American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practice Exam

Which of the following describes the suffix -scopy?

1. Instrument for incising

2. Surgical repair

3. Examination of

4. Binding, fusion

The correct answer is: Examination of

The suffix -scopy refers to the process of examining or observing a specific part of the body, typically using a specialized instrument such as a scope. This term is commonly used in medical contexts to describe procedures where a physician visually inspects areas inside the body, such as in "endoscopy" (examination of the digestive tract) or "laparoscopy" (examination of the abdominal cavity). By focusing on the root word along with the suffix, it becomes clear that -scopy emphasizes the action of looking or scrutinizing, making it appropriate to describe examination of bodily structures or organ systems. This understanding is essential for accurately interpreting medical terms and their applications in clinical settings.