Don't get fooled by Healthcare Jargons

Decode the confusing healthcare jargons with our guide and avoid getting fooled. Learn the language of healthcare today.

Picture this: You're sitting in a doctor's office, and they're rattling off medical terms faster than you can say "supercalifragilisticexpialidocious." You nod along, pretending to understand, but deep down, you're thinking, "I have no idea what they just said." Matters get worse when your healthcare providers deny you benefits.

Don't worry, you're not alone when it comes to confusing and overwhelming healthcare jargons. Fear not! As your trusty healthcare language decoder, we’re here to help you navigate the world of medical terminology and avoid getting lost in translation. Let's dive in!

Informed consent

A term commonly used in surgeries and treatment is informed consent. This term refers to obtaining a patient's permission before a medical procedure or treatment. Informed consent involves explaining the risks and benefits of the treatment, as well as any alternatives that may be available.

Understanding the concept of informed consent is essential, as it ensures that patients have the necessary information to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

Elective surgery

Elective surgery refers to a planned surgery scheduled in advance. Many people assume elective surgery is unnecessary and can be postponed, but this is not always true.

For example, elective surgery may be necessary to treat a condition causing chronic pain or limiting mobility.

Pre-existing condition

Pre-existing conditions refer to a medical condition that existed before a health plan was purchased.

In some instances, they may be subject to exclusions or waiting periods. It is essential to understand how your health plans define pre-existing conditions, as this can impact your benefits provided and out-of-pocket expenses.

Medical jargon can hinder effective communication between medical professionals and patients. Patients may feel intimidated, confused, or frustrated when encountering unfamiliar terms or acronyms.

Hence, using plain language and clear communication is crucial to help patients understand their medical conditions and treatment options.

Five frequently used medical jargons and their explanations

MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic test that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce high-quality and detailed images of the body's internal structures.

ECG: Electrocardiogram (ECG) is a diagnostic test that records the heart's electrical activity to detect abnormalities such as irregular heartbeats, heart attacks, or heart disease.

EHR: Electronic Health Record, a digital version of a patient's medical record that can be accessed and shared by authorised healthcare providers.

Immunisation: Immunisation is a preventive measure that involves injecting a vaccine to stimulate the immune system's production of antibodies to protect against infectious diseases such as measles, polio, or COVID-19.

Palliative Care: Palliative care is specialised medical care that aims to improve patient's quality of life with chronic or terminal illnesses by managing their symptoms, relieving pain, and addressing their emotional and spiritual needs.

Healthcare should be a simple process. A health plan can take care of everything you need without worrying about jargon. Get the Individual Plan from Kenko Health and give yourself peace of mind. We take care of all your health care needs and provide up to 50% off on your medical bills.