Medical terms starting with M

58 entries

• -malaciaSoftening.
• -maniaAbnormal, intense impulse or excitement.
• -megalyEnlargement.
• -meterInstrument for measuring.
• -metryProcess of measuring.
• macro-Large.
• macronutrientA nutrient needed in large amounts for energy: carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
• major depressive disorderA mood disorder with persistent sadness or loss of interest plus other symptoms that interfere with daily life.
• mal-Bad, poor, or abnormal.
• malignantCancerous; able to invade tissue and spread to other parts of the body.
• malpracticeProfessional negligence: a professional's failure to meet the standard of care, causing injury.
• mamm/o, mast/oBreast.
• mandated reporterA person required by law to report suspected abuse or neglect of children, older adults or other vulnerable people.
• MARMedication administration record: the document where each dose given is recorded.
• mcgMicrogram, a metric unit of mass. Write mcg; the symbol µg can be misread as mg.
• MCOManaged care organization: an entity that contracts to provide or arrange covered health services, often for Medicaid.
• MCVMean corpuscular volume: the average size of red blood cells.
• MDIMetered-dose inhaler: a handheld canister device that sprays a set dose of medicine to be inhaled into the lungs.
• medialToward the midline of the body.
• median cubital veinThe superficial vein in the antecubital area linking the cephalic and basilic veins; a frequent venipuncture site.
• MedicaidJoint federal and state health insurance for many people with low income; each state sets its own rules.
• medical asepsisClean technique: practices that reduce the number and spread of microorganisms.
• medical homeA primary care practice that provides comprehensive care and coordinates care across other settings.
• medically necessaryServices or supplies needed to prevent, diagnose or treat an illness, injury or condition and that meet accepted…
• MedicareThe federal health insurance program for people 65 or older and some younger people with disabilities or permanent…
• Medicare AdvantageMedicare Part C: an option to receive all Part A and B care through a provider organization, such as an HMO.
• Medicare Part AMedicare hospital insurance.
• Medicare Part BMedicare medical insurance that helps pay for medical services Part A does not cover.
• Medicare Part DMedicare prescription drug coverage.
• mega-, megalo-Large or great.
• melan/oBlack or dark.
• mening/oMeninges, the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
• meso-Middle.
• meta-Change, after, or beyond.
• metabolismThe sum of all chemical reactions in the body.
• metastasisSpread of cancer cells from the original site to other parts of the body.
• metric systemA decimal measuring system based on units of 10, such as grams, liters and meters.
• MgSO4Magnesium sulfate. On the Do Not Use list: confused with morphine sulfate. Write magnesium sulfate.
• MIMyocardial infarction (heart attack): death of heart muscle from blocked blood flow.
• micro-Small.
• micronutrientA nutrient needed in small amounts, such as vitamins and minerals.
• mineralAn inorganic nutrient the body needs to function properly.
• minimum necessaryThe HIPAA standard that only the least amount of PHI needed for a task may be used, disclosed or requested.
• misdemeanorA less serious crime, generally punishable by a fine or less than one year in jail.
• mitral valveThe valve between the left atrium and left ventricle; also called the bicuspid valve.
• mLMilliliter, a metric unit of volume. Write mL; ISMP lists lowercase ml and cc as error-prone.
• mono-One or single.
• morph/oShape or form.
• MRIMagnetic resonance imaging: imaging that uses a strong magnetic field to make detailed sectional pictures.
• MRSAMethicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: staph bacteria resistant to many antibiotics.
• MSMultiple sclerosis. As a drug abbreviation for morphine sulfate it is on the Do Not Use list; write the drug name.
• MSO4Morphine sulfate. On the Do Not Use list: confused with magnesium sulfate. Write morphine sulfate.
• MSPMedicare Secondary Payer: rules that make another insurer pay before Medicare in certain situations.
• multi-Many.
• murmurAn unusual heart sound heard with a stethoscope, often from a valve or septal defect.
• my/o, muscul/oMuscle.
• myc/oFungus.
• myel/oBone marrow or spinal cord.