American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practice Exam

What does the suffix "-graphy" refer to?

1. The act of measurement

2. The act of observing

3. The act of recording data

4. The instrument used for testing

The correct answer is: The act of recording data

The suffix "-graphy" is derived from the Greek word "grapho," which means to write or record. Therefore, it specifically refers to the act of recording data or information. This terminology is commonly used in the medical field to describe various types of imaging and recording techniques, such as "radiography," which refers to the recording of images using X-rays, or "photography," which involves capturing images through light. The other terms, while relevant in their contexts, do not accurately represent the meaning of "-graphy." Measurement protocols involve different suffixes, such as "-metry." Observing is more aligned with "-scopy," which describes visual examination techniques. Finally, instruments used for testing can be represented by various root words or suffixes but do not specifically relate to recording data as "-graphy" does. Thus, the correct answer focuses on the essence of recording, highlighting how "-graphy" encapsulates this action.