sensitive nerve endings in the skin. Diaphoresis comes from the Greek dia, meaning “through,” and phoreo, meaning “I carry.” Translated, it means “the carrying through of perspiration.” The following figure illustrates the layers of the skin and some of its structures. Stinking it up: Your sweat glands Sweat gets a bad rap for being smelly when, in fact, it’s not your fault. Your body’s smell is caused by bacteria. Sweat or perspiration is almost pure water, with dissolved materials such as salt making up less than 1 percent of its total composition. Sweat is actually colorless and odorless. The odor produced when sweat accumulates is due to the action of bacteria on it. Certain sweat glands, active only from puberty onward and larger than ordinary sweat glands, are concentrated near the reproductive organs and in the axillae (armpits). These glands secrete an odorless sweat that contains substances that are easily broken down by skin bacteria. The breakdown products are responsible for the characteristic “human body odor.” So the next time someone tells you your sweat stinks, you can say, “I beg to differ. My bacteria are the culprits.” The ceruminous glands are classified as modified sweat glands and are found in the ear canal. These glands produce a yellow waxy substance called cerumen (ear wax). Hair and Nails A hair fiber is composed of a network of horny cells (hold your giggles, please) filled with hard protein called keratin. Hair growth is similar to the growth of the epidermal layer of the skin. Deep-lying cells in hair roots move forward through the hair follicles, or shafts, that hold the hair fiber. Melanocytes located at the root of hair follicles supply the melanin pigment for the hair fiber. Hair color depends on the amount of melanin present, as it does with the color of the skin. Because hormone production decreases as we get older, the hair loses color and becomes transparent (which we see as gray). Nails are hard keratin plates that cover the dorsal (top) surface of the last bone of each toe and finger. Nails are composed of horny cells that are cemented together and can extend indefinitely until cut or broken. A nail grows in thickness and length by division of the cells of the nerve root, at the base of the nail plate. Nails grow approximately 1 millimeter a week, which means that fingernails may regrow completely in three to five months. Toenails grow more slowly than fingernails, but if you have lost a toenail due to a nasty stubbing incident, it will come back eventually.

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