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Barium Enema
(Barium X-ray; Lower GI Series)
A barium enema is a rectal injection of barium given to coat the lining of the colon and rectum. It is done before x-rays are taken in order to create better x-ray images. Barium is a milky fluid that absorbs x-rays.
Cardiac Stress Test (Exercise Tolerance Test)
The recording of the heart's electrical activity while it is under the stress of increased physical demand. This is also known as an exercise tolerance test.
Cataract Removal
Procedure to remove a cataract, which is a clouding of the lens of the eye
Cesarean Section (C-section)
Delivery of a baby through an incision made through the abdomen and into the uterus
Childbirth, Vaginal
The delivery of a baby through the vagina
Cholesterol Tests (Lipid tests)
Blood tests that measure the levels of cholesterol in your blood. The following cholesterol tests measure the three main components of cholesterol:
Colonoscopy
Visual exam of the lining of the large intestine, also called the bowel or colon, with a colonoscope. A colonoscope is a flexible tube with a light and a viewing device. It allows the doctor to view the inside of the colon through a tiny video camera.
CT Scan of the Abdomen (Abdominal CT)
An x-ray scan that utilizes a computer to produce cross-sectional images of the abdomen.
Diagnostic Ultrasound of the Abdomen
(Sonogram)
Examination of the internal organs in the abdomen using high-frequency sound waves. If a Doppler ultrasound is done, the doctor is able to see blood flow in major blood vessels.
Dialysis
Dialysis is a procedure that performs the functions of natural kidneys when the kidneys fail. Most patients begin dialysis when their kidneys have lost 85% to 90% of their ability to function, and will continue dialysis for the rest of their lives; this is called end-stage renal disease (ESRD). ESRD may be caused by a variety of conditions that can impair kidney function, including diabetes, kidney cancer, drug use, high blood pressure, or other kidney problems. Dialysis is not a cure for ESRD, but helps you feel better and live longer.
Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA or DXA)
(Bone Mineral Density Testing)
A dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) test measures the density (or thickness) of your bones.
Electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG)
The electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a test used to evaluate the rhythm and electrical activity of the heart. A stress test is an ECG that is recorded while you exercise.
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
The electroencephalogram (EEG) is a non-invasive test used to evaluate brain function or disorders, or to determine brain death.
Glaucoma Surgery
A procedure to treat glaucoma by lowering pressure inside the eye. There are two common methods: laser and incisional.
Hemorrhoid Banding (Hemorrhoid Ligation)
Procedure to remove hemorrhoids, which are enlarged and bulging blood vessels in the anus and lower rectum. Banding cuts off the blood circulation to hemorrhoids, causing them to shrink and fall off.
Hernia Repair (Herniorrhaphy)
Surgical procedure to fix a hernia. A hernia is a weak spot or tear in the abdominal muscle that allows a part of the intestine to bulge through. Hernias most frequently occur in the groin (called inguinal), near the navel (called umbilical), or at the site of a prior surgery (called incisional).
Hysterectomy (Surgical removal of the uterus)
Removal of the uterus
Laparoscopy
Surgery performed through several tiny "keyhole incisions." A fiberoptic instrument is inserted through one of the incisions to view the inside of the abdomen. Surgical instruments are inserted through other incisions. Laparoscopy can be used for a variety of procedures and operations.
Lumbar Puncture
(Spinal Tap, Cerebrospinal Fluid Tap, Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis)
A procedure to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). It involves inserting a needle between the third and fourth lumbar vertebrae in the back and extracting a sample of fluid.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
(MRI Scan)
The use of magnetic waves to make pictures of the inside of the body. Using a large magnet, radio waves, and a computer, an MRI produces two-dimensional and three-dimensional pictures.
Mammography
(Breast x-ray, Mammogram)
The use of low-dose x-rays (radiation) to make a picture of the tissue inside the breast. The resulting picture is called a mammogram.
Mastectomy
Mastectomy refers to one of several operations in which some part of the breast is removed. A number of different mastectomy procedures exist, including:
Melanoma Removal
Removal of skin tissue that has cancerous cells called melanoma or malignant melanoma.
Myomectomy (Fibroid Tumor Removal)
Removal of fibroids, which are non-cancerous tumors, from the wall of the uterus.
Ovarian Cyst Removal
Removal of a cyst on an ovary
Pap Test
(Pap Smear, Pap screening, Papanicolaou test)
A diagnostic test of a sample of cells from the surface of a woman's cervix to check for abnormalities that can develop into cancer
Prostate-specific Antigen (PSA) Test
A blood test that measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood.
Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT)
A group of tests that measures the function of the lungs, diagnoses problems with the lungs, and/or determines how well treatment for a lung condition is working.
Radiation Therapy
(Ionizing radiation, Radiotherapy, Brachytherapy)
The treatment of cancer and other diseases with penetrating beams of high-energy waves, or streams of particles, delivered via machines or radioactive substances.
Renal Ultrasound
A test that uses sound waves to study the renal system, which includes the kidneys, bladder, and ureters
Retinal Detachment Repair
The repair of a detached retina in the eye. The retina is a thin sheet of light-sensitive nerve tissue that lines the inside of the eye. The sensory layer of the retina, which receives images and transmits them to the brain, can be pulled away (detached) from its normal position in the back wall of the eye, resulting in vision loss.
Root Canal Treatment
The removal of dental pulp when it has become infected or died. Dental pulp is the soft core of the tooth containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. It extends from the top of the tooth, called the crown, all the way down to the roots in branches called canals.
Skin Graft
The removal and transplantation of healthy skin from one area of the body (source area or donor site) to another area (recipient area) where the skin has been damaged. The source sites most commonly used for skin grafts are the inner thigh, leg, buttocks, upper arm, and forearm.
Thyroidectomy
Surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland, which is the gland in the neck that produces hormones that regulate metabolism. Removal of only one lobe of the thyroid is called thyroid lobectomy or partial thyroidectomy.
Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Series
(Barium Swallow, Barium Meal)
A series of x-rays of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum during and after drinking a barium solution. The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine; and the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum are collectively called the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract or upper digestive system.
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