Medical abbreviations for medical assistants

227 medical abbreviations for medical assistants, with plain definitions and sources.

• A1CGlycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c): a blood test reflecting average blood glucose over the past 2 to 3 months.
• ABGArterial blood gases: a test of oxygen, carbon dioxide and pH in arterial blood.
• ABNAdvance Beneficiary Notice of Non-coverage: a Medicare form telling the patient, before the service, that Medicare may…
• acBefore meals.
• ACAAffordable Care Act (Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act): a federal law to improve access to health insurance…
• ACEAngiotensin-converting enzyme; ACE inhibitors treat high blood pressure and heart failure. In psychology, ACE also…
• ACLAnterior cruciate ligament, a commonly injured ligament of the knee.
• ACLSAdvanced cardiac life support: advanced emergency care for cardiac arrest and related emergencies.
• ACOAccountable care organization: doctors, hospitals and other providers who join to give coordinated care and share…
• AD, AS, AURight ear, left ear, each ear. Error-prone: confused with OD, OS, OU (eyes). Write right ear, left ear or each ear.
• ADAAmericans with Disabilities Act: a federal civil rights law banning discrimination against people with disabilities.
• ADHAntidiuretic hormone: made by the hypothalamus and released from the posterior pituitary; it signals the kidneys to…
• ADHDAttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
• ADLActivities of daily living: basic self-care tasks such as bathing, dressing, eating and toileting.
• AEDAutomated external defibrillator: a device that analyzes the rhythm and delivers a shock if needed.
• AFibAtrial fibrillation: a fast, irregular rhythm of the upper heart chambers.
• AIDSAcquired immunodeficiency syndrome: the advanced stage of HIV infection.
• ALT, ASTAlanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase: liver enzymes measured in blood tests.
• AMAAgainst medical advice: a patient leaving or refusing care the provider recommends; document it. Also the American…
• ANSAutonomic nervous system: the part of the nervous system that controls involuntary functions such as heart rate and…
• APAPAcetaminophen. ISMP: error-prone because it is not always recognized; write acetaminophen.
• APRNAdvanced practice registered nurse, such as a nurse practitioner, with advanced education to diagnose and treat.
• ARBAngiotensin II receptor blocker, a class of blood pressure drugs.
• ASDAutism spectrum disorder: a developmental condition affecting communication and behavior.
• BIDTwice a day.
• BMIBody mass index: weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared; a screening measure of body fat.
• BMRBasal metabolic rate: energy the body uses at complete rest.
• BPBlood pressure: the force of blood against the artery walls, recorded as systolic over diastolic in mm Hg.
• BPHBenign prostatic hyperplasia: noncancerous enlargement of the prostate.
• BUNBlood urea nitrogen: a blood test of kidney function.
• CADCoronary artery disease: plaque buildup that narrows the arteries supplying the heart muscle; the most common type of…
• CAMComplementary and alternative medicine: practices used with or instead of conventional medicine.
• CBCComplete blood count: a blood test of red cells, white cells, platelets, hemoglobin and hematocrit.
• CBTCognitive behavioral therapy: talk therapy that changes unhelpful thoughts and behaviors.
• ccCubic centimeter. Error-prone: misread as u (units); write mL. In charting, capital CC means chief complaint.
• CHFCongestive heart failure: the heart cannot pump enough blood for the body's needs.
• CK-MBCreatine kinase MB: a heart-muscle enzyme in blood that can indicate heart damage.
• CKDChronic kidney disease: gradual loss of kidney function.
• CLIAClinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments: federal rules for all labs testing human specimens; waived tests need a…
• CMS-1500The standard paper claim form for professional (physician and supplier) services; the electronic version is the 837P.
• CNSCentral nervous system: the brain and spinal cord.
• COBCoordination of benefits: rules that decide which insurer pays first when a patient has more than one plan.
• COPDChronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a long-term inflammatory disease of the airways and lungs that makes breathing…
• CPOEComputerized provider order entry: the provider enters orders electronically instead of on paper.
• CPRCardiopulmonary resuscitation: chest compressions and rescue breaths for cardiac arrest.
• CPTCurrent Procedural Terminology: the AMA code set for medical services and procedures.
• CRPC-reactive protein: a blood test that rises with inflammation.
• CSFCerebrospinal fluid: the clear fluid around the brain and spinal cord.
• CTComputed tomography: computer-processed cross-sectional x-ray images.
• CVACerebrovascular accident (stroke): brain injury from blocked or bleeding blood vessels.
• CXRChest x-ray.
• D&CDilation and curettage: a procedure that opens the cervix and scrapes the uterine lining.
• D/CCan mean discharge or discontinue. Error-prone: medications have been stopped too early. Write discharge or discontinue.
• DKADiabetic ketoacidosis: a serious diabetes complication from too little insulin, with high glucose, ketones and acid in…
• DMDiabetes mellitus.
• DMEDurable medical equipment: reusable equipment ordered for home use, such as walkers, wheelchairs or oxygen equipment.
• DNRDo not resuscitate: a medical order not to perform CPR if breathing or the heart stops.
• DPOADurable power of attorney: a legal document naming someone to act for a person, which stays valid if the person loses…
• DRIDietary reference intakes: a set of nutrient reference values for healthy people.
• DSM-5Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition, used to classify mental disorders.
• DVTDeep vein thrombosis: a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the leg.
• DxDiagnosis.
• E/MEvaluation and management: the category of codes for office, outpatient, hospital and other patient visits.
• ECEnteric-coated: a tablet coating that delays dissolving. Never crush an enteric-coated tablet.
• ECG, EKGElectrocardiogram: a recording of the heart's electrical activity.
• EDDEstimated date of delivery (due date).
• EEGElectroencephalogram: a recording of the brain's electrical activity.
• EEOCU.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: enforces federal laws against workplace discrimination.
• EFTElectronic funds transfer: a health plan's payment sent electronically to the provider's bank.
• EGDEsophagogastroduodenoscopy: a scope exam of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum.
• EHRElectronic health record: a digital record of a patient's health information that can be shared across providers.
• eMARElectronic medication administration record, the digital version of the MAR.
• EMGElectromyography: a test of the electrical activity of muscles.
• EMRElectronic medical record: a digital chart kept by one practice.
• EMTALAEmergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act: federal law on hospital emergency care that bars transferring a…
• ENTEar, nose and throat (otolaryngology).
• EOBExplanation of benefits: a health plan's statement explaining how a claim was processed and paid; the primary payer's…
• ER, XRExtended release: a form that releases the drug slowly over time. Never crush an extended-release tablet.
• ERAElectronic remittance advice: the electronic explanation of a claim payment sent by the health plan to the provider.
• ESRErythrocyte sedimentation rate: a blood test that rises with inflammation.
• ESRDEnd-stage renal disease: kidney failure needing dialysis or transplant.
• FITFecal immunochemical test: a stool test that detects hidden human blood.
• FOBTFecal occult blood test: checks stool for hidden blood.
• FQHCFederally qualified health center: a community clinic that gives primary care to all patients regardless of ability to…
• GERDGastroesophageal reflux disease: stomach contents repeatedly flow back into the esophagus.
• GFRGlomerular filtration rate: how well the kidneys filter blood.
• GIGastrointestinal: the digestive tract.
• GINAGenetic Information Nondiscrimination Act: bans the use of genetic information in health insurance and employment…
• gttDrops, a unit for liquid medications such as eye drops.
• GUGenitourinary: the urinary and reproductive organs.
• HAIHealthcare-associated infection: an infection a patient acquires while receiving care.
• HAVHepatitis A virus, which causes a liver infection.
• HBVHepatitis B virus: a bloodborne virus that infects the liver; OSHA requires employers to offer the hepatitis B vaccine…
• hCGHuman chorionic gonadotropin: the hormone, made by the placenta, that pregnancy tests detect in urine or blood.
• HCPCSHealthcare Common Procedure Coding System; Level II codes cover supplies, equipment and services not in CPT.
• HCTHematocrit: the percentage of blood volume made up of red cells. As an abbreviation for hydrocortisone it is…
• HCTZHydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic. ISMP: do not abbreviate; HCTZ can be misread as hydrocortisone. Write the full name.
• HCVHepatitis C virus: a bloodborne virus that infects the liver.
• HDLHigh-density lipoprotein, often called good cholesterol.
• Hgb, HbHemoglobin: the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells, or the test that measures it.
• HHAHome health agency: an organization that provides medical care in the patient's home.
• HIPAAHealth Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, which sets federal privacy and security rules for health…
• HIVHuman immunodeficiency virus: the virus that causes AIDS; a bloodborne pathogen.
• HMOHealth maintenance organization: a managed care plan that usually pays only for in-network care and uses a primary…
• HPIHistory of present illness: the patient's description of how the current problem developed.
• HPVHuman papillomavirus: a common virus that can cause cervical cancer.
• HRHeart rate: number of heartbeats per minute.
• hs, HSLowercase hs means at bedtime; HS has meant half-strength, and each is misread as the other. ISMP: write HS or bedtime…
• HSVHerpes simplex virus, the cause of herpes infections; it is not curable.
• HTNHypertension (high blood pressure).
• IADLInstrumental activities of daily living: tasks needed to live independently, such as shopping, cooking and managing…
• IBDInflammatory bowel disease: Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis.
• IBSIrritable bowel syndrome: a disorder of the large intestine that causes abdominal pain and changes in bowel movements.
• ICD-10-CMInternational Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification: the code set for diagnoses.
• ICUIntensive care unit.
• IDIntradermal: injected into the dermis, just under the epidermis, as in the tuberculin skin test.
• IMIntramuscular: given into a muscle.
• INIntranasal. Error-prone: misread as IM or IV. Write NAS or intranasal.
• INRInternational normalized ratio: a standardized way of reporting the prothrombin time.
• IPVIntimate partner violence: abuse by a current or former partner.
• IRBInstitutional review board: a committee that reviews research to protect human participants.
• IUInternational unit. On the Joint Commission Do Not Use list: misread as IV or the number 10. TJC says write…
• IVIntravenous: given into a vein.
• IVPIntravenous push (a drug injected directly into a vein); in imaging, an intravenous pyelogram of the urinary tract.
• kg, lbKilogram and pound, units of body weight. Write lb or kg, never # for pounds.
• LLiter, a metric unit of volume. Write a capital L; a lowercase l can be misread as the number 1.
• LDLLow-density lipoprotein, often called bad cholesterol.
• LFTLiver function tests: a group of blood tests that check the liver.
• LPNLicensed practical nurse (licensed vocational nurse, LVN, in some states).
• MARMedication administration record: the document where each dose given is recorded.
• mcgMicrogram, a metric unit of mass. Write mcg; the symbol µg can be misread as mg.
• MCOManaged care organization: an entity that contracts to provide or arrange covered health services, often for Medicaid.
• MCVMean corpuscular volume: the average size of red blood cells.
• MDIMetered-dose inhaler: a handheld canister device that sprays a set dose of medicine to be inhaled into the lungs.
• MgSO4Magnesium sulfate. On the Do Not Use list: confused with morphine sulfate. Write magnesium sulfate.
• MIMyocardial infarction (heart attack): death of heart muscle from blocked blood flow.
• mLMilliliter, a metric unit of volume. Write mL; ISMP lists lowercase ml and cc as error-prone.
• MRIMagnetic resonance imaging: imaging that uses a strong magnetic field to make detailed sectional pictures.
• MRSAMethicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: staph bacteria resistant to many antibiotics.
• MSMultiple sclerosis. As a drug abbreviation for morphine sulfate it is on the Do Not Use list; write the drug name.
• MSO4Morphine sulfate. On the Do Not Use list: confused with magnesium sulfate. Write morphine sulfate.
• MSPMedicare Secondary Payer: rules that make another insurer pay before Medicare in certain situations.
• NASIntranasal: given into the nose. ISMP prefers NAS to IN, which can be misread as IM or IV.
• NDCNational Drug Code: the FDA product identifier printed on drug packages.
• NKDANo known drug allergies.
• NPINational Provider Identifier: the unique 10-digit number HIPAA requires for health care providers on claims.
• NPONothing by mouth (Latin nil per os). Check the order to see whether medications are also held.
• NSAIDNonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen, used for pain, fever and inflammation.
• O&POva and parasites: a stool test for parasites and their eggs.
• OAOsteoarthritis: wear-related degeneration of joint cartilage.
• OCDObsessive-compulsive disorder.
• OD, OS, OURight eye, left eye, each eye. Error-prone: confused with AD, AS, AU (ears), and OD with once daily. Write the words…
• OJOrange juice. Error-prone: misread as OD or OS. Write orange juice.
• OPIMOther potentially infectious materials: body fluids and tissues treated like blood under the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens…
• OSAObstructive sleep apnea: pauses in breathing during sleep caused by a blocked airway.
• OSHAOccupational Safety and Health Administration: the federal agency that sets and enforces workplace safety rules.
• OTCOver the counter: a medication that can be bought without a prescription.
• PACPremature atrial contraction: an early beat starting in the atria.
• PADPeripheral arterial disease: disease of the arteries outside the heart.
• pcAfter meals.
• PCMHPatient-centered medical home: a primary care model that coordinates comprehensive, patient-centered care.
• PCPPrimary care provider: the clinician who gives most routine care and coordinates referrals.
• PEPulmonary embolism: a blood clot, usually from a deep vein, that lodges in an artery of the lungs.
• per osBy mouth. Error-prone: os can be read as left eye. Write PO, by mouth or orally.
• PETPositron emission tomography: imaging that uses a radioactive tracer to show tissue activity.
• PFSHPast, family and social history: the part of the health history covering past illnesses, family conditions and…
• PFTPulmonary function tests, which measure how well the lungs work, such as spirometry.
• PHIProtected health information: individually identifiable health information that HIPAA protects.
• PNSPeripheral nervous system: the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.
• POBy mouth (orally).
• POAPower of attorney: a legal document letting one person act for another.
• POCTPoint-of-care testing: lab tests done at or near the patient, with fast results.
• POLSTPhysician (or provider) orders for life-sustaining treatment: a signed medical order form that states a seriously ill…
• POSPlace of service: a two-digit claim code showing where care was given. In insurance, also a point-of-service plan.
• PPDPurified protein derivative: the tuberculin used in the TB skin test, placed intradermally.
• PPEPersonal protective equipment: gloves, gowns, masks, eye protection and similar barriers.
• PPIProton pump inhibitor: a drug that reduces stomach acid production.
• PPOPreferred provider organization: a managed care plan that pays more for in-network care but still pays part of…
• PRNAs needed. The medication is taken only when the symptom occurs, within the limits of the order.
• PSAProstate-specific antigen: a blood test used to check for prostate disease.
• PTProthrombin time: a clotting test used, with the INR, to monitor warfarin.
• PTSDPost-traumatic stress disorder: lasting distress after a traumatic event.
• PTTPartial thromboplastin time: a clotting test often used to monitor heparin.
• PUDPeptic ulcer disease: sores in the lining of the stomach or duodenum.
• PVCPremature ventricular contraction: an early beat starting in the ventricles.
• qEvery; combined with a time, as in q6h (every 6 hours) or q2d (every 2 days).
• q1dDaily. Error-prone: misread as QID (four times daily). Write daily.
• QD, q.d.Daily. On the Do Not Use list: misread as QID or QOD. Write daily.
• QIDFour times a day. Not the same as q4h, which means every 4 hours.
• QOD, q.o.d.Every other day. On the Do Not Use list: misread as daily or four times daily. Write every other day.
• RARheumatoid arthritis. As a site or EKG electrode label, right arm.
• RBCRed blood cell (erythrocyte), or the red cell count.
• RDARecommended dietary allowance: the daily intake of a nutrient that meets the needs of nearly all healthy people.
• RLE, LLERight lower extremity and left lower extremity (legs).
• RNRegistered nurse.
• ROMRange of motion: how far a joint can move in each direction.
• ROSReview of systems: questions about each body system to find symptoms the patient may not have mentioned.
• RSVRespiratory syncytial virus, a common cause of respiratory infections in young children.
• RUQ, RLQ, LUQ, LLQRight upper, right lower, left upper and left lower quadrants of the abdomen.
• RxPrescription.
• SC, SQOld abbreviations for subcutaneous. Error-prone: SC read as SL (sublingual), SQ as 5 every. Write SUBQ or subcutaneous.
• SDSSafety data sheet: the document describing a hazardous chemical's dangers and safe handling, required by OSHA's Hazard…
• SIDSSudden infant death syndrome.
• SLESystemic lupus erythematosus (lupus): an autoimmune disease that can affect many organs.
• SOBShortness of breath.
• SpO2Oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximetry: the percentage of hemoglobin carrying oxygen.
• SRSustained release: a form that releases the drug gradually over time; do not crush it.
• STATImmediately; an urgent order that must be carried out right away.
• STISexually transmitted infection (older term STD).
• SUBQSubcutaneous: injected into the fatty tissue under the skin. ISMP-preferred form, written in capitals with no spaces…
• SUDSubstance use disorder: harmful, continued use of alcohol or drugs.
• SVTSupraventricular tachycardia: a fast rhythm starting above the ventricles.
• TBTuberculosis: infection with the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which mainly affects the lungs.
• TIATransient ischemic attack: a brief, stroke-like episode from temporary loss of blood flow to the brain.
• TIDThree times a day.
• TIWThree times a week. Error-prone: misread as three times a day or twice a week. Write 3 times weekly.
• TMJTemporomandibular joint: the jaw joint in front of the ear.
• tPATissue plasminogen activator, a clot-dissolving drug. ISMP advises writing the full drug name.
• TPNTotal parenteral nutrition: complete nutrition given intravenously.
• TSHThyroid-stimulating hormone; a blood test for TSH screens thyroid function.
• U, uUnit. On the Joint Commission Do Not Use list: can be misread as 0 or 4, causing a tenfold overdose. Write unit.
• UDAs directed (ut dictum). Error-prone: misread as unit dose. Write as directed.
• URIUpper respiratory infection, such as the common cold.
• UTIUrinary tract infection.
• VREVancomycin-resistant Enterococcus: bacteria resistant to the antibiotic vancomycin.
• WBCWhite blood cell (leukocyte), or the white cell count.
• µgMicrogram symbol. Error-prone: misread as mg. Write mcg.