Biopsy: The removal and examination of tissue from the body
Colon: The main part of the large intestine that absorbs water and minerals from food and eliminates bodily waste through the rectum
Coinsurance: The insured patient’s share of the costs of a health care service. It’s usually figured as a percentage of the total charge for the service (for example, the patient pays 20% and the insurer pays 80%). The patient pays coinsurance plus any deductibles he or she still owes.
Co-pay: The amount of money an insured patient pays for health care services, such as doctor visits and prescription drugs, at the time of the service. The insurer pays the remaining costs.
Deductible: The amount an insured patient has to pay out of pocket for health care services, such as doctor visits and prescription drugs, before the insurer will cover the remaining costs.
Enema: The injection of liquid into the anus to promote a bowel movement
Feces: Solid waste released from the rectum (poop)
Gastroenterologist: A doctor who specializes in treating the digestive system
Incidence: The rate or number of times a disease occurs
Inflammatory bowel diseases: A group of chronic diseases that cause inflammation in the large or small intestine
Mortality: A term used to describe death rates
Nonpolypoid lesion: A flat or sunken-in spot on the colon
Polyp: A small growth that develops in the lining of a cavity in the body, such as the colon
Radiologist: A doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and injuries using medical imaging techniques, such as x-rays, CT scans, and MRIs
Rectum: The final section of the large intestine
Stool: Another word for solid waste released from the rectum (feces or poop)
US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF): Panel of health care experts that evaluates the latest scientific evidence on preventive services
US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) rating of “A” or “B”: The USPSTF assigns 1 of 5 letter grades (A, B, C, D, or I) to a medical service when evaluating the importance and level of recommendation for that service. If a service has an “A” rating, this means that the USPSTF recommends the service because there is high level of confidence that the overall advantage is substantial. If a service has a “B” rating, this means that the USPSTF recommends the service because evidence suggests that the overall advantage is moderate or there is moderate confidence that the overall advantage is moderate to substantial.
