What it all means:

 

• Ambulate - Walking

• Anti-inflammatory - Arthritis medication

• Articular - Relating to a joint or joints: the articular surfaces of bones.

• Bursa - Small fluid-filled sac or saclike cavity situated in places where friction would otherwise occur; ie. knee, shoulder, elbow, & hip.

• Carpal Tunnel - A compartment in the wrist through which various tendons and the median nerve must travel on their way from the forearm to the hand.

• Co-Insurance - Percentage due from the patient after insurance has processed and issued payment on a claim.

• Co-Pay - The fixed dollar amount that may be collected from the patient.

• Discectomy - Excision, in part or whole, of the disk that separates the vertebrae.

• Epidural Injection - The injection of a drug (usually cortisone) into the space between the bone of the spinal column and the soft tissue portion of the spinal canal.

• EOB - Explanation of Benefits. Documentation provided by your insurance carrier of a claim that was processed showing date of service, billed amount and pain amount.

• Fracture - A crack or break in a bone as a result of an injury. (See pathologic fracture)

• Labrum - An edge, rim, or lip. In a shoulder the labrum is a rim of cartilage.

• MRI - Abbreviation for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. - An imaging study which utilizes a strong magnetic field and a computer system to produce a view of internal body parts.

• NPO - Nothing By Mouth. No liquid or solids to be taken by mouth.

• Participating Provider - A physician who is enrolled in a network of physicians associated with a particular health plan.

• PCP - Primary Care Physician. The patient's primary or family physician

• Physiatrist - A physician whose primary focus is restoring function by treating musculoskeletal problems, including acute and chronic pain.

• PRN - A term used in medicine to mean "as necessary".

• Referral - In relation to medical insurance, referral means authorization from the patient's PCP to seek treatment from a specialist.

• Rehabilitation - The process of restoring a person's ability to live and work as normally as possible following a disabling injury or illness.

• Sciatica - Pain in the buttock, back of the thigh, or in the leg or foot, following the course of the branches of the sciatic nerve.

• Sprain - A tear or stretching in a ligament, resulting in pain and swelling.

• Steroid Dose Pack - A prescription of steroids that tapers in quantity for six days.

• Tarsal Tunnel - A compartment located at the inside of the ankle through which passes one of the larger nerves as it travels to the foot.

• TPA - Third Party Administrator. The insurance company who issues payment for services rendered.

• Vertebrae - Any of the bones or cartilaginous segments forming the spinal column.