Module 2: Medical Terminology for Coders
Decode medical terms from their parts, and map conditions to the body systems that organize the code books.
What You'll Learn
- How roots, prefixes, and suffixes combine to build medical terms
- The high-frequency word parts that appear throughout diagnosis coding
- The major body systems and the coding territory each one owns
- Directional and laterality terms, and why laterality changes code selection
Real-World Scenario
A chart at Lakeside reads: 'Patient presents with pericarditis; history of pericardiocentesis in 2023. No evidence of endocarditis.' Three similar-looking words, and each is handled completely differently — one is coded, one is history, and one was ruled out. Reading them accurately is the difference between a correct claim and a wrong one.
Lessons
Complete each lesson in order. Watch the video, review the notes, and finish the challenge.
Building Medical Terms from Parts
Learn the root, prefix, and suffix system that lets you decode medical terms you have never seen before, instead of memorizing them one at a time.
Body Systems and Where Codes Live
Map the major body systems to the parts of the code books that describe them, so you know where to look before you start searching.