Medical assistants work in every type of medical specialty and learn terminology for each setting. Students in Philadelphia PA, as well as Cherry Hill and West Atlantic City, NJ, study both wide-ranging medical terminology and practical skills used in patient care at Prism Career Institute. Here are 27 medical terms that every medical assistant should know.
12 Anatomical Location Terms
These basic terms describe positioning within the body:
1. Lateral
A complaint or ailment is located on the side of the patient’s body, away from the midline.
2. Anterior (Ventral)
The front of the patient’s body.
3. Posterior (Dorsal)
The back of the patient’s body.
4. Midline
An imaginary line that runs from head to foot and divides the patient’s body into even right and left sides.
5. Distal
A location further away from the attachment area of the limb, for example, shoulder or hip.
6. Proximal
An area of the patient’s body that is located closer to where the limb is attached to the body.
7. Supine
When the patient is lying on their back.
8. Prone
When the patient is lying on their front.
9. Superior
A location on the patient’s body that is closer to the head.
10. Inferior
A location on the patient’s body that is closer to the feet.
11. Deep
An area or structure that lies further inside the patient’s body.
12. Superficial
An area closer to the skin of the patient.
6 Basic Laboratory Terms
These terms describe laboratory equipment and tests that are most common:
13. Cultures
Growths that are used to identify infections.
14. Urinalysis
Urine samples that are tested for signs of disease.
15. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Measures the number of white and red blood cells, as well as platelets.
16. Metabolic Panel
Determines values for glucose, potassium, carbon dioxide, and other elements used to monitor medications and help diagnose conditions.
17. Lipid Panel
Indicates cholesterol levels and others used to determine cardiac risks.
18. Thyroid Function
Test to monitor thyroid function by determining hormone levels.
9 Medical Records and Reports Terms
These are the terms commonly used when recording a patient’s history and current visit into the electronic health record, as well as reporting the patient’s state of health:
19. Chief Complaint
The main reason the patient has currently sought medical advice.
20. History of Present Illness
The developments that have led to the present visit by the patient.
21. Review of Symptoms
Investigates the specific symptoms related to the chief complaint more thoroughly, as well as an overall picture of the patient.
22. Past History
Review of past illnesses, surgeries, allergies, social information.
23. Family History
Records illnesses in family members, especially cancers, genetic diseases, and substance use disorders.
24. Pathology
Examines biopsy samples and post-surgical bodily materials to determine the presence and extent of disease.
25. Radiology
Utilizes a variety of imaging techniques, including X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), allowing practitioners to determine and visualize structures inside the body.
26. Psychiatric
Reports that outline the patient’s mental state and abilities.
27. Surgical
Detailed reports that outline exactly who is in the operatory, what procedures were experienced by the patient, vital signs, medicines used, and the outcome of the surgery.
Pursue a Fulfilling Career as a Medical Assistant
Medical assistants learn these terms, and many more, and become vital members of the healthcare team. Always learning on the job, medical assistants function in an environment with other well-trained professionals who make a difference every day in the lives of patients and their families. Make an application to become a medical assistant on campuses in Philadelphia, PA, or Cherry Hill and West Atlantic City, NJ. Contact Prism Career Institute today.