Common CPC, CCS, CPMA Exam Questions

Common medical terms for procedures and body parts are frequently used in the context of diagnostic coding and operative reports. Below are key terms categorized by their function and the bodily systems they relate to.

Medical Procedures

The sources detail a wide range of surgical and diagnostic procedures:

• Excision and Resection:

  • Salpingectomy: The surgical removal of a fallopian tube.

  • Hysterectomy: The surgical removal of the uterus.

  • Pancreatectomy: Total removal of the pancreas.

  • Sigmoidresection: Removal of a portion of the sigmoid colon.

  • Cervical Lipectomy: Surgical removal of fatty tissue from the neck.

  • Phacoemulsification: A procedure used for cataract extraction from the eye.

• Endoscopy and Internal Examination:

  • Bronchoscopy: Using an instrument to examine the bronchi (airways).

  • Cystoscopy: Endoscopic examination of the bladder.

  • Hysteroscopy: Visual examination of the interior of the uterus.

  • Proctosigmoidoscopy: Examination of the rectum and sigmoid colon.

• Reproductive and Obstetric Procedures:

  • Suction D&C (Dilation and Curettage): Dilation of the cervix and removal of uterine contents via suction.

  • Cesarean Section: A surgical procedure for delivering a baby.

• Other Specialized Procedures:

  • Hemodialysis: A treatment for acute renal failure.

  • ORIF (Open Reduction Internal Fixation): Setting a bone fracture (such as the humerus) using internal hardware like plates and screws.

  • Craniotomy: A surgical operation in which a bone flap is removed from the skull to access the brain.

  • Cardioversion: Using electricity to restore a normal heart rhythm.

  • Lumbar Puncture: Often called a spinal tap, used to collect cerebrospinal fluid from the lower back.

Body Parts and Anatomical Terms

The sources identify various parts of the body, often using their specific medical names:

• Skeletal System:

  • Clavicle: The collarbone.

  • Patella: The kneecap.

  • Tibia: The shin bone.

  • Scapula: The shoulder blade.

  • Humerus: The upper arm bone.

  • Iliac Crest: The curved upper border of the hip bone (pelvis).

• Digestive System:

  • Duodenum: The first portion of the small intestine.

  • Jejunum and Ileum: Subsequent parts of the small intestine.

  • Cecum: The beginning of the large intestine.

  • Gastroesophageal Junction: The point where the esophagus meets the stomach.

• Sensory Organs:

  • Inner Ear: Contains the vestibule, malleus, incus, and stapes.

  • Eye: Specific areas include the cornea, anterior chamber, choroid layer, and fundus.

• Nervous and Respiratory Systems:

  • Radial Nerve: A major nerve traveling through the arm.

  • Trachea: The windpipe.

  • Mainstem Bronchus: The primary airway branches leading to the lungs.

  • Pleural Space: The area between the layers of tissue that line the lungs and chest cavity.

Grafts and Combining Forms

• Types of Grafts:

  • Autograft: A tissue graft from the patient’s own body.

  • Allograft (or Homograft): A tissue graft from a donor of the same species.

  • Xenograft: A tissue graft from a different species.

• Combining Forms:

  • Dips/o: A prefix or combining form meaning thirst.

  • Acr/o, Cortic/o, and Somat/o are also identified as combining forms used in medical terminology.

The differences between autografts, allografts, and xenografts relate to the source of the tissue being transplanted. Based on the provided sources, these terms are defined as follows:

• Autograft: This involves taking tissue from one part of a patient's body and transplanting it to another part of the same patient's body. For example, a procedure where split-thickness skin grafts are taken from a patient's thighs to repair an open wound on the same patient is classified as an autograft.

• Allograft: This type of graft is also known as a homograft. Although not explicitly defined in the sources beyond this synonym, an allograft (or homograft) generally refers to tissue transplanted between two members of the same species, such as from one human to another.

• Xenograft: This is listed as a distinct term from autografts and allografts. While the sources do not provide a specific definition, it is important to note that according to general medical knowledge (not found in these sources), a xenograft involves tissue transplanted from a member of one species to a member of a different species, such as a graft from a pig to a human.

In summary, the primary distinction is whether the tissue comes from the patient themselves (autograft), another member of the same species (allograft/homograft), or a different species (xenograft).