Medical Terms & Definitions
Understanding common medical terms
Filter by Category
A
Acute Rehab
Intensive inpatient rehabilitation program providing multiple hours of therapy daily to help patients recover function after serious illness, injury, or surgery.
Advance Directive
A legal document that specifies what medical care a person wants if they become unable to make decisions (living will, healthcare power of attorney).
AKI (Acute Kidney Injury)
A sudden decrease in kidney function that happens over hours or days. Your kidneys are unable to filter waste and excess fluid from your blood properly.
Assisted Living
A residential facility for people who need assistance with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication management but don't require 24-hour medical care.
B
Bedside Nurse
Provide direct patient care, administer medications, and monitor your condition
C
Case Manager
Coordinates your overall care plan, organizes services between different healthcare providers, and ensures smooth transitions between care settings.
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs)
Help with daily activities like bathing, eating, and mobility
Charge Nurse
Supervises the nursing staff and coordinates patient care on the unit
CHF (Congestive Heart Failure)
Consultants
Providers with expertise in specific areas related to your condition
Copay (Copayment)
The fixed amount a patient must pay for healthcare services like a doctor's visit or prescription refill as part of their insurance coverage.
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
D
Delirium
Sudden confusion or changes in mental state that can occur during hospitalization
Diabetes Mellitus
A chronic condition in which the body cannot properly use or produce enough insulin, leading to elevated blood glucose levels
Dietitian
Provides nutrition counseling and meal planning guidance
Discharge Instructions
Written or verbal instructions provided at hospital discharge covering medications, activity restrictions, follow-up appointments, and warning signs to watch for.
Discharge Planning
The process of preparing a patient to leave the hospital, including arranging medications, follow-up appointments, and coordinating care with outpatient providers.
E
Emergency Medicaid
Medicaid coverage for emergency medical conditions for individuals who don't normally qualify, ensuring access to emergency care regardless of immigration status or income documentation.
F
Federally Qualified Health Centers
Community health centers that provide comprehensive primary care services to patients regardless of their ability to pay, often with sliding fee scales based on income.
Formulary
A list of medications covered by an insurance plan; medications not on the formulary may cost more or not be covered.
G
Generic Medications
Medications that contain the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs but typically cost 80-85% less. FDA-approved for safety and effectiveness.
H
Home Health
Medical care and services provided in the patient's home by healthcare professionals, including nursing care, physical therapy, and assistance with medications.
Hospice Care
Specialized care for patients with terminal illnesses, focusing on comfort, dignity, and quality of life rather than curative treatment. Available in homes, hospitals, or dedicated facilities.
Hospitalist
The main physician or advanced practice provider overseeing your care and treatment plan
M
Medicaid
A joint federal-state health insurance program for low-income individuals and families that covers prescription medications and healthcare services. Eligibility and benefits vary by state.
Medicare
A federal health insurance program primarily for seniors age 65+ that helps pay for healthcare costs and prescription medications. Automatically enrolled for those receiving Social Security retirement benefits.
O
Occupational Therapist
Assists with daily living activities and adaptive techniques
Other Care Types
Additional specialized care options that may be recommended based on your specific medical needs, including long-term acute care hospitals and outpatient therapy programs.
P
Palliative Care
Medical care focused on providing comfort and managing pain and symptoms for patients with serious illnesses, rather than curing the disease.
Pharmacist
Reviews medications for safety and provides drug information
Physical Therapist
Helps improve movement, strength, and mobility
Prescription Assistance Program
Programs from manufacturers, nonprofits, or government agencies that help patients obtain medications at reduced costs or for free.
Primary Care Provider (PCP)
A doctor (family medicine, internal medicine) or advanced practice provider (NP/PA) who serves as the main coordinator of a patient's healthcare and manages chronic conditions.
Prior Authorization
Permission that must be obtained from an insurance company before receiving certain medical services or treatments to ensure they are medically necessary and covered.
R
Readmission
When a patient returns to the hospital for care within a short time after being discharged, often due to complications or inadequate outpatient management.
Respiratory Therapist
Specializes in breathing treatments and lung care
S
Sepsis
Skilled Nursing Facility
A facility providing 24-hour nursing care, rehabilitation services, and assistance with daily activities for patients who need medical supervision but not hospital-level care.
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
A federal program that helps low-income individuals and families buy food through benefits cards, formerly known as food stamps.
Social Worker
Helps coordinate resources, provide emotional support, and plan for discharge needs including home care, financial assistance, and community services.
Specialist
A doctor who has special training and focuses on specific areas of medicine (like cardiology, neurology, etc.), often referred to by a primary care provider.
Speech Therapist
Helps with communication, swallowing, and cognitive skills
Stroke
T
Transition of Care
The process of ensuring continuity and safety of patient care when moving from hospital to outpatient settings or between healthcare providers.
W
Wound Care
Specialized medical treatment for wounds that are slow to heal, including pressure sores, surgical wounds, and diabetic ulcers. Provided by trained wound care specialists.