When you consider the scope of a medical transcriptionist�s (MT) job, it becomes obvious that the language of medicine is NOT the only language required. A professional MT swims comfortably through the sea of the language of medicine, pulling a float loaded with the rules and regulations governing the English language with all its contradictions and inconsistencies. Nestled somewhere on top of that float will be a folder, notebook, card file, or steno pad that contains a listing of all the words that have proven to be stumbling blocks for the wordsmith pulling the float.
Each MT has a personal compilation of words that have proven to be stumbling blocks. These are the words they have had to look up over and over to verify the correct spelling and/or usage. You just cannot buy this kind of list at the corner bookstore. You can, however, get together with a group of MTs and combine lists to create a valuable, unique desk reference.
As manager of medical transcription services at Methodist Healthcare in Memphis, TN, I gathered the personal lists from our 50 MTs. Once the words were turned in, I used my reference books to verify the spelling, usage and definition of each word. Once compiled every member of our staff received a copy. On the basis of personal testimony, this has become a favorite reference for our MTs, especially those who are new to the profession.
My purpose in sharing our experience is to encourage you to get together with your co-workers and fellow MTs and create your own list. Take the time to verify and double verify each entry. Compile your list and share it with any and all of your co-workers and MT friends. Once you�ve made your list, be open to opportunities to swap lists with other groups or individual MTs. If you are experiencing difficulty with a word, you can bet someone else has had or is having the very same problem.
Let me share just a few entries from our list.
callous: having calluses; emotionally hardened (adjective).
callus: a localized thickening and enlargement of the horny layer of the skin (noun).
coarse: of low, common or inferior quality; lacking in refinement or delicacy.
course: onward movement in a particular direction; progress.
complement: something that completes, makes up a whole, or brings to perfection (complement = enhance).
compliment: an expression of praise, admiration, or congratulation (compliment�praise that I give; how cool am I).
device: something constructed or devised for a particular purpose.
devise: to form or arrange in the mind; contrive.
exenteration: removal of internal organs and tissues, usually radical removal of body cavity contents (synonym, evisceration).
exoneration: being freed from blame; released from responsibility or obligation.
osteal: pertaining to bone; synonym, osseous.
ostial: relating to any orifice or ostium.
(NOTE: The ostiomeatal complex is the point where the maxillary frontal sinuses normally drain into the nasal cavity. The ostio spelling is correct here because the area referenced is an opening, not a bone.)
plain: one definition is�free from obstruction to sight� (in plain view). (Example: Plain x-ravs revealed ..)
plane: a level or flat surface.
principal: first, highest or foremost in importance. (Example: Principal Diagnoses ...)
principle : a basic truth, law or assumption; a rule or standard.
regime: mode or system of rule or government.
regimen: strict, regulated scheme of diet, exercise or other activity designed to achieve therapeutic goals. (Example: It may be necessary to increase the patient�s exercise regimen.)
vesicular: breath sounds or skin lesions.
fascicular: beat, block, heart block or tachycardia; always heart; think of the �f� standing for �fast� heart heat.
NOTE: I have just learned that in the just-released AAMT Book of Style for Medical Transcription, 2nd edition, Appendix H �Soundalikes� is an extensive list of stumbling block words. I cannot wait to see how many of my words made it into the book.
Karen L. Callicutt is trancription manager at Methodist Hospitals of Memphis, TN, and a member of the AAMT Board of Directors.
ADVANCE for Health Information Professionals � August 5, 2002
