CPB Certified Professional Biller Certification Practice Exam

What does the prefix "dys-" indicate?

1. Excision

2. Good, normal

3. Bad, painful

4. Above, upon

The correct answer is: Bad, painful

The prefix "dys-" is derived from Greek and is commonly used in medical terminology to denote something that is abnormal, difficult, or impaired. It indicates conditions that are dysfunctional or problematic, such as in words like "dysphagia" (difficulty swallowing) or "dysfunction" (impaired function). This prefix implies a negative or adverse condition, which aligns with the interpretation of "bad" or "painful." This understanding is vital in medical billing and coding, as recognizing prefixes can enhance comprehension of medical terms that relate to patient conditions and billing procedures. The other choices do not reflect the actual meaning of the prefix "dys-". For example, the prefix implying excision or removal does not relate to the concept of difficulty or impairment. Similarly, prefixes that suggest normality or a positive state are distinctly separate from the negative connotation represented by "dys-." Lastly, the notion of "above" or "upon" pertains to different prefixes altogether. Thus, the definition of "dys-" as indicating something bad or painful is accurate and important for understanding related medical concepts.