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Weekly OverviewWeek OneOverviewMedical terminology is present in every aspect of health care and is necessary to communicate throughout the health care industry. For example, a health care administrator supervising nurses, technologists, and various health care professionals in a hospital or long-term care facility needs to understand the language used in the patient’s diagnosis, treatment, and care to communicate and supervise effectively. A health care provider employed in a surgical center, wellness center, or medical billing department will use medical terminology documenting the client’s chart and communicating with the client and other health care staff.During this week, you will explore terms related to health care personnel and the structures and situations in which they work. There are numerous professionals and personnel within the health care field, and all of them must share a common understanding of terminology. For example, an insurance billing specialist, needs to know the difference between a nurse (RN) and a nurse practitioner (NP) to avoid billing errors for services that can only be provided by a licensed nurse practitioner. By successfully identifying terms and abbreviations used for health care personnel, you are poised for knowledge and success in various health care careers. This information allows you to explore various health care positions and understand your role in the health care system.What you will coverIntroduction to Health Care Industry Terminology and PersonnelDescribe the importance of medical terminology.Medical terminology is not just clinical language. It encompasses the business side of health care and the terms that are important to know.Mastering medical terms facilitates effective communicationCommunicating with medical professionalsUnderstanding what they say to youKnowing how to respond appropriatelyKnowing medical ‘clinical’ language is important to know when communicating with clinical personnelCommunicating with patientsAble to translate and accurately transfer information between patients and providersAble to document necessary informationImportant: Only licensed professionals should use clinical language with patients.Learning medical language is key to a successful health care careerYou must know the language to process information correctlyYou must be able to communicate with those you work withInformation is critical for the health and well-being of peopleIdentify the career spectrum within the health care industry.Unlicensed health care team membersLicensed team membersLeadership rolesVariety of industryHealth care manufacturingInsurancePharmaceuticalsWaste managementFacility designSustainabilityFood serviceWellness centersInformation systems and technologyTherapistsCivic and social organizationsHealth care analyticsPopulation healthIdentify the terms and abbreviations associated with health care personnel.Health care professionals who provide direct patient careMedical doctors: physicians who diagnosis and treat diseasesMedical doctor (MD)Primary care physician (PCP)Doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO)Medical assistants are unlicensed, back-office staff who support the medical practiceCertified medical assistant (CMA)General practitioners: physicians who provide medical care to all types of patientsSurgeons: physicians who provide surgical services for patientsCertified surgical assistant (CSA)Cardiologists: physicians who specialize in heart diseases Cardiology technician (EKG tech or EEG tech)Gerontologists: physicians who specialize in providing health care for older adultsRadiologists: physicians who specialize in reading medical imaging and in treating diseases with radiological interventionsSonographersMammogramers Nuclear medicine technologistRadiologic technologistNurses: Professionals who treat patients and educate patients and the public about health issues. Acts as the patient’s advocate in the health care system.Licensed vocational nurse or licensed practical nurse (LPN): 12- to 15-month vocational training with a focus on prevention or rehabilitative care Registered nurse (RN): associate degree or baccalaureate degree training Certified nurse’s aide (CNA)Advanced practice nurses: registered nurses who possesses a graduate degree with specialized training and licensureNurse practitioners (NP): registered nurses who possess an advanced degree and who can independently diagnose and treat patientsMidwives or Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM): registered nurses who possess an advanced degree and who specialize in delivering babiesCertified Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA): specializes in anesthesiaClinical nurse specialist: specializes in a specific area of expertise (ambulatory care, critical care, oncology, etc.)Critical care registered nurse (CCRN)Oncology certified nurse (OCN)Physician assistants (PA): professionals who work under the supervision of a physician and diagnose and treat diseasesPharmacists (RPh): professionals who advise the medical profession and the public about the proper selection and use of medications Pharmacy technicians Emergency medical technicians and paramedics: certified technicians who provide on-the-scene emergency care for patients involved in accidents or trauma who require immediate medical attentionTherapistsPhysical Therapist (PT)Physical therapy assistant (unlicensed)Respiratory (abbreviated as RT)Occupational (abbreviated as OT)Recreational Behavioral Dentists: provide oral care; doctor of dental surgery is abbreviated as DDS.Registered dental hygienist (RDH)Certified dental assistant (CDA)Registered Dietitians (RD)Registered dietetic technician (DTROptometristsDoctor of optometry (OD)Ophthalmology technician Speech-language pathologists and audiologistsRadiologistsSocial workers (SW) Social worker with a master’s degree (MSW) PsychologistsLicensed clinical psychologist (LCP)Certified athletic trainer (ATC)Doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM)Health care professionals who do not provide direct patient care There is great diversity of professions outside of the hospital and doctor’s officeMedical lab technologists perform patient laboratory tests ordered by practitioners Health educators instruct the public regarding health issuesAdministrative personnel are professionals who deal with the daily business operations of a facility (hospitals, wellness centers, medical health spas, surgical centers, etc.)Directors deal with the overall performance and compliance, direction, and business success of the hospitalDepartment managers manage staff and departmental issues in the hospitalShift managers deal with situations and issues that arise during an assigned shiftSocial workers are trained specialists who assist people with various social and economic issues such as unemployment, terminal illness, abuse situations, or addictionBilling personnel are responsible for accurate accounting, billing, and collecting funds owed to the hospitalHealth information systems personnel deal with the electronic storage and accessibility of medical information and take care of computer network issuesManufacturingMedical manufacturing Research and development Design and develop medical devices and equipmentResearch the implementation and effectiveness of medical devices or equipmentPharmaceutical and medicine manufacturingInsuranceDistribution centersHealth care product retailersFederal and state health regulatorsPhotographers and illustratorsTranscriptionistsMedical record technicianEntry-level positionsClerksHospital admission clerksWard clerksMedical codersSterilization techniciansData analystsFront-office staffSales representatives ................
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