The Bloomscribe glossary
Words that get thrown around, in plainer language.
These are general definitions, not advice. Your own professionals can explain what any of these mean for your specific situation.
Genetics & hereditary risk
- Previvor
- Someone who carries a known increased genetic risk for a cancer but has not had that cancer. It’s a word this community chose for itself.
- Carrier
- Someone who has a particular genetic variant. For conditions like a BRCA variant, being a carrier can mean you yourself are at increased risk—not just that you could pass it on.
- Pathogenic variant
- A genetic change known to increase risk for, or cause, a condition. ‘Likely pathogenic’ means the evidence points that way but isn’t fully settled.
- Variant of uncertain significance (VUS)
- A genetic change whose effect isn’t known yet. It’s not a yes or no; it’s a we don’t know yet, and it can be reclassified over time.
- Cascade testing
- Testing blood relatives after one family member is found to carry a variant, so those who also carry it can learn their risk.
- Surveillance / screening
- Regular checks meant to catch a problem early, on a schedule your care team sets for you.
- Risk-reducing
- Steps that can lower risk. What’s appropriate is a personal decision made with your team.
- Genetic counselor
- A specialist trained to explain genetic results, risk, and options, and to help you decide what’s right for you.
Diagnosis & care
- Differential diagnosis
- The list of possible explanations a doctor is weighing before landing on an answer.
- Rule out
- To test for a condition in order to exclude it.
- Referral
- When one provider sends you to a specialist.
- Second opinion
- Another qualified provider’s assessment of your situation. Seeking one is your right.
- Care coordination
- Keeping your different providers and services working from the same page.
- Patient portal
- The secure online system where you can see results, records, and message your providers.
- Flare
- A stretch when symptoms get worse than your usual baseline.
- Comorbidity
- Having more than one condition at the same time.
- Remission
- A period when a condition is less active, or its signs are reduced or gone.
Insurance & coverage
- Prior authorization
- Approval an insurer requires before they’ll cover a service. Getting it in advance prevents surprise denials.
- Medical necessity
- The standard an insurer uses to decide whether a service is covered for your situation.
- Letter of medical necessity
- A note from your provider explaining why a service is needed; it’s your strongest attachment when appealing.
- Appeal
- Formally asking an insurer to reconsider a denial. You usually have a deadline, so note it.
- Explanation of benefits (EOB)
- The statement from your insurer showing what they paid and what you may owe. It is not a bill.
Caregiving & legal documents
- HIPAA authorization
- Written permission that lets providers share someone’s health information with a named person, like a caregiver.
- Power of attorney (healthcare)
- Legal authority to make healthcare decisions for someone who can’t make them for themselves.
- Advance directive / living will
- A document stating someone’s wishes for their care.
- Respite care
- Temporary care for a loved one that gives their caregiver a needed break.
Setting up legal documents such as power of attorney and advance directives is a legal matter—organize the information here, but create the documents with a qualified professional.