Crohn’s & Colitis Glossary

C-reactive protein (CRP)

A blood test that measures inflammation in the body but doesn’t tell us whether the inflammation is linked to IBD or might be caused by something else, like a bacterial infection.

Chronic

A medical condition that lasts longer than a year, requires ongoing medical attention, and may limit your day-to-day activities.

Claim

A request for payment submitted to your health insurance plan for services you received.

Clinical remission

Absence of symptoms. The patient feels well.

Coinsurance

Your share of the costs of certain medical care or medications, calculated as a percentage of the total cost. For example, if the health insurance planallowed amount for an office visit is $100 and you've met your deductible, your coinsurance payment of 20 percent would be $20. The health plan pays the rest of the cost.

Colectomy

The surgical removal of the colon.

Colon

The large bowel or large intestine.

Colonoscopy

A test that allows doctors to examine the colon (large intestine) by inserting a long, flexible tube with a camera through the opening of your anus.

Colostomy

A type of ostomy in which the stoma is formed by bringing part of the large intestine through the abdominal wall and then your stool (poop) will then empty into a pouch secured to the skin around the stoma.

Computed Tomography Enterography (CTE)

This is a type of CT scan where the patient swallows a special contrast to give a better view of the intestines.