Medical Terminology Defined

Even when it comes to relatively straightforward procedures and conditions, medical terminology is often complex. Patients struggle to understand just what exactly their doctors are saying during appointments, which is why medical professionals are encouraged to provide info plainly and concisely.

However, patient records are often rife with complex medical jargon. As a result, you may be unable to understand information contained within your own record. Not only is this confusing, it can also degrade the quality of care you receive, since you’ll be unable to play a significant role in your own health and wellness.

Examples of Complex Terms and What They Really Mean

Here are just a few examples of the medical terminology you may come across when reviewing healthcare records:

• Pathology – The study of disease causes and effects.

• Neoplasm – An abnormal mass of tissue that can be benign or cancerous.

• Angina – Chest pain that occurs when the flow of blood to the heart is reduced.

• Systolic/Diastolic – Systolic is the maximum pressure your heart uses when beating, while diastolic is how much pressure is in your arteries between heartbeats.

• Idiopathic – The cause of a disease or medical condition is not known.

• Contraindication – Something that causes a doctor to withhold a certain medical treatment because it may cause harm to the patient. Include medications and surgical procedures.

Why Medical Terminology Must Be Simplified

Of course, access to your medical records is really just the first step to being an empowered patient. If medical records utilize confusing terminology that is hard for the average person to understand, you won’t have the best grasp on diagnoses and other matters. As a result, you will be unable to communicate your health history to others effectively.

How We Can Help

FreeHealthRecord.com solves this problem by making sure patient records are clear, concise, and easy to understand by just about anyone. Our mobile application allows convenient storage of records from different offices and clinics. It also provides a summary of information that you can easily comprehend.

Not only does this ensure you have a complete understanding of the current state of your health, it also allows family members and caregivers to stay abreast of your medical status as well. Contact us to learn more or download the app today to get started.