Medical language is full of confusing terms, abbreviations and variations. Medical transcriptionists are medical language specialists who can determine proper usage of medical terms, abbreviations, and phrases within medical reports. As a professional MT, whether you are self-employed and working at home, work for a transcription company or in a hospital or doctor's office, your clients rely on you to make accurate decisions when it comes to medical terminology.
When you are transcribing medical dictation, make sure that you avoid making embarrassing mistakes! This is a list of common sound-alike words that are often misused in medical reports.
Sac vs. Sack
Sac
A pouch, bursa. Capsule of a tumor
Sack
A bag or satchel.
Pharynx vs. Phalanx vs. Fornix
Pharynx
Alimentary tract between the mouth, nasal cavities and esophagus.
Phalanx
Long bone of the digits in hand or foot. Singular form.
Fornix
An arch-shaped structure or roof of an anatomic space.
Metatarsal vs. Metacarpal
Tarsal or Metatarsal
Relating to bones in the foot.
Carpal or Metacarpal
Relating to bones in the hand
Tenia vs. Tinea
Tenia
Band-like structure.
Tinea
Fungus infection.
Dysplasia vs. Dysphasia vs. Dysphagia
Dysplasia
Abnormal tissue development
Dysphasia
Impairment in speech
Dysphagia
Difficulty swallowing
Plural vs. Pleural
Plural
A grammatical form denoting more than one.
Pleural
Relating to the membrane enveloping the lungs and pulmonary cavity.
Insure vs. Ensure
Insure
To have insurance, or an insurance policy.
Ensure
To make sure something happens.
Aid vs. Aide vs. AIDS
Aid
A helpful device
Aide
A helpful person; an assistant.
AIDS
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
Lie vs. Lay
Lie
to recline or rest.
Lay
to place something on a surface.
Cereal vs. Serial
Cereal
A grain based food.
Serial
A series of successive numbers or events.
Track vs. Tract
Track
A path or course; a sequence of events.
Tract
An elongated area; a passage.
Pain vs. Pane
Pain
Unpleasant sensation or feeling.
Pane
A piece or section. A framed sheet of glass.
Pain vs. Pane
Heel
Back area of the bottom of the foot.
Heal
To restore health