Example response for question delving into Medical Terminology and Abbreviations with the key points that need to be covered in an effective response. Customize this to your own experience with concrete examples and evidence

•  Medical Terminology: I am familiar with a wide range of medical terminology, including terms related to anatomy, physiology, diseases, treatments, and medical procedures. For example, I am familiar with terms such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, myocardial infarction, bronchoscopy, and electrocardiogram
•  Abbreviations: I have a strong understanding of commonly used medical abbreviations, such as CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), EKG (electrocardiogram), MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), and ICU (intensive care unit). Additionally, I am familiar with abbreviations specific to medical specialties, such as OB/GYN (obstetrics and gynecology) and ENT (ear, nose, and throat)
•  Pharmacology: I have knowledge of pharmaceutical terminology and abbreviations, including drug names, dosage forms, and routes of administration. Some examples include NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), PO (by mouth), IV (intravenous), and PRN (as needed)
•  Diagnostic Tests: I am familiar with abbreviations related to diagnostic tests, such as CBC (complete blood count), CT scan (computed tomography scan), PET scan (positron emission tomography scan), and X-ray
•  Medical Specialties: I have a good understanding of medical specialties and their associated terminology and abbreviations. For instance, I am familiar with terms and abbreviations used in cardiology, dermatology, gastroenterology, and orthopedics
•  Electronic Health Records (EHR): I am proficient in using electronic health record systems and familiar with the terminology and abbreviations commonly used in EHR documentation. This includes terms like HPI (history of present illness), ROS (review of systems), and PMH (past medical history)

  What the Interviewer is trying to find out about you and your experiences through this question

•  Knowledge & familiarity: Assessing your understanding of medical terminology and abbreviations relevant to the job
•  Communication skills: Evaluating your ability to effectively communicate using medical terminology and abbreviations
•  Efficiency & productivity: Determining if your familiarity with medical terminology and abbreviations will contribute to efficient and accurate transcription
•  Adaptability: Assessing your ability to quickly learn and adapt to new medical terminology and abbreviations

  How to avoid some common minefields when answering this question in order to not raise any red flags

•  Lack of knowledge: Not being familiar with common medical terminology and abbreviations could indicate a lack of experience or training in the field
•  Inconsistent or incorrect answers: Providing inconsistent or incorrect definitions or explanations for medical terminology and abbreviations may raise concerns about the candidate's competence and attention to detail
•  Limited knowledge: Having a limited understanding of medical terminology and abbreviations may indicate a lack of proficiency in the role of a medical transcriptionist
•  Inability to provide examples: Being unable to provide specific examples of medical terminology and abbreviations that the candidate is familiar with may suggest a lack of practical experience or exposure to the field
•  Over-reliance on reference materials: Excessive reliance on reference materials or hesitation in answering the question may indicate a lack of confidence or insufficient knowledge in medical terminology and abbreviations

 Related

  Other questions asked for the Medical Transcriptionist in Medical function. View details for the Medical Transcriptionist here

• Describe a time when you had to handle a challenging or difficult physician's dictation. How did you approach it?
• How do you handle feedback or criticism from physicians or other healthcare professionals?
• How do you handle confidential patient information and maintain patient privacy?
• What is medical transcription and what is its role in the healthcare industry?
• How do you ensure accuracy and attention to detail in your work as a medical transcriptionist?
• What skills and qualifications do you possess that make you a suitable candidate for this role?
• How do you manage your time and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced medical transcription environment?
• Describe your experience with medical transcription software and tools.
• How do you stay updated with the latest medical terminology and industry trends?
• How do you handle difficult or challenging dictations?
• Describe a situation where you had to work under pressure to meet a tight deadline. How did you handle it?
• What steps do you take to ensure the security and backup of transcribed medical records?
• What steps do you take to ensure the quality and accuracy of your transcriptions?
• Describe a situation where you had to collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure accurate transcriptions.
• Describe a time when you had to multitask and manage multiple transcription projects simultaneously.
• How do you handle a situation where you identify an error or discrepancy in a physician's dictation?
• What steps do you take to ensure the confidentiality and security of electronic medical records?
• What steps do you take to ensure the accuracy and completeness of medical records?
• How do you handle a situation where you encounter a medical term or abbreviation that you are unfamiliar with?