Vocabulary Words Every Medical Office Secretary Should Know

Doctor

Definition: A person who is trained to treat medical conditions.

• The doctor helps people stay healthy.
• I went to the doctor for a check-up.
• She wants to be a doctor when she grows up.

Doctor in a sentence

Nurse

Definition: A trained person who cares for the sick or injured.

• The nurse helped me when I was feeling unwell.
• Nurses play an important role in hospitals.
• She is a kind nurse who works with children.

Nurse in a sentence

Patient

Definition: Able to wait without getting angry.

• She is very patient with her students.
• It's important to be patient when learning.
• He waited patiently for his turn.

Patient in a sentence

Medicine

Definition: A substance used to treat illness or injury.

• I took medicine to help with my cold.
• The doctor prescribed some medicine for her.
• It's important to take medicine as directed.

Medicine in a sentence

Hospital

Definition: A place where sick or injured people receive medical care.

• She was taken to the hospital after the accident.
• The hospital is open 24 hours a day.
• Doctors and nurses work hard in the hospital.

Hospital in a sentence

Appointment

Definition: A scheduled meeting or arrangement.

• I have a doctor's appointment this afternoon.
• She made an appointment to see the dentist.
• His appointment was confirmed by email.

Appointment in a sentence

Clinic

Definition: A place where people receive medical treatment.

• He visited the clinic for a check-up.
• The clinic offers free vaccinations.
• The clinic is open every Saturday.

Clinic in a sentence

Health

Definition: The state of being free from illness or injury.

• Eating fruits and vegetables is good for your health.
• Regular exercise helps improve your health.
• We should take care of our mental health as well.

Health in a sentence

Treatment

Definition: The way of dealing with a patient or condition; care given to someone.

• He received treatment for his illness.
• The treatment helped her recover quickly.
• They discussed treatment options with the doctor.

Treatment in a sentence

Care

Definition: To look after someone or something; to be concerned about.

• I care about my family and friends.
• Please take care of your pets.
• The doctor will care for the patients.

Care in a sentence

Chart

Definition: A visual representation of data or information.

• We used a chart to show our progress.
• The chart displays the results of the survey.
• Can you read this chart for me?

Chart in a sentence

File

Definition: A collection of documents or data stored together.

• I need to organize my files on the computer.
• He saved the file in a new folder.
• Please check the file for the latest updates.

File in a sentence

Phone

Definition: A device used for communication, typically by voice.

• I called my friend on my phone.
• She sent a message on her phone.
• Please turn off your phone during class.

Phone in a sentence

Call

Definition: To use a name or term to refer to someone or something; to contact.

• She will call her friend after school.
• He answered the call on his phone.
• They decided to call the meeting for next week.

Call in a sentence

Wait

Definition: To stay in one place until something happens.

• Please wait for me after school.
• I will wait for my turn.
• He had to wait in line for tickets.

Wait in a sentence

Room

Definition: A space within a building used for a specific purpose.

• I have my own room for studying.
• The hotel room has two beds and a bathroom.
• We need to clean our classroom room before guests arrive.

Room in a sentence

Check

Definition: To look at something to verify its accuracy; a written order for payment.

• Please check your answers before submitting.
• He wrote a check to pay for the groceries.
• She will check the schedule for the meeting.

Check in a sentence

Fee

Definition: A charge or payment for services or privileges.

• There is a small fee to enter the amusement park.
• He paid the registration fee for the event.
• The library has a late fee for overdue books.

Fee in a sentence

Form

Definition: The shape or structure of something; also can mean to create.

• The teacher asked us to fill out a form.
• He likes to form new ideas during discussions.
• Understanding the different forms of art can enhance appreciation.

Form in a sentence

Emergency

Definition: A serious situation requiring immediate action.

• Call 911 in case of an emergency.
• They practiced emergency drills at school.
• He handled the emergency with calmness.

Emergency in a sentence

Record

Definition: To capture or store information; a written account of something.

• I will record the lecture for later.
• They set a new record in the race.
• She likes to record her thoughts in a journal.

Record in a sentence

Schedule

Definition: A plan that shows when tasks or events will happen.

• I have a busy schedule this week.
• She made a schedule for her study time.
• They checked the schedule for movie times.

Schedule in a sentence

Office

Definition: A place where people work, often in an administrative capacity.

• She works in an office downtown.
• They have a meeting in the office tomorrow.
• His office is very organized and tidy.

Office in a sentence

Insurance

Definition: A contract that provides protection against financial loss.

• Car insurance helps pay for damages in an accident.
• I have health insurance to cover doctor visits.
• You should get insurance for valuable items.

Insurance in a sentence

Referral

Definition: the act of directing someone to a different person or place

• She received a referral to a specialist for her condition.
• The doctor made a referral for further testing.
• He appreciated the referral to the best dentist in town.

Referral in a sentence

Visit

Definition: To go to see someone or a place.

• We will visit our grandparents this weekend.
• She wants to visit the museum during the school trip.
• I plan to visit my friend after school.

Visit in a sentence

Check-up

Definition: A medical examination to assess health.

• He scheduled a check-up with his doctor.
• Regular check-ups are important for staying healthy.
• She always goes for a check-up once a year.

Therapy

Definition: treatment to help someone improve

• He went to therapy for his anxiety.
• Art therapy can help express feelings.
• She believes in the benefits of therapy.

Therapy in a sentence

Medication

Definition: A substance used to treat an illness or condition.

• He takes medication for his allergies.
• The doctor prescribed medication for her cough.
• She learned about different types of medication.

Medication in a sentence

Prescription

Definition: A written order for medication or treatment from a doctor.

• She received a prescription for her allergy medication.
• He took the prescription to the pharmacy.
• The doctor gave her a prescription after the exam.

Prescription in a sentence

Diagnosis

Definition: The identification of a disease or problem based on symptoms.

• The doctor made a diagnosis after the exam.
• She received a diagnosis of a mild illness.
• He explained the diagnosis to the patient.

Diagnosis in a sentence

Follow-up

Definition: an action that comes after an initial action; checking on something

• She scheduled a follow-up appointment with the doctor.
• The teacher did a follow-up on the students’ progress.
• A follow-up email can help clarify any questions.

Consent

Definition: Permission for something to happen or agreement to do something.

• You need to get parental consent for the field trip.
• He gave his consent to share the information.
• Understanding consent is important in many situations.

Consent in a sentence

Procedure

Definition: a series of steps to accomplish a task

• Follow the procedure to complete the assignment.
• The procedure for the experiment was explained.
• He learned the procedure for making cookies.

Procedure in a sentence

Billing

Definition: the process of sending bills for payments

• They handle the billing for the company.
• She checked her billing statement for errors.
• Billing can be done online for convenience.

Billing in a sentence

Medical

Definition: Related to the treatment of illness or injury.

• She went to the medical clinic for a check-up.
• Medical professionals help people stay healthy.
• The medical field is constantly advancing.

Medical in a sentence

Symptoms

Definition: physical or mental signs of an illness

• Common symptoms of the flu include fever and cough.
• He noted the symptoms and reported them to the doctor.
• She learned to recognize the symptoms of allergies.

Medical Record

Definition: a document that contains a patient's health information

• The medical record includes test results and treatments.
• She accessed her medical record for reference.
• Keeping an accurate medical record is crucial for care.

Medical Record in a sentence

Consultation

Definition: A meeting to discuss or seek advice on a topic.

• She had a consultation with a doctor.
• The consultation helped clarify their options.
• They scheduled a consultation for the project.

Consultation in a sentence

Laboratory

Definition: A controlled environment for scientific experiments and research.

• The students conducted experiments in the laboratory.
• The laboratory is equipped with advanced technology.
• She works in a chemistry laboratory.

Laboratory in a sentence

Treatment Plan

Definition: A detailed plan outlining the course of treatment for a patient.

• The doctor created a treatment plan for her recovery.
• Following the treatment plan is essential for healing.
• Understanding treatment plans is important for patient care.

Specialist

Definition: A person with expertise in a specific area or field.

• She is a specialist in environmental science.
• The doctor is a specialist in pediatric care.
• He consulted a financial specialist for advice.

Specialist in a sentence

Documentation

Definition: The act of providing written evidence or records; materials that provide information.

• Proper documentation is important for legal processes.
• She prepared the documentation for the project.
• The documentation helped clarify the procedures.

Documentation in a sentence

Confidentiality

Definition: The state of keeping information secret or private.

• The company values the confidentiality of its clients.
• She signed an agreement to ensure confidentiality.
• Maintaining confidentiality is important in counseling.

Confidentiality in a sentence

Triage

Definition: The process of determining the priority of patients' treatments based on the severity of their condition.

• In an emergency, triage helps doctors manage patients.
• She learned about triage during her medical training.
• Effective triage can save lives in critical situations.

Triage in a sentence

Prognosis

Definition: A forecast of the likely outcome of a situation.

• The doctor gave a positive prognosis for recovery.
• Her prognosis after the treatment was encouraging.
• He remained hopeful despite the difficult prognosis.

Prognosis in a sentence

Compliance

Definition: Following rules or standards.

• The company is in compliance with safety regulations.
• They ensured compliance with the new laws.
• She checked for compliance with the guidelines.

Compliance in a sentence

Recordkeeping

Definition: The process of maintaining accurate and organized records.

• Good recordkeeping is essential for businesses.
• He is in charge of recordkeeping for the club.
• Effective recordkeeping helps track progress and decisions.

Telemedicine

Definition: providing medical care through technology, often remotely

• Telemedicine allows patients to consult doctors online.
• She used telemedicine for her check-up during lockdown.
• Telemedicine has made healthcare more accessible.

Discharge

Definition: To release someone or something from a duty or obligation.

• The doctor decided to discharge him from the hospital.
• She received a discharge from her responsibilities.
• The discharge of water from the pipe was monitored.

Discharge in a sentence

Scheduling

Definition: The process of planning and organizing events, tasks, or activities.

• Scheduling classes helps students manage their time.
• He uses a planner for effective scheduling.
• Understanding scheduling improves organization skills.

Scheduling in a sentence

Electronic

Definition: Relating to devices or systems that operate using electricity.

• She bought a new electronic tablet for school.
• Electronic devices are common in our daily lives.
• The electronic game was very popular among kids.

Electronic in a sentence

Transcription

Definition: The process of converting spoken or written content into written text.

• Transcription of the interview took several hours.
• She is working on the transcription of the lecture.
• The transcription of the meeting will be shared later.

Transcription in a sentence

Malpractice

Definition: improper or negligent treatment by a professional

• The doctor was sued for malpractice after the incident.
• She studied malpractice cases in medical school.
• Malpractice can lead to serious consequences.

Malpractice in a sentence

Authorization

Definition: Official permission to do something.

• You need authorization to access the building.
• She received authorization to conduct the research.
• The school required authorization for the trip.

Authorization in a sentence

Reimbursement

Definition: The act of paying back money spent.

• He received reimbursement for his work expenses.
• The reimbursement process can take a few days.
• Understanding reimbursement policies is important.

Reimbursement in a sentence

Ethics

Definition: Moral principles that govern behavior; what is right or wrong.

• Ethics are important in making decisions.
• The class discussed ethics in business.
• She believes in strong ethics in her work.

Ethics in a sentence

Protocol

Definition: A set of rules or procedures to be followed in certain situations.

• The protocol for the experiment was carefully followed.
• They established a protocol for handling emergencies.
• Understanding the protocol is important for safety.

Protocol in a sentence

Inventory

Definition: A list of items in stock or available.

• The store keeps an inventory of all products.
• We need to check the inventory before ordering more.
• His job is to manage the inventory of supplies.

Inventory in a sentence

Communication

Definition: The process of sharing information between people.

• Good communication is key to teamwork.
• We use different methods of communication, like texting.
• Effective communication helps prevent misunderstandings.

Communication in a sentence

Eligibility

Definition: The quality of being qualified or suitable for something.

• Her eligibility for the scholarship was confirmed.
• They checked the eligibility criteria for the competition.
• Understanding eligibility helps in applying for programs.

Eligibility in a sentence

Records

Definition: Documents or pieces of information that are kept for reference or evidence.

• The school keeps records of all student grades.
• She checked the records for attendance.
• Understanding records is important for organization.

Assessment

Definition: An evaluation or test to measure knowledge or skills.

• The teacher gave an assessment to check our progress.
• We will have a math assessment next week.
• Assessments help identify areas to improve.

Assessment in a sentence

Pathology

Definition: The study of diseases and their causes, effects, and processes.

• Pathology helps doctors understand illnesses.
• She is interested in pathology and wants to become a doctor.
• Understanding pathology is essential for medical studies.

Pathology in a sentence

Epidemiology

Definition: The study of how diseases spread and can be controlled in populations.

• Epidemiology helps track disease outbreaks.
• She is studying epidemiology to understand public health.
• The course focused on principles of epidemiology and prevention.

Epidemiology in a sentence