The Medical (Corgi) Coder

Explain a combining vowel.

The combining vowel bridges a Root Word and Suffix OR another Root Word. This helps the medical term flow into a word that gives a combined meaning. Therefore, there are less full words that need to be memorized; you can break down the words to their Root/Prefix/Suffix and use logic to interpret the word’s meaning. The combing vowel that bridges the root and suffix is usually “o”.

If the suffix OR 2nd root word starts with a consonant, that is when the combing vowel is used. If it already starts with a vowel, then an additional connecting vowel is not needed. A combing vowel does not apply to a prefix.

This was the first Lesson that needed flashcards. I printed out the templates and glued the pages together and cut using my paper cutter. It was a fun “craft project” and I intend on doing it for all lessons that need flashcards. I feel like a tangible item sinks into my memory much better that video.

Yesterday (12/14/25), I received my ICD-10-CM Code Book. I’m actually pretty excited about it, even though the book is MASSIVE. I’m going to buy specific tabs for this edition to better navigate through this book. I hope to start Lesson 14 (1st Lesson needing this book) either today or tomorrow. I’m a day late on my schedule to completion but I think I can do an extra Lesson at least one of the days this week.

As you can see I’m behind documenting my Lesson’s journaling (Entry 5 here), but being on Lesson 14. I intend to get caught up soon! Thanks for listening!