10 Common Medical Assisting Terms That Will Help You Feel Ahead on Your First Day of Class

10 Common Medical Assisting Terms That Will Help You Feel Ahead on Your First Day of Class

What’s an EHR? What is medical coding? As you prepare for your first day of class, getting familiar with essential medical terminology can provide a valuable head start. Here are ten common medical assisting terms that can help you feel ahead on your first day of class.


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1. Medical Assistant: A healthcare professional who assists physicians and other healthcare providers with patient care.

2. Electronic Health Record (EHR): A digital version of a patient’s medical chart that contains medical history, test results, and other health-related information.

3. Vital Signs: The measurements of a patient’s basic bodily functions, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature.

4. Medical Coding: The process of assigning specific codes to medical diagnoses, procedures, and treatments for reimbursement purposes.

5. Medical Billing: The process of submitting claims to insurance companies or patients for payment of medical services.

6. Medical Terminology: The specialized vocabulary used in the medical field to describe medical conditions, procedures, and treatments.

7. Medical History: A record of a patient’s past and present health, including medical conditions, medications, and allergies.

8. Phlebotomy: The process of drawing blood from a patient for diagnostic testing or medical treatment.

9. Injections: The administration of medication or other substances into the body through a needle or syringe.

10. Sterilization and Disinfection: The process of cleaning and disinfecting medical instruments and equipment to prevent the spread of infection.

With these essential terms at your disposal, you’re ready to dive into the depths of your medical assisting education.

Find Out More

Curious about how you can contribute to healthcare through this career that blends compassion, technical expertise, and patient-centered care? Explore our Clinical Medical Assisting program and see how you can become a part of this impactful profession, or click here to Request Information.

Katherine Lieber

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