What Are the Benefits of Medical Terminology?

Rooted in Greek and Latin, medical terminology is used to name anatomical parts and structures, conditions, diagnoses, instruments, procedures, treatment protocols, coding systems and billing or reimbursement codes. As the standardized language of the the healthcare industry, medical terminology allows healthcare providers to communicate and document information concisely and accurately.

Medical Benefits

• Medical terminology allows for precision in the medical field. Medical terminology is seen in most health related documents, including written diagnoses, intake forms, orders and directions, patient records, surgical reports and test results. To interpret such data, all healthcare professionals are trained to interpret these symbols, terms and words. According to the Oregon Department of Human Services, precise medical terminology is crucial when members of the healthcare industry communicate. It allows them to properly convey instructions and carry out orders and treatments.

Documentation Benefits

• Healthcare professionals utilize medical terminology to document their work. Physicians, nurses and other personnel transcribe and mark patients' charts, and billing professionals then translate this terminology into codes for billing, insurance claims and other record keeping. The precise nature of medical terminology makes information uniform and helps billing professionals input precise codes into a computerized system more efficiently.

Patient Benefits

• Some doctors may not listen to their patients closely enough, or have the ability to communicate their findings to patients in common terms. A lack of effective communication between doctors and patients can lead to misdiagnoses or undetected ailments. Patients who understand medical terminology, including anatomy and physiology, can better explain to doctors their symptoms and concerns. In addition to facilitating positive communication between patient and doctor, understanding medical terminology can give patients the confidence to make improved health and treatment choices.