Hematocrit
A measurement of the percentage of red blood cells in the blood. Usually part of a complete blood count (CBC), a hematocrit test may be used to check for anemia, dehydration, malnutrition, and leukemia.
Hematologist-Oncologist
A medical doctor who specializes in blood diseases and blood cancer care.
Hematoma
A collection of blood that remains inside the body after a leak or injury to a blood vessel. A bruise is an example of a hematoma.
Hepatic
Relating to the liver.
HER-2
A shortened term for the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. This protein is found in higher amounts in some cancers, which are then described as HER-2 positive. Such cancers tend to grow faster and spread more than those that are HER-2 negative.
HIPAA
The abbreviation for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, a US law passed in 1996. Provisions include allowing workers to keep their health insurance after changing or losing their jobs, protecting the privacy of health information, and maintaining standards for secure electronic health records.
Hospice
A program offering physical, emotional, social, and spiritual support for patients nearing the end of life. After treatment of the disease has stopped, hospice focuses on quality of life for patients and their caregivers by keeping patients as comfortable and alert as possible. Hospice may be provided at home or in a care facility.
Hospitalist
A medical doctor who specializes in managing the daily medical care of hospitalized patients. A hospitalist works with a patient’s personal doctor to care for the patient while the patient is in the hospital.
Hyperplasia
An increase in the number of normal cells in a tissue or organ. These cells are not cancer. An example of hyperplasia is benign prostatic hyperplasia, the increased number of prostate cells most often seen in older men.
