Common Medical Abbreviations Every Medical Assistant Should Know

Why is Knowing Medical Abbreviations Important?

Medical assistants, as the backbone of clinical support, have diverse roles that demand both precision and efficiency. Their interactions span across patients, doctors, other healthcare professionals, and administrative staff. A clear and concise mode of communication, therefore, is paramount.

Enhancing Clinical Efficiency

Medical abbreviations are essential for medical assistants when documenting patient histories, writing out medical orders, or interpreting them. Their ubiquity in the healthcare world ensures that patient-related information can be quickly noted and understood, expediting patient care. For instance, noting “HTN” instead of “hypertension” in a patient’s medical record can save time, especially when these abbreviations need to be used multiple times.

Precision in Administrative Tasks

The administrative side of a medical assistant’s role includes tasks like billing, insurance claims, and scheduling. Here, abbreviations related to procedures, diagnoses, or even insurance-related terms can simplify complex information. For example, understanding that “OPD” stands for “outpatient department” can be crucial when scheduling patient appointments or processing claims.

Facilitating Effective Communication

Given the multi-disciplinary nature of healthcare, medical assistants must communicate with a range of professionals, from physicians to pharmacists to radiologists. Using standardized abbreviations ensures that there’s a common language, minimizing misunderstandings. For instance, if a doctor prescribes a medication to be taken “q8h,” both the medical assistant and the pharmacist understand that the medication should be taken every 8 hours.

Patient Safety and Advocacy

The most significant reason for knowing medical abbreviations is to ensure patient safety. Misinterpretations can lead to errors in patient care, such as incorrect medication dosages or miscommunication about a patient’s history. When a medical assistant is proficient in medical abbreviations, they act as a safety net, catching potential errors and advocating for the patient’s best care.

Navigating the Nuances of Medical Abbreviations

While abbreviations serve as a significant time-saving tool, this convenience comes the responsibility to interpret and employ them accurately. Even a seemingly minor oversight can lead to substantial miscommunication and potential medical errors. Here are some pivotal aspects to remember:

The Significance of Letter Case

Medical abbreviations often differentiate meanings based on the use of uppercase and lowercase letters. For example, two acronyms might appear similar but can convey entirely distinct interpretations based on their capitalization. A slight change in the case can alter the meaning of an abbreviation dramatically, emphasizing the importance of meticulous attention to detail.

Contextual Clarity in Abbreviations

In some instances, identical letter combinations might signify two completely different medical terms. Here, the context becomes a crucial factor in determining the correct meaning. Always consider the surrounding information, the specific medical scenario, or the patient’s condition when decoding abbreviations. This contextual clarity ensures that the correct interpretation is made, safeguarding against potential misunderstandings.

Continuous Learning and Adaptation

The world of medicine is ever-evolving, with new research, techniques, and terminologies emerging regularly. As a result, some abbreviations might undergo changes or acquire additional meanings. It’s imperative for medical assistants to stay updated and periodically refresh their knowledge.

Common Medical Abbreviations Chart

Below is a concise reference chart detailing frequently used medical abbreviations. Use this as a quick go-to guide when encountering these terms in your daily tasks.

Abbreviation	Full Form
ABG	arterial blood gas
ACL	anterior cruciate ligament
AD	pertaining to the right ear
ADHD	attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
A.Fib	atrial fibrillation
ALS	amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
AMA	against medical advice
A/P	anterior-posterior
AROM	active range of motion
AS	pertaining to the left ear
AU	pertaining to both ears
A&O	alert and oriented
BID	twice a day
BLBS	bilateral breath sounds
bm	bowel movement or bone marrow
BMR	basal metabolism rate
BP	blood pressure
BR	bed rest
bs	bowel sounds or breath sounds
B/S	bedside
bx	biopsy
C	Celsius
C1, C2, etc.	first cervical vertebrae, second, etc.
CA	cardiac arrest
CABG	coronary artery bypass graft
CAD	coronary artery disease
cal	calorie
cath	catheter
CBC	complete blood count
cc	cubic centimeter
CCU	coronary care unit
CHF	congestive heart failure
CHI	closed head injury
CNA	certified nursing assistant
CNS	central nervous system
c/o	complains of
COPD	chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
CP	chest pain
CPAP	continuous positive airway pressure
CPE	complete physical exam
CPR	cardiopulmonary resuscitation
CRF	chronic renal failure
CSF	cerebrospinal fluid
CT	computerized tomography
CV	cardiovascular
CXR	chest X-ray
DC	discharge or discontinue
DNR	do not resuscitate
DOA	dead on arrival
DOB	date of birth
d/t	due to
Dx	diagnosis
ECC/EKG	electrocardiogram
ED	emergency department
EEG	electroencephalogram
EENT	eye, ear, nose, throat
EMG	electromyogram
ENT	ear, nose, throat
ER	emergency room
F	Fahrenheit
FH	family history
fib	fibrillation
fl/fld	fluid
f/u	follow-up
FWB	full weight bearing
Fx	fracture
GB	gallbladder
GCS	Glasgow Coma Scale
GERD	gastroesophageal reflux disease
gen	general
gest	gestation
GI	gastrointestinal
gluc	glucose
GP	general practitioner
GSW	gunshot wound
GTT	glucose tolerance test
GYN	gynecology
Hb.	hemoglobin
HB	heart block
HBP	high blood pressure
h.d.	at bedtime
H2O	water
H&H	hemoglobin and hematocrit
h/o	history of
H&P	history and physical
HR	heart rate
HTN	hypertension
HVD	hypertensive vascular disease
Hx	history
ICCU	intensive coronary care unit
ICP	intracranial pressure
ICU	intensive care unit
Int	internal
IM	intramuscular
I&O	intake and output
IV	intravenous
JP	Jackson-Pratt drain
jt	joint
K	potassium
KUB	kidney, ureters, bladder
L	left, liver, liter, lower, lumbar
L1, L2, L3	first lower lumbar vertebrae, etc.
lab	laboratory
lac	laceration
lat	lateral
LE	lower extremities
LL	left lateral
LMP	last menstrual period
LOC	loss of consciousness, level of consciousness
LOS	length of stay
LP	lumbar puncture
Lx	larynx
m	married, male, murmur, mass
MCA	middle cerebral artery
MD	muscular dystrophy
med.	medicine
mets.	metastasis
MG	myasthenia gravis
MI	myocardial infarction
MICU	medical intensive care unit
MRI	magnetic resonance imaging
MRSA	methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
MVA	motor vehicle accident
Na	sodium
NAD	no abnormality detected, no apparent distress
NC	nasal cannula
NG	nasogastric
NICU	neonatal intensive care unit
NKA/NKDA	non-known drug allergies
NOS	not otherwise specified
NPO	nothing by mouth
NSA	no specific abnormality
NST	non-stress test
N&V	nausea and vomiting
NVD	nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
NYD	not yet diagnosed
O	oral
O2	oxygen
O2 sat	oxygen saturation
OA	osteoarthritis
OD	right eye
O/E	on exam
OR	operating room
OS	left eye or mouth
OTC	over-the-counter
OTO	otolaryngology
OU	both eyes
PA	physician’s assistant
PACU	post-anesthesia care unit
PAF	paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
PAL	peripheral arterial line
Path	pathology
PCA	patient controlled analgesia
PE	physical exam
PED	pediatrics
PET	positron emission tomography
PH	past history
PI	present illness, pulmonary insufficiency
PICC	peripherally inserted central catheter
PICU	pediatric intensive care unit, pulmonary intensive care unit
PID	pelvic inflammatory disease
PM	post-mortem
PMH	past medical history
PNI	peripheral nerve injury
PNX	pneumothorax
PRBC	packed red blood cells
PROM	passive range of motion
PSH	post-surgical history
PT	physical therapy
PTA	prior to admission
PUD	peptic ulcer disease
PVD	peripheral vascular disease
Px	physical examination
q	every
qhr	every hour
qid	four times per day
RA	right atrium, rheumatoid arthritis
RBC	red blood cell count
RCA	right coronary artery
RD	respiratory distress
RN	registered nurse
R/O	rule out
ROM	range of motion
RT	radiation therapy, respiratory therapy
RV	residual volume
Rx	prescription, therapy
SCD	sudden cardiac death
SCI	spinal cord injury
SCU	special care unit
SH	social history
SI	stroke index
SICU	surgical intensive care unit
SIDS	sudden infant death syndrome
SOB	shortness of breath
ST	speech therapy
STAT	immediately
STD	sexually transmitted disease
Strep	streptococcus
Sx	symptoms
T1, T2, etc.	thoracic vertebrae
TB	tuberculosis
TBI	traumatic brain injury
T&C	type and cross
TIA	transient ischemic attack
TID	three times a day
TMT	tarsal and metatarsal bones
TPN	total parenteral nutrition
TPR	temperature, pulse, respiration
Tx	treatment
U/A	urinalysis
UO	urinary output
URD	upper respiratory disease
URI	upper respiratory infection
UTI	urinary tract infection
VF	ventricular fibrillation
VS	vital signs
WBAT	weight bearing as tolerated
WNL	within normal limits
wt	weight
w/o	without
w/u	workup

Tips for Remembering Medical Abbreviations

Flashcards: A tried-and-true study technique, flashcards help reinforce knowledge. Whether using digital platforms, which often come with features like shuffling for varied repetition, or traditional handwritten cards that cater to tactile learners, the act of challenging recall with flashcards can be immensely beneficial.

Practice in Context: Beyond mere memorization, understanding abbreviations within a medical record, case study, or a patient’s chart greatly enhances comprehension. Engaging with these terms in authentic scenarios cultivates familiarity.

Study Groups: Engaging in group study offers a structured environment to quiz peers, deliberate over challenging abbreviations, and share mnemonic devices. Another member’s perspective or memory trick might be the key to understanding a particularly tricky term.

Utilize Available Resources: Alongside the free medical assistant practice tests at Union Test Prep, there are comprehensive study guides that explore pivotal topics and furnish additional practice questions. Leveraging these resources provides a well-rounded approach to exam preparation.

Get Ready for Test Day Success

The world of healthcare, fast-paced and demanding, relies heavily on abbreviations. For medical assistants, proficiency in these shortcuts not only enhances efficiency but also safeguards patient well-being. As potential misunderstandings might culminate in medical mishaps, a thorough understanding of these abbreviations is paramount.

A lasting mastery over medical abbreviations—and any facet of medical assistant training—requires sustained effort. Through consistent studying, strategies like flashcards, and the use of available resources, success in exams and a flourishing career are well within reach.