American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practice Exam

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What does the suffix -tome imply?

Plastic surgery
Instrument for incising (cutting)
Examination of
Puncture, tap

The correct answer is: Instrument for incising (cutting)

The suffix -tome is derived from the Greek word "temnein," which means "to cut." In medical terminology, this suffix is used to denote an instrument designed for cutting or incising tissues. Therefore, when you see -tome, it specifically refers to a tool that is utilized in surgical procedures or biopsies to make incisions or slices into the body or specific anatomical structures. This suffix appears in various medical instruments such as: - **Microtome**: A device used to slice very thin sections of tissue for examination under a microscope. - **Cystotome**: An instrument that is used in surgeries involving cysts, particularly for making incisions. Understanding this suffix helps in recognizing and comprehending many medical terms associated with surgical procedures and instruments, enhancing a professional coder’s ability to accurately interpret surgical notes and code accordingly.