Coding Corner Questions: June

Deciphering Medical Jargon

At one time or another, coders, billers and other office personnel may have to decipher a patient’s medical record to determine if the record supports medical necessity for the service that was coded. To complete this task and respond to a denial or request for documentation, there must be some knowledge of medical terminology.

Below is a short quiz to test your skill level:

1. Which of the following terms refers to joint pain?
   1. Arthralgia
   2. Diplopia
   3. Dysplasia
   4. Hemiplegia
   5. Urticarial
2. The notation “subq” indicates an area between the______?
   1. Bone and bone marrow
   2. Fascia and bone
   3. Muscle and bone
   4. Muscle and vein
   5. Dermis and muscle
3. Which of the following is a procedure in which synovial fluid is removed for analysis?
   1. Apheresis
   2. Arthrocentesis
   3. Arthrography
   4. Arthroscopy
   5. Articulation
4. Which of the following is flexible connective tissue that is attached to the bones at the joints?
   1. Adipose
   2. Epithelial
   3. Cartilage
   4. Muscle
   5. Nerve
5. The physician directs the medical assistant to complete a request for an X-ray study of the fibula. The procedure will be performed on which anatomic site?
   1. Heel
   2. Lower leg
   3. Toe
   4. Thigh
   5. Pelvis

Click here for the answers.