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Medical terminology is incomplete without prefixes or suffixes. These suffixes and prefixes provide valuable information on the meaning and interpretation of words. These prefixes, suffixes, and other words are used by medical professionals to aid in diagnosis, treatment and communication. They also help with research and documentation.
A misinterpretation of prefixes, suffixes or incorrect usage can result in potentially devastating errors. For example, if a medical professional reads “intravenous” as “internal” instead of “into-vein” then they may administer medication incorrectly leading to an adverse outcome for the patient. The wrong interpretation of the word root can cause confusion and be dangerous to patients.
Healthcare providers should have a good understanding of prefixes, suffixes, and how they work in medical terms. This will allow them to accurately determine any risks that may be associated with medications and procedures prior to administering these treatments or procedures. By accurately using prefixes, suffixes can also help healthcare providers track diagnoses trends over time.