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Glossary

Showing 621-630 out of 1156 Terms

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  • In-network provider

    A provider network is a list of the doctors, other health care providers, and hospitals that a plan has contracted with to provide medical care to its members. These providers are called “network providers” or “in-network providers.” A provider that hasn’t contracted with the plan is called an “out-of-network provider.”

  • Incision

    (in-SIH-zhun)

    A cut made in the body to perform surgery.

  • Incisional biopsy

    in-SIH-zhuh-nul BY-op-see

    A surgical procedure in which a portion of a lump or suspicious area is removed for diagnosis. The tissue is then examined under a microscope to check for signs of disease.

  • Incontinence

    (in-KON-tih-nents)

    Inability to control the flow of urine from the bladder (urinary incontinence) or the escape of stool from the rectum (fecal incontinence).

  • Increased intracranial pressure

    Increased intracranial pressure is a rise in the pressure inside the skull that can result from or cause brain injury.

  • Incubation period

    The period between exposure to a germ and the first sign of illness (i.e. Chicken pox, from 8 to 21 days).

  • Induction therapy

    (in-DUK-shun THAYR-uh-pee)

    The first treatment given for a disease. It is often part of a standard set of treatments, such as surgery followed by chemotherapy and radiation. When used by itself, induction therapy is the one accepted as the best treatment. If it doesn’t cure the disease or it causes severe side effects, other treatment may be added or used instead. Also called first-line therapy, primary therapy, and primary treatment.

  • Indwelling catheter

    A central line surgically placed (usually in the chest) and inserted into a large vein in your neck for to administer medications, IV fluids, and blood products. May also be used to draw blood for testing.

  • Infection

    (in-FEK-shun)

    The invasion and growth of germs in the body. The germs may be bacteria, viruses, yeast, fungi, or other microorganisms. Infections can begin anywhere in the body and may spread all through it. An infection can cause fever and other health problems, depending on where it occurs in the body. When the body’s immune system is strong, it can often fight the germs and cure an infection. Some cancer treatments can weaken the immune system, which may lead to infection.

  • Infectious disease

    A disease caused by germs; one that can be passed from one to another. Cancer is not an infectious disease.