August 27, 2025

Medical Coding Do you need to know about Physiology, Anatomy and Medical Terminology

AAPC | Certification | Certified Medical Coder | CPC | Medical Coding
By Janine Mothershed

Why Knowing Physiology, Anatomy, and Medical Terminology Can Help You in a CPC Course and for AAPC CPC Exam Prep

Preparing for the AAPC CPC exam is no small task. While coding guidelines, CPT®, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS rules form the backbone of the exam, one of the most overlooked—but essential—foundations for success is a strong understanding of physiology, anatomy, and medical terminology.

Without these three pillars, coding accurately becomes a challenge. Let’s break down why each is critical for your CPC course and exam prep, and some practical tips to strengthen your knowledge.

Why Anatomy Is Essential

Anatomy is the study of body structures and locations. The CPC exam often presents coding scenarios that require you to know:

  • Which body part a procedure involves

  • Whether it’s right vs. left (laterality)

  • Organ systems connected to the diagnosis or procedure

Example: If the question asks about a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, you need to know the gallbladder is part of the biliary system and located in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen.

Tip to Learn Anatomy:

  • Use flashcards with body diagrams.

  • Break it down by body system (cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, etc.).

  • Practice labeling diagrams—this will help you during coding scenarios that test surgical procedures.

Why Physiology Matters

Physiology is how the body functions. Coders must understand body processes to connect symptoms, diagnoses, and treatments.

Example: If a case involves dyspnea (shortness of breath), physiology knowledge helps you link it to potential respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD. This can guide you toward the correct ICD-10-CM code.

Tip to Learn Physiology:

  • Create flowcharts for processes (e.g., how blood flows through the heart).

  • Watch short medical videos that explain organ system functions.

  • Relate physiology concepts back to common diagnoses you’ll code.

Why Medical Terminology Is the Foundation

Medical terminology is the language of healthcare. Without it, you’ll constantly struggle with medical record interpretation and exam questions.

Example: Knowing that -ectomy means surgical removal, and arthr/o relates to joints, makes it easy to decode arthrectomy as removal of part of a joint.

Tip to Learn Medical Terminology:

  • Break words into prefix, root, suffix.

  • Use mnemonics (e.g., “nephr/o = kidney → think nephron in renal system”).

  • Practice with coding scenarios and highlight unfamiliar terms to look up later.

AAPC medical terminology tips https://www.aapc.com/blog/51631-7-tips-for-memorizing-medical-terminology/?utm_campaign=Member&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=95056780&_hsenc=p2ANqtz–lnZXmBj88Pi3ZHnsDl0wuIuBiQMzdOQLLyd1Fg4Ys-kksdTNXNKocB76RsqRg9GHOXMnfhCIlPhHKANO4LB2_ZnryVA&utm_source=_C-hbm_M-MM_D-9-11-20_P-hbm-news_T-hubspot&fbclid=IwY2xjawMb_CpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFzcEEzeVg3R1RwUUtJWEQwAR723Keo8kCrBGSKO3wLVmlE-AQo3QDPGHmx7hBmq0DcVMcv3H10olqngr1Zsw_aem_QcEGnVtsH_x8iqyftu1XZQ

How This Knowledge Helps on the CPC Exam

The CPC exam is timed (4 hours), and efficiency is critical. If you have to look up every medical term, you’ll lose valuable time. By mastering anatomy, physiology, and terminology, you’ll:

  • Recognize conditions and procedures quickly

  • Reduce errors in code selection

  • Answer questions with confidence under time pressure

CPC Exam Tips https://codingclarified.com/tips-to-pass-the-aapc-cpc-exam/

Practical Study Tips

  1. Daily Terminology Practice – Study 5–10 root words a day.

  2. System-Based Study Sessions – Dedicate a day to cardiovascular, then musculoskeletal, etc.

  3. Combine with Coding Practice – Apply terminology to actual coding cases from your CPC course workbook.

  4. Use Visuals – Diagrams, flashcards, and charts- to reinforce memory.

  5. Teach It Back – Explaining terms or anatomy concepts to someone else cements your understanding.

Medical coding professionals who pursue formal training in anatomy and physiology through reputable medical schools, such as the  American University of Antigua (AUAmed), often gain a competitive edge. The in-depth knowledge acquired helps coders interpret clinical documentation more effectively—a key skill for passing the CPC exam and succeeding in the healthcare industry.

Medical Coding Games https://codingclarified.com/medical-coding-games/

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