Suffixes – small, yet mighty, linguistic elements hold the key to understanding and deciphering complex medical terms.
Mastering these suffixes is not just beneficial but essential. Let’s delve into why suffixes are crucial in medical terminology and how they can make or break success in the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam.
Suffixes are word endings added to the root of a medical term to modify its meaning.
They can indicate a condition, procedure, disease, or anatomical structure.
Understanding the meaning of common suffixes such as “-itis” (inflammation), “-ectomy” (removal), or “-osis” (condition) can help break down complex terms like “appendicitis” (inflammation of the appendix), “appendectomy” (removal of the appendix), or “hypnosis” (a condition of altered consciousness).
In medical coding exams like the CPC, the ability to analyze and interpret medical terms is paramount.
Questions often require not only identifying the correct code but also understanding the medical procedures and conditions described. Suffixes play a pivotal role in this process.
They provide crucial clues that guide coders to accurately assign the appropriate codes.
By honing their skills in suffix identification and interpretation, aspiring coders can unlock doors to a rewarding career in medical coding.
Here’s a table format to highlight some common suffixes in medical terminology
| Suffix | Meaning | Example |
| -algia | Pain | Cephalgia – Pain in head |
| -cyte | Cell | Adipocyte – fat cell |
| -dynia | Pain | Gastrodynia |
| -ectomy | Surgical removal, Excision | Hysterectomy – Surgical removal of uterus |
| -emesis | Vomiting | Hematemesis – Vomiting of blood |
| -genic | Producing, Produced by | Allogenic – originating within another |
| -gnosis | Knowledge | Diagnosis-determining what disease or condition is present through a study of signs and symptoms |
| -gram | Record | angiogram |
| -graph | Instrument used to record | Instrument used to record the hearts activity |
| -graphy | Process of recording | Cardiography- Process of recording hearts rate |
| -itis | Inflammation | Enteritis – Inflammation of small intestine |
| -logy | Study of | Cardiology – Study of heart |
| -logist | Specialist | Gynecologist – specialist in the study of the diseases and treatment of female disorders |
| -malacia | Softening | Adenomalacia – abnormal softening of a gland |
| -megaly | enlargement | visceromegaly – enlarged internal organs |
| -oma | tumor, mass | Osteoma – tumor of bone |
| -osis | abnormal condition | nephrosis – abnormal condition of kidney |
| -pathy | disease | Nephropathy – disease of the kidney |
| -phobia | fear | Acrophobia – fear of heights |
| -plasty | surgical reconstruction | Rhinoplasty – surgical reconstruction of nose |
| -ptosis | drooping,sagging | Nephroptosis – dropping of kidney |
| -ptysis | spitting | Hemoptysis – spitting of blood |
| -rrhage, -rrhagia | bursting forth | hemmorrhage – bursting forth of blood |
| -rrhaphy | to suture | Colporrhaphy – suturing the wall of vagina |
| -rrhea | flow, discharge | Otorrhea – discharge from the ear |
| -rrhexis | rupture | Spleenorrhexis – ruptured spleen |
| -sclerosis | hardening | Ateriosclerosis – hardening of the arteries |
| -scope | instrument used to view inside a body cavity or organ | Arthoscope – instrument used to view the inside of a joint cavity |
| -scopy | the process of viewing inside body cavity | Endoscopy – process of visually examining the inside of a body cavity or organ using an endoscope. |
| -spasm | sudden involuntary muscle contraction | Laryngospam – sudden muscular spam of larynx |
| -stasis | stable, stopping, controlling | Hemostasis – stopping of bleeding |
| -stenosis | narrowing | Arteriostenosis – narrowing of artery |
| -stomy | surgical creation of new opening | Colostomy – surgical creation of new opening in the colon |
| -tomy | to cut, incision | Tenotomy – to cut the tendon, incision of the tendon |
| -trophy | growth, nourishment | Hypertrophy – excessive growth or enlargement of an organ or part |
| -ac | Pertaining to | Cardiac – Pertaining to heart |
| -al | Pertaining to | Chondral – Pertaining to cartilage |
| -ous | Pertaining to | Venous – Pertaining to veins |
| -ary | Pertaining to | Mammary – Pertaining to mammary glands |
In conclusion, mastering suffixes in medical terminology is not just a skill but a necessity for success in the field of healthcare, particularly in medical coding.
Aspiring coders preparing for exams like the CPC must dedicate time and effort to understanding suffix meanings and their application in various medical contexts.
To sharpen their skills and reinforce their understanding of suffixes, readers are encouraged to engage in regular practice tests. These practice tests not only assess knowledge but also provide valuable opportunities for application and refinement.
So, let’s dive into practice tests with determination and enthusiasm, knowing that each question brings us closer to mastery and success in the dynamic world of medical coding.
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