Term | Definition |
Cardiology | The branch of medical science concerned with the heart and its diseases |
Dermatology | The branch of medicine concerned with the skin and its diseases |
Geriatrics | the branch of medicine dealing with the diseases, debilities, and care of aged persons (usually pt's 65 & older) |
Obstetrics (OB) | the branch of medical science concerned with childbirth and caring for and treating women in or in connection with childbirth |
Gynecology (Gyn) | the branch of medical science that deals with the health maintenance and diseases of women, especially of the reproductive organs |
Endocrinology | the branch of biology dealing with the endocrine glands and their secretions, especially in relation to their processes or functions |
Gastroenterology | the study of the structure, functions, and diseases of digestive organs |
Ophthalmology | the branch of medical science dealing with the anatomy, functions, and diseases of the eye |
Pediatrics | the branch of medicine concerned with the development, care, and diseases of babies and children |
Psychology | the science of the mind or of mental states and processes |
Psychiatry | the practice or science of diagnosing and treating mental disorders |
Pulmonology | The branch of medicine that deals with diseases of the respiratory system |
Urology | The medical specialty concerned with the study, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the urinary tract in females and of the genitourinary tract in males |
Podiatry | the care of the human foot, especially the diagnosis and treatment of foot disorders |
Neurology | The branch of medical science that deals with the nervous system and disorders affecting it |
Oncology | The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer |
Orthopedics | The branch of medicine that deals with the treatment of disorders or injuries of the bones, joints, and associated muscles |
Rheumatology | The branch of medicine that deals with any of several pathological conditions of the muscles, tendons, joints, bones, or nerves |
Otolaryngology (ENT, HNS) | the branch of medicine that deals with the anatomy, function, and diseases of the ear, nose, and throat |
Internal Medicine | branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of internal or non-surgical disorders (general practitioner who usually only sees adults 18+) |
Family Practice | branch of medicine which provides general medical care for the whole family |
Attending (physician) | a physician who has completed residency and practices medicine in a clinic or hospital, in the specialty learned during residency |
Fellow | A physician who enters a training program in a medical specialty after completing residency, usually in a hospital or academic setting |
Resident | A physician who has finished medical school and is receiving training in a specialized area(the length of residency varies according to the specialty) |
Osteopathy | A system of healing based on the manipulation of bones or other parts of the body (D.O) |
Acute | Beginning abruptly with marked intensity or sharpness, then subsiding after a relatively short period. |
Chronic | Of a disease or disorder persisting for a long period, often for the remainder of a person's lifetime |
Triplicate prescription | A prescription for controlled substances in which the physician keeps one copy of the prescription for five years and sends two copies with the patient to the pharmacist |
Urgent Care | Medical problems that are not emergencies yet require medical attention usually within 24-48 hours |
Emergency | An unforseen or sudden occurrence that may be life threatening and requires immediate medical attention |
Home Health Services | Medical, nursing homemaker or other health related services provided at an individuals home |
Hospice | a facility or program designed to provide a caring environment for meeting the physical and emotional needs of the terminally ill |
Referral | the process of directing or redirecting to an appropriate specialist or agency for definitive treatment |
Authorization | An approval (by an insurance company) to secure payment for health services or equipment, usually prior to services being rendered |
Coumadin | An anticoagulant which is also known as warfarin that is used to prevent unwanted and dangerous blood clots |
Out of Network | Refers to any doctors, hospitals or other healthcare providers considered to be non-participants by your insurance plan |
Controlled Substance | a drug which has been declared by federal or state law to be illegal for sale or use, but may be dispensed under a physician's prescription |
Generic Prescription | An order for a drug identified by its official, commonly adopted, non-brand name |
Primary Care | the care a patient receives at first contact with the health care system, usually involving coordination of care and continuity over time |
Outpatient Care | Outpatient services are medical procedures or tests that can be done in a medical center without an overnight stay |