2. T he Impor tance of Under standing
Medical Technology
Medical terminology is a language used for thousands of years.
Many of the terms created in early times by scientists like Aristotle
are still in use today.
What is a terminology? It is a set of terms, expressions, designations,
or symbols used to represent concepts that are specific to a particular
science, discipline, or specialized subject area.
Medical terminology is the language of medicine. The road to
success in virtually any healthcare career begins with a solid
understanding of medical terminology. It is used by healthcare
professionals to communicate with each other and with their patients.
Anyone who works in a healthcare setting benefits by the ability to read
and interpret the medical terms used in reports and health records.
3. T he Impor tance of Under standing
Medical Technology
It is similar to studying a
foreign language. There are
rules which must be applied
and memorization plays a
significant part in its mastery.
Pronunciation and spelling
must also be learned.
4. T he Impor tance of Under standing
Medical Technology
Learning medical terminology serves several important
functions for medical professionals.
Creates Standardized Communication
Medical terminology creates a standard way for health care
professionals to communicate. Standard terms are important to
ensure a complete understanding of patient issues.
Helps to Decipher Complex Information
Many medical terms are actually word parts made up of
word roots, suffixes and prefixes. If a clinician memorizes standard
word parts, then it is possible to decipher the meaning of most any
medical term.
5. T he Impor tance of Under standing
Medical Technology
Allows an Understanding of Diagnosis and Procedures
Knowledge of medical terminology allows the health care
professional to understand why the patient is in the hospital and how
they are being treated.
Helps in Treating Patients
Part of treating patients is reading documentation and
discussing issues with other clinicians. Understanding medical
terminology allows the clinician to process the information listed in
reports and given by other clinicians, which ultimately helps in creating a
treatment plan for the patient.
6. T he Impor tance of Under standing
Medical Technology
Allows for Fast and Easy Documentation
Much of medical terminology is made up of abbreviations. Clinicians treat
many patients within one day, which means a great deal of documentation.
Methods such as abbreviations allow for a fast way to document in the
patient’s record.
Adapted from: Why Is Knowing Medical Terminology Important? Wilson, Jacqueline (eHow Health 2012)
http://www.ehow.com/print/facts_5934919_knowing-medical-terminology-important_.html
