FAMILY MEDICINE Glossary

Family Medicine Terms and Concepts

1. Acute Care: Treatment for short-term but severe episodes of illness, injury, or other medical conditions that require urgent attention by a doctor or medical staff.
2. Biopsy: A medical test involving the removal of tissue or cells for examination to determine the presence or extent of a disease.
3. Chronic Condition: A long-lasting medical condition that can be controlled but not cured, such as diabetes, arthritis, or heart disease.
4. EHR (Electronic Health Records): Digital records of a patient’s medical history, maintained by healthcare providers over time, including all treatments and outcomes.
5. Immunization: Administration of a vaccine to stimulate the body’s immune response against specific infectious diseases.
6. Inpatient Care: Medical treatment requiring hospitalization, often for serious or complex health issues.
7. Outpatient Care: Medical treatments or procedures that do not require an overnight stay in a hospital or medical facility.
8. Palliative Care: Specialized care aimed at providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness, focusing on improving quality of life for both the patient and the family.
9. Preventive Care: Health services aimed at preventing diseases or detecting health problems at an early stage when they are easier to treat.
10. Primary Care Provider (PCP): A healthcare professional who serves as a patient’s main point of contact for general medical care, often overseeing long-term care.
11. Referral: The process where a primary care physician directs a patient to a specialist for expert treatment or diagnosis.
12. Telemedicine: The delivery of healthcare services remotely via telecommunications technology, such as consultations over video calls.
13. Wellness Check: A routine medical examination for preventive healthcare, distinct from visits made for illness or injury.
14. Screening Tests: Medical tests or procedures performed on asymptomatic patients to detect potential diseases or conditions at an early, more treatable stage.
15. Vaccination Schedule: A timetable for administration of vaccines according to age and health condition, intended to provide immunity against infectious diseases.
16. Geriatric Care: Healthcare services specifically focused on the needs of elderly patients, often addressing complex medical issues related to aging.
17. Pediatric Care: Medical care for infants, children, and adolescents, focusing on the unique health needs and issues of these age groups.
18. Family Counseling: Services provided by healthcare professionals to address and manage family health issues, including emotional and psychological support.
19. Home Healthcare: Medical care provided in a patient’s home, often involving post-operative care, elder care, or chronic condition management.
20. Lifestyle Counseling: Guidance provided by healthcare professionals on diet, exercise, and other lifestyle choices to improve overall health and well-being.
21. Diagnostic Tests: Procedures used to identify or diagnose a disease or condition, such as blood tests, imaging tests, and biopsies.
22. Holistic Medicine: An approach to healthcare that considers the whole person, including physical, mental, emotional, and social aspects, rather than just symptoms of a disease.
23. Urgent Care: Healthcare services provided for illnesses or injuries that require immediate attention but are not serious enough to warrant an emergency room visit.
24. Behavioral Health: A field of healthcare that focuses on the connection between behaviors and the health and well-being of the body, mind, and spirit.
25. Health Risk Assessment: A method of identifying risk factors for diseases and other health conditions in an individual, often involving a questionnaire and physical examination.