CPB Certified Professional Biller Certification Practice Exam

What does the suffix '-gram' signify in medical terminology?

1. A record

2. A type of measurement

3. A disease indicator

4. A surgical procedure

The correct answer is: A record

The suffix '-gram' in medical terminology signifies a record or a written representation of information. This suffix is commonly used to describe various types of medical records, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), which records the electrical activity of the heart, or a mammogram, which is an X-ray image of the breast. The use of '-gram' denotes that the term it is attached to involves a visual or documented result, often used as a diagnostic tool to assess health conditions. In contrast, the other options pertain to different medical suffixes or terms. For instance, a measurement is typically indicated by the suffixes '-metry' or '-meter', while a disease indicator may utilize suffixes like '-osis' or '-itis', referring to conditions or disorders. A surgical procedure would often be associated with suffixes like '-ectomy', which signifies the removal of a body part. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the specific meanings of medical terminology and enhances comprehension in medical billing and coding practices.