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Disk or disc?? what's the final verdict? - sm

Posted: Apr 18, 2013

Once upon a time, many years ago, I was taught "disk" for eye, "disc" for vertebrae. These days, QA is contraindicating themselves like crazy. If I type disc for vertebrae, they change it to disk. If I type disk for vertebrae, they change it to disc. What gives? Same goes for eye. This is driving me nuts. What do you do here?

My understanding is it is now "disk" for all. NM - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
xx

I think you should get a definitive answer from your QA - research

[ In Reply To ..]
Here is what BOS III says, page 393:

Disk/disc: Most medical lexicographic resources as well as The AMA Manual of Style 10th edition indicate the use of disk for all anatomical terms other than ophthalmologic use. However, Terminologia Anatomica retains the use of disc in reference to spinal terminology. Transcriptions should be aware that the preferred trend is for use of disk; however, many orthopedists still prefer the guidelines outlined in Terminologia Anatomica and may direct an MT to use disc in transcription of spinal terminology. This same rule applies to terms like orthopedic vs. orthopaedic; the Old English spellings are still referenced in Terminologia Anatomica, and therefore some orthopedists still defer to that usage. The preferred trend, however, is to use the modern spellings.

For myself, I tend to match the spelling in the CPT manual, which uses disc.

That changes - Every few years

[ In Reply To ..]
In my 15 years of doing this, disc/disk preference has changed several times

I decided on my very own to just use disk for everything except the eyes; then, I use disc. I simply can't keep up with what BOS decides that day.

If I get/got feedback otherwise, I would adjust to it, but it seems to not be one of the things the clients/companies worry about, so I save myself the trouble and do as above.

I'm not saying to do your own thing--I'm just saying don't fret it unless someone in authority at your company is.

What I do - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
I flip a coin. Heads it's disc for the day, tails it's disk. It's going to be changed either way I go, since QA apparently tosses coins too.

Agree, it is up to facility, but see the article in link below. - Oasis

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x

It seems to be a matter of preference... - sm/OP

[ In Reply To ..]
since it gets changed by different QA people, most likely based upon their own personal preference. I'm not going to worry about it. Thanks so much for taking the time to respond. :)

Don't spend time fretting - see msg

[ In Reply To ..]
Definitely not worth fretting over. Too much time is often spent on these stupid little things--we have enough bigger fish to fry. If the client or your person doing your audits doesn't care, then you shouldn't.

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