What is the meaning of the combining form derm/o or dermat/o?

The combining forms derm/o and dermat/o are derived from Greek and are commonly used in medical terminology to refer specifically to skin. Understanding these prefixes is crucial for coding and documentation as they frequently appear in terms associated with skin conditions, procedures, and diseases. For example, conditions such as dermatitis (inflammation of the skin) or dermatology (the study of skin) incorporate these combining forms to denote their relationship to the skin. Thus, the correct understanding of these terms is essential for accurate coding and comprehension of medical records related to dermatology.