American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practice Exam

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What does the suffix -scope refer to in medical terminology?

Instrument for viewing or examining
Examination of
Puncture, tap
Surgical removal

The correct answer is: Instrument for viewing or examining

The suffix -scope in medical terminology signifies an instrument that is used for viewing or examining. This suffix is derived from the Greek word "skopein," meaning "to look" or "to examine." In practice, it relates to various instruments employed in medical procedures, such as a microscope, which is used to examine small specimens, or an endoscope, which allows physicians to visualize internal structures of the body. Understanding this term is vital for medical coding as it frequently appears in descriptions of diagnostic or therapeutic procedures and helps in accurately developing codes for billing and documentation. The other options focus on different processes or actions in medical terminology but do not encapsulate the specific concept of an instrument for viewing.