CPB Certified Professional Biller Certification Practice Exam

When medical terminology uses the prefix "hypo-", what does it usually mean?

1. Above normal

2. Below normal

3. Normal

4. Excessive

The correct answer is: Below normal

The prefix "hypo-" is derived from Greek, meaning "under," "less," or "below." In medical terminology, it is commonly used to indicate a condition that is under, below, or deficient compared to what is considered normal. For example, "hypoglycemia" refers to a lower than normal level of glucose in the blood. This prefix serves to differentiate conditions that involve insufficient amounts or lower levels relative to a baseline, making it essential for accurately describing various medical conditions. Understanding the meaning of "hypo-" helps healthcare professionals communicate precisely about patient conditions and necessary treatments.