List of Healthcare and Medical Acronyms/Abbreviations
Topic: Glossary and Definitions
Ian C. Langtree - Content Writer/Editor for Disabled World
Published: 2019/03/21 - Updated: 2023/07/15
Publication Type: Glossaries / Definitions / Acronyms
Contents: Summary - Introduction - Main - Related
Synopsis: List of commonly used acronyms, short-forms, or abbreviations, mainly used across the general health care system in North America. The health care system is filled with acronyms that are used to write prescriptions, complete patient charts, staff communication, and billing services. Family care-giving and home health care is no different than any other health-care setting in terms of documentation laden with acronyms or abbreviations.
Introduction
One of the burdens of a new intern can be learning the abbreviated vocabulary - which might be more appropriately called hospital jargon. Much of this vocabulary consists of abbreviations of medical and scientific words...
Main Digest
Today's health care system is filled with acronyms (short-forms or abbreviations) that are used to write prescriptions, completing patient charts, staff communication, and billing services. Certain medical abbreviations are avoided to prevent mistakes, according to best practices (and in some cases regulatory requirements). Pronunciation of common medical acronyms follows convention outside the medical field, in which acronyms are often pronounced as if they were a word.
Family care-giving and home health care is no different than any other health-care setting in terms of documentation laden with acronyms or abbreviations. Listed below you will find a list of common acronyms used across the general health care system. The left column lists acronyms most commonly used, and the right column includes the meaning of the acronym - and/or additional details.
| List of Acronyms Used in the Healthcare Field | |
|---|---|
| A | |
| A&O | Alert and oriented |
| A&W | Alive and well |
| AA | Amino acid |
| AACOM | American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine |
| AAHAM | American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management |
| AAHP | American Association of Health Plans |
| AAPCC | Average Adjusted Per Capita Cost |
| AARP | American Association of Retired Persons |
| ABD | Abdomen |
| ABG | Arterial blood gas |
| ABN | Advance beneficiary notice |
| ABX | Antibiotics |
| AC | Before meals |
| ACA | Affordable Care Act |
| ACGME | Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education |
| ACHE | American College of Healthcare Executives |
| ACI | Advancing Care Information, also see meaningful use |
| ACIP | Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices |
| ACLS | Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support |
| ACO | Accountable care organization |
| ACR | Adjusted community rating |
| ACS | American Cancer Society |
| ACS | American College of Surgeons |
| ACU | Ambulatory care unit |
| AD | Right ear |
| ADA | Americans with Disabilities Act |
| ADA | American Diabetes Association |
| ADC | Average daily census |
| ADHD | Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder |
| ADM | Admission, admitted |
| ADPER | Acute disease prevention and emergency response |
| ADS | Alternative delivery system |
| AED | Automated external defibrillator |
| AF | Atrial fibrillation |
| AF | Acid-fast |
| AGPA | American Group Practice Association |
| AHA | American Hospital Association |
| AHA | American Heart Association |
| AHRQ | Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality |
| AI | Aortic insufficiency |
| AIDS | Acquired immune deficiency syndrome |
| AIIR | Airborne infection isolation room |
| AL | Left ear |
| ALJ | Administrative law judge |
| ALOS | Average length of stay |
| ALS | Advanced life support |
| ALS | Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis |
| AMA | Against medical advice |
| AMA | American Medical Association |
| AMCRA | American Medical Care and Review Association |
| ANA | American Nurses Association |
| ANP | Advanced nurse practitioner |
| AOA | American Osteopathic Association |
| AOB | Alcohol on breath |
| AONE | American Organization of Nurse Executives |
| APC | Ambulatory Payment Classification |
| APG | Ambulatory Patient Group |
| APHL | Association of Public Health Laboratories |
| APM | Alternative Payment Model |
| APR-DRG | All payer refined diagnostic related group |
| ARC | American Red Cross |
| ARDS | Adult respiratory distress syndrome |
| ARF | Acute renal failure, acute rheumatic fever |
| ART | Accredited record technician |
| AS | Aortic stenosis |
| ASAP | As soon as possible |
| ASC | Ambulatory Surgery Center |
| ASO | Administrative services only contract |
| ASPE | Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation |
| ATLS | Advanced trauma life support |
| AU | Both ears |
| AUC | Appropriate Use Criteria |
| AXR | Abdominal x-ray |
| Abd. | Abdominal |
| Ad lib | At will, as desired |
| AAPM | Advanced Alternative Payment Model |
| B | |
| BAC | Blood alcohol content |
| BAD | Bipolar affective disorder |
| BBA | Balanced Budget Act of 1997 |
| BBRA | Balanced Budget Relief Act of 1999 |
| BC | Birth control |
| BCAA | Blue Cross Association of America |
| BCBSI | Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Iowa - Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Iowa |
| BE | Barium enema |
| BHAI | Behavioral Health Affiliate of Iowa |
| BIA | Bureau of Indian Affairs |
| BID | Bis in dies (twice a day) |
| BIPA | Benefits Improvement & Protection Act of 2000 |
| BLS | Basic life support |
| BLS | Bureau of Labor Statistics |
| BM | Bowel movement |
| BMD | Bone mass density |
| BMI | Body mass index |
| BMR | Basal metabolism rate |
| BMT | Bone marrow transplant |
| BP | Blood pressure |
| BPCI | Bundled Payments for Care Improvement Initiative |
| BRP | Bathroom privileges |
| BTLS | Basic trauma life support |
| BUN | Blood urea nitrogen |
| Bx | Biopsy |
| C | |
| C | Centigrade, celsius |
| C/F | Chills, fever |
| C/O | Complains of, care of |
| C/S | Cesarean section |
| CA | Cancer |
| CAA | Care area assessment |
| CAB | Carotid artery bruit |
| CABG | Coronary artery bypass graft |
| CAD | Coronary artery disease |
| CADAC | Certified alcohol and drug abuse counselor |
| CADE | Center for Acute Disease Epidemiology |
| CAH | Critical access hospital |
| CAHPS | Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems |
| CAM | Complementary and alternative medicine |
| CAP | Capsule |
| CARF | Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities |
| CAT | Computerized axial tomography |
| CBC | Complete blood count |
| CBD | Common bile duct |
| CBF | Cerebral blood flow |
| CBRNE | Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive |
| CBSA | Core based statistical area |
| CC | Chief complaint |
| CC | Cubic centimeter, chief complaint, critical care, complications, carbon copy |
| CCI | Correct coding initiative |
| CCM | Chronic care management |
| CCR | Cost-to-charge ratio |
| CCU | Cardiac care unit |
| CDC | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.) |
| CDOR | Center for disaster operations and response |
| CEHRT | Certified Electronic Health Record Technology |
| CF | Cystic fibrosis |
| CFR | Code of Federal Regulations |
| CFT | Complement fixation testing |
| CHA | Catholic Health Association |
| CHAMPUS | Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services |
| CHAMPVA | Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Veterans Administration |
| CHD | Congenital heart disease |
| CHF | Congestive heart failure |
| CHIP | Children's Health Insurance Program |
| CICU | Cardiac intensive care unit |
| CIN | Clinically Integrated Network |
| CIO | Chief information officer |
| CIP | Critical infrastructure protection |
| CIPI | Capital input price index |
| CISM | Critical incident stress management |
| CJR | Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement model |
| CLIA | Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (1967) |
| CLIA | Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (1988) |
| CMA | Certified Medical Assistant |
| CME | Continuing medical education |
| CMHC | Community mental health center |
| CMI | Case mix index |
| CMMI | Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation (Innovation Center) |
| CMP | Competitive medical plan |
| CMS | Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services |
| CMT | Certified Medication Technician |
| CNM | Certified Nurse Midwife |
| CNS | Central nervous system |
| CO2 | Carbon dioxide |
| COB | Coordination of benefits |
| COBRA | Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 |
| COG | Continuity of government |
| COI | Certificate of Insurance |
| COLD | Chronic obstructive lung disease |
| CON | Certificate of Need |
| COOP | Continuity of operations |
| COP | Condition of participation |
| COPD | Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease |
| CORF | Comprehensive outpatient rehabilitative facility |
| CP | Cerebral palsy |
| CP | Chest pain |
| CPC+ | Comprehensive Primary Care Plus |
| CPCI | Comprehensive Primary Care Initiative |
| CPI | Consumer price index |
| CPIA | Clinical Practice Improvement Activities |
| CPR | Cardiopulmonary resuscitation |
| CPR | Customary, Prevailing, and Reasonable |
| CPS | Composite Performance Score |
| CPT | Current Procedural Terminology |
| CQI | Continuous quality improvement |
| CQM | Clinical quality measure |
| CRNA | Certified registered nurse anesthetist |
| CV | Cardiovascular |
| CVA | Cerebral vascular accident (stroke) |
| CVI | Cerebrovascular insufficiency |
| CXR | Chest x-ray |
| CY | Calendar Year |
| Ca | Carcinoma |
| Cahaba GBA | Cahaba Government Benefit Administrators |
| D | |
| D&C | Dilatation and curettage |
| D&E | Dilatation and evacuation |
| D/C | Discontinue or discharge |
| DC | Doctor of Chiropractic |
| DD | Differential diagnosis |
| DDS | Doctor of Dental Surgery |
| DEA | Drug Enforcement Administration |
| DHPC | Direct Healthcare Professional Communication |
| DHS | Department of Human Services (Iowa) |
| DIFF. | Differential blood count |
| DMAT | Disaster Medical Assistance Team |
| DME | Durable medical equipment |
| DME | Direct medical education |
| DMORT | Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team |
| DNR | Department of Natural Resources |
| DNR | Do not report |
| DNR | Do not resuscitate |
| DO | Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine |
| DO | Disorder |
| DOA | Dead on arrival or date of admission |
| DOB | Date of birth |
| DOJ | Department of Justice |
| DOT | Department of Transportation |
| DOT | Directly observed therapy |
| DPI | Bureau of Disease Prevention and Immunization |
| DPM | Doctor of Podiatric Medicine |
| DPS | Department of Public Safety |
| DPT | Diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus |
| DRA | Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 |
| DRG | Diagnosis-related group |
| DSA | Disproportionate share adjustment |
| DSC | Doctor of Surgical Chiropody |
| DSH | Disproportionate share hospital |
| DSM | Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders |
| DTR | Deep tendon reflex |
| DVM | Doctor of Veterinary Medicine |
| DVT | Deep venous thrombosis |
| Dx | Diagnosis |
| E | |
| E&M | Evaluation and Management Services |
| EBL | Estimated blood loss |
| EBP | Evidence-based practice |
| EBV | Epstein-Barr virus |
| EC | Eye contact |
| ECASA | Enteric coated acetylsalicylic acid |
| ECC | Emergency coordination center |
| ECC | Emergency cardiac care |
| ECF | Extended care facility |
| ECG or EKG | Electrocardiogram |
| ECMO | Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation |
| ECT | Electroconvulsive therapy |
| ECU | Environmental control unit |
| ECV | External cephalic version |
| eCQM | Electronically specified clinical quality measure |
| EDC | Estimated date of confinement |
| EDD | Estimated delivery date |
| EEG | Electroencephalogram |
| EENT | Eye, ear, nose and throat |
| EEOC | Equal Employment Opportunity Commission |
| EGA | Estimated gestational age |
| EGC | Early gastric cancer |
| EHR | Electronic health record |
| EKG, ECG | Electrocardiogram |
| EMAC | Emergency Management Assistance Compact |
| EMG | Electromyogram |
| EMR | Electronic medical record |
| EMS | Emergency medical services |
| EMT | Emergency medical technician |
| EMTALA | Emergency Medical Transfer Active Labor Act |
| ENT | Ear nose and throat |
| EOB | Explanation of benefits |
| EOC | Emergency operations center |
| EOC | Episode of care |
| EOC | Explanation of coverage |
| EOMB | Explanation of Medicare Benefits |
| EPA | Environmental Protection Agency |
| EPI-X | Epidemic information exchange |
| EPO | Exclusive Provider Organization |
| EPSDT | Early periodic screening diagnosis and treatment program |
| EPs | Eligible professionals |
| ER | Emergency room |
| ER/ED | Emergency room/emergency department |
| ERISA | Employee Retirement Income Security Act |
| eRx | Electronic prescribing |
| ESF | Emergency support functions |
| ESF06 | Mass care emergency support function |
| ESF08 | Health and medical services support function |
| F | |
| F | Fahrenheit |
| F/C | Fever, chills |
| FACHE | Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives |
| FAQ | Frequently asked questions |
| FAS | Fetal alcohol syndrome |
| FB | Foreign body |
| FBS | Fasting blood sugar |
| FDA | Food and Drug Administration |
| FEC | Freestanding emergency center |
| FEF | Forced expiratory flow |
| FEHBP | Federal Employees Health Benefits Program |
| FEMA | Federal Emergency Management Agency |
| FFS | Fee for service |
| FFWU | Full fever work-up |
| FHR | Fetal heart rate |
| FI | Fiscal intermediary |
| FL | Femur length |
| FM | Fetal movement |
| FMG | Foreign medical graduate |
| FNA | Fine needle aspiration |
| FOBT | Fecal occult blood testing |
| FPL | Federal Poverty Level |
| FQHC | Federally Qualified Health Center |
| FRC | Functional residual capacity |
| FROM | Free range of motion |
| FSA | Flexible Spending Accounts |
| FSE | Fetal scalp electrode |
| FSH | Follicle-stimulating hormone |
| FT | Full term |
| FTC | Federal Trade Commission |
| FTE | Full-time equivalent |
| FX | Fracture |
| FY | Fiscal year |
| G | |
| GA | Gestational age |
| GAF | Geographic adjustment factor |
| GAO U.S. | General Accountability Office |
| GB viz. | Gall bladder visualization |
| GC | Gonococcal, gonorrhea |
| GH | Growth hormone |
| GHAA | Group Health Association of America |
| GHRH | Growth hormone releasing hormone |
| GI | Gastrointestinal |
| GLT | Glucose loading test |
| GME | Graduate medical education |
| GP | General practitioner |
| GPCI | Geographic practice cost index |
| GPRO | Group Practice Reporting Option |
| GSW | Gunshot wound |
| GTT | Drop-liquid measurement |
| GTT | Glucose tolerance test |
| GU | Genitourinary |
| H | |
| H&P | History and physical examination |
| H/O | History of |
| H20 | Water |
| HA | Headache |
| HA | Hemolytic anemia |
| HAC | Hospital-Acquired Condition |
| HAI | Hospital-Associated Infection |
| HAN | Health Alert Network |
| HANYS | Healthcare Association of New York State |
| HAV | Hepatitis A virus |
| HAWK-I | Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa |
| HAZMAT | Hazardous material |
| HBV | Hepatitis B virus |
| HC | Head circumference |
| HCC | Hierarchical condition categories |
| HCFAC | Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control |
| HCPCS | Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System |
| HCPLAN | Health Care Payment Learning and Action Network |
| HCV | Hepatitis C virus |
| HDL | High density lipoprotein |
| HDV | Hepatitis D virus |
| HEDIS | Health Plan Employer Data and Information Set |
| HEICS | Hospital emergency incident command system |
| HEPA | High-efficiency particulate air |
| HERT | Hospital emergency response team |
| HFMA | Healthcare Financial Management Association |
| HHA | Home Health Agency |
| HHR | Health human resources (or health workforce) |
| HHS | U.S. Department of Health and Human Services |
| HHSC | Health and Human Services Commission |
| HIAA | Health Insurance Association of America |
| HICPAC | Hospital infection control practices advisory committee |
| HICS | Hospital incident command system |
| HIE | Health Information Exchange |
| HIM | Health information management |
| HIPAA | Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 |
| HIPCs | Health Insurance Purchasing Cooperatives |
| HIPPS | Health Insurance Prospective Payment System |
| HIT | Health Information Technology |
| HITECH | Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act |
| HIV | Human immunodeficiency virus |
| HLSEM | Homeland security and emergency management |
| HMO | Health maintenance organization |
| HOPD | Hospital Outpatient Department |
| HPA | Hypothalamic suppression test |
| HPAI | Highly pathogenic avian influenza |
| HPB | Historic payment basis |
| HPCI | Health Policy Corporation of Iowa |
| HPHS | High-performing health system |
| HPI | History of present illness |
| HPSA | Health Professional Shortage Area |
| HQRM | Healthcare quality and resource management |
| HR | Hour |
| HR | Heart rate |
| HRSA | Health Resources and Services Administration |
| HS | Hour of sleep (bedtime) |
| HSR | Hospital-specific rate |
| HTN | Hypertension |
| Hb | Hemoglobin |
| Hgb. | Hemoglobin |
| I | |
| I&D | Incision and drainage |
| I&O | Intake and output |
| IAC | Iowa Administrative Code |
| IAHSA | Iowa Association of Homes and Services for the Aging |
| IBD | Inflammatory bowel disease |
| IBS | Inflammatory bowel syndrome |
| IBW | Ideal body weight |
| IC | Incident commander |
| ICC | Incident command center |
| ICD | International Classification of Diseases |
| ICD-10-CM | International classification of diseases, 10th revision, Clinical Modification |
| ICF/MR | Intermediate Care Facility for the Mentally Retarded |
| ICN | Intermediate care nursery |
| ICP | Infection control professional |
| ICP | Intracranial pressure |
| ICS | Incident command system |
| ICU | Intensive care unit |
| ID | Infectious diseases |
| IDAC | Infectious disease advisory committee |
| IDALS | Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship |
| IDDM | Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus |
| IDIA | Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals |
| IDN | Integrated Delivery Network |
| IDPH | Iowa Department of Public Health |
| IDS | Integrated delivery system |
| IFMC | Iowa Foundation for Medical Care |
| IHA | Iowa Hospital Association |
| IHC | Iowa Healthcare Collaborative |
| IHERF | Iowa Hospital Education & Research Foundation |
| IHHCC | Iowa Hospital Home Care Council |
| IHI | Institute for Healthcare Improvement |
| IHO | Iowa Hospice Organization |
| IHS | Indian Health Services |
| IISN | Iowa Influenza Surveillance Network |
| IM | Intramuscular |
| IME | Indirect Medical Education |
| IMGMA | Iowa Medical Group Management Association |
| IMPACT | Improving Medicare Post-Acute Care Transformation Act of 2014 |
| IMS | Iowa Medical Society |
| INA | Iowa Nurses Association |
| IOASE | In-office ancillary services exception |
| IOM | Institute of Medicine |
| IOMA | Iowa Osteopathic Medical Association |
| IONL | Iowa Organization of Nurse Leaders |
| IP | Intraperitoneal |
| IP | Inpatient |
| IPA | Independent Practice Association |
| IPAB | Independent Payment Advisory Board |
| IPF | Inpatient psychiatric facility |
| IPF | Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis |
| IPPS | Medicare Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System |
| IQ | Intelligence quotient |
| IRB | Institutional review board |
| IRF | Inpatient rehabilitation facility |
| ISMP | Institute for Safe Medication Practices |
| IT | Information technology |
| ITC | Iowa Trauma Coordinators |
| IU | International units |
| IUI | Intrauterine insemination |
| IUP | Intrauterine pregnancy |
| IUPC | Intrauterine pressure catheter |
| IV | Intravenous |
| IVF | In vitro fertilization |
| IVIG | Intravenous immune globulin |
| IVP | Intravenous pyelogram (urogram) |
| IVP | Intravenous push |
| In vitro | In the laboratory |
| In vivo | In the body |
| J | |
| JCV | JC virus |
| JIC | Joint information center |
| JRA | Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis |
| JVD | Jugular venous distension |
| K | |
| KS | Kaposi sarcoma |
| KUB | Kidney, ureter, bladder (x-ray) |
| L | |
| LAD | Leukocyte adhesion deficiency |
| LAMA | Left against medical advice |
| LBP | Lower back pain |
| LBW | Low birth weight |
| LCD | Local coverage determinations |
| LIH | Left inguinal hernia |
| LLL | Left lower lobe |
| LLQ | Left lower quadrant |
| LMS | Learning management system |
| LOF | Loss of fluid |
| LOS | Length of stay |
| LPC | Licensed professional counselor |
| LPHA | Local public health agency |
| LPN | Licensed practical nurse |
| LPT | Licensed physical therapist |
| LRN | Laboratory Response Network |
| LSA | Legislative Service Agency |
| LTC | Long-term care |
| LTCH | Long-term care hospital |
| LTSS | Long term social services |
| LUL | Left upper lobe |
| LUQ | Left upper quadrant |
| LV | Left ventricle |
| LVN | Licensed vocational nurse |
| M | |
| MA | Medicare Advantage |
| MAC | Medicare Administrative Contractor |
| MACPAC | Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission |
| MACRA | Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 |
| MB | Market basket |
| MBI | Market basket index |
| MCO | Managed care organization |
| MD | Doctor of Medicine |
| MD | Muscular dystrophy |
| MDA | Muscular Dystrophy Association |
| MDC | Major Diagnostic Category |
| MDD | Maximum daily dose |
| MDH | Medicare Dependent Hospital |
| MDP | Measure Development Plan |
| MDS | Minimum Data Set |
| ME | Medical examiner |
| MEI | Medical economic index |
| MEI | Medicare Economic Index |
| mEq. | Milliequivalent |
| MFS | Medicare fee schedule |
| MG | Milligram |
| MGCRB | Medicare Geographic Classification Review Board |
| MHA | Master of Hospital Administration Master of Health Administration |
| MHI | Mental Health Integration |
| MHSA | Master of Health Services Administration |
| MI | Myocardial infarction; also Mitral insufficiency or Mental institution |
| MIPPA | Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 |
| MIPS | Merit-based Incentive Payment System |
| ML | Milliliter |
| MLP | Mid-level practitioner |
| MLR | Minimum Loss Rate |
| MMA | Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 |
| MMRS | Metropolitan medical response system |
| MOB | Medical office building |
| MOM | Milk of magnesia |
| MPA | Master of Public Administration |
| MPH | Master of Public Health |
| MR | Mental retardation |
| MRI | Magnetic resonance imaging |
| MS | Mitral stenosis; also Master of Science or Medical scientist |
| MS | Multiple sclerosis |
| MSA | Metropolitan statistical area |
| MSN | Master of Science in Nursing |
| MSO | Management service organization |
| MSW | Master of Social Work |
| MUA | Medically underserved area |
| MUP | Medically underserved population |
| MVA | Motor vehicle accident |
| MVPS | Medicare volume performance standard |
| MedPAC | Medicare Payment Advisory Commission |
| Mono | Mononucleosis |
| N | |
| N/V | Nausea vomiting |
| NAD | No acute distress |
| NB | Newborn |
| NBC | Nuclear, Biological, Chemical |
| NCD | National coverage determination |
| NCQA | National Committee for Quality Assurance |
| ND | Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine |
| NDMS | National Disaster Medical System |
| NF | Nursing facility |
| NIC | Neonatal intensive care |
| NICU | Neonatal intensive care unit |
| NIDDM | Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus |
| NIH | National Institutes of Health |
| NIMS | National Incident Management System |
| NIPP | National Infrastructure Protection Plan |
| NKDA | No known drug allergies |
| NLRB | National Labor Relations Board |
| NM | Neuromuscular |
| NNDSS | Nationally Notifiable Disease Surveillance System |
| NP | Nurse practitioner |
| NPI | National Provider Identifier |
| NPO | Nothing by mouth |
| NPRM | Notice of Proposed Rule Making |
| NQF | National Quality Forum |
| NQS | National Quality Strategy |
| NRP | National Response Plan |
| NTG | Nitroglycerin |
| NVD | Normal vaginal delivery |
| Nat/O | Birth |
| O | |
| O2 | Oxygen |
| OASIS | Outcome and Assessment Information Set |
| OB-GYN | Obstetrics and gynecology |
| OBRA | Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act |
| OCD | Obsessive compulsive disorder |
| OCM | Oncology Care Model |
| OCP | Oral contraceptive pill |
| OCR | Office for Civil Rights |
| OD | Doctor of Optometry |
| OD | Right eye |
| ODS | Organized delivery system |
| OGTT | Oral glucose tolerance test |
| OIG | Office of the Inspector General |
| OMB | Office of Management and Budget |
| ON | Optic neuritis |
| ONC | Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology |
| OPD | Outpatient department |
| OPO | Organ procurement organization |
| OPP | Out-of-pocket payments |
| OPPS | Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System |
| OPV | Oral polio vaccine |
| OR | Operating room |
| OS | Left eye |
| OSA | Obstructive sleep apnea |
| OSHA | Occupational Safety and Health Administration |
| OT | Occupational therapy |
| OTC | Over the counter |
| OU | Both eyes |
| P | |
| P | Pulse |
| P&A | Percussion and auscultation |
| P4P | Pay for Performance |
| PA | Physician assistant |
| PA | Posterior-anterior |
| PA or PT | Patient |
| PACS | Picture archiving and communication system |
| PALS | Pediatric advanced life support |
| PAP | Pulmonary artery pressure; Papanicolaou test |
| PAPR | Personal air-purifying respirator |
| PAT | Paroxysmal Atrial Tachycardia |
| PBI | Protein-bound iodine |
| PC | After meals |
| PCMH | Patient-Centered Medical Home |
| PCN | Primary care network |
| PCN | Penicillin |
| PCORI | Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute |
| PCP | Primary care physician |
| PD | Parkinson's disease |
| PDL | Prescription drug list |
| PDP | Prescription drug plan |
| PE | Pulmonary embolism |
| PECOS | Medicare Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System |
| PEEP | Positive end expiratory pressure |
| PET | Positron emission tomography |
| PFFS | Private fee-for-service |
| PFPMs | Physician Focused Payment Models |
| PFS | Medicare Physician Fee Schedule |
| pH | Acidity or alkalinity. pH 7 = neutral, above 7 = alkalinity increases, below 7 = acidity decreases. |
| PHN | Public health nurse |
| PHO | Physician hospital organization |
| PHS | Public Health Service |
| PID | Pelvic inflammatory disease |
| PIH | Pregnancy induced hypertension |
| PKD | Polycystic kidney disease |
| PMPM | Per-member/per-month |
| PMS | Premenstrual syndrome |
| PNS | Peripheral nervous system |
| PNV | Prenatal vitamins |
| PO | Per os (by mouth) |
| POS | Point of service |
| PPACA | Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act |
| PPE | Personal protective equipment |
| PPI | Producer price index |
| PPO | Preferred provider organization |
| PPRC | Physician Payment Review Commission |
| PPS | Prospective payment system |
| PQRS | Physician Quality Reporting System (CMS) |
| PRN | As needed |
| PRO | Peer review organization |
| PRRB | Provider reimbursement review board |
| PSA | Prostate-specific antigen |
| PSO | Provider sponsored organization |
| PT | Physical therapy |
| PTAC | Professional and Technical Advisory Committee |
| PTSD | Post-traumatic stress disorder |
| Ped. | Pediatrics; also Pediatrician |
| Post-op | Postoperative (after surgery) |
| Pre-op | Preoperative (before surgery) |
| Preemy | Premature infant |
| Q | |
| q2h | Every 2 hours |
| q3h | Every 3 hours |
| qam | Every morning |
| qd | Once a day |
| qh | Once every hour |
| qhs | At bedtime |
| qid | Four times a day |
| qod | Every other day |
| qpm | Every evening |
| QA | Quality assurance |
| QCDR | Qualified Clinical Data Registry |
| QE | Qualified Entity |
| QI | Quality improvement |
| QIO | Quality Improvement Organization |
| QP | Qualifying APM Professional |
| QRDA | Quality Reporting Document Architecture |
| QRUR | Quality and Resource Use Reports |
| R | |
| RA | Rheumatoid arthritis |
| RA | Right atrium |
| RAC | Recovery Audit Contractor |
| RAD | Radiation-absorbed dose |
| RAD | Reactive airway disease |
| RBC | Red blood count |
| RBC | Red blood cell |
| RBRVS | Resource-Based Relative Value Scale |
| RDI | Recommended daily intake |
| RDS | Respiratory distress syndrome |
| REM | Rapid eye movements |
| RF | Risk factor |
| RHC | Rural health clinic |
| RHD | Rheumatic heart disease |
| RPB 6 | Regional Policy Board 6 (AHA) |
| RUC | AMA/Specialty Society Relative Value Update Committee |
| RUGs | Resource utilization groups |
| RUL | Right upper lobe |
| RUQ | Right upper quadrant |
| RV | Right ventricle, residual volume |
| RVS | Relative value scale |
| RVU | Relative value unit |
| RXN | Reaction |
| Rx | Prescription, treatment |
| S | |
| S/S | Signs and symptoms |
| SAB | Spontaneous abortion |
| SAMHSA | Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration |
| SARS | Severe acute respiratory syndrome |
| SBO | Small bowel obstruction |
| SBS | Shaken baby syndrome |
| SC | Subcutaneous |
| SC/SQ | Subcutaneous |
| SCH | Sole community hospital |
| SCHIP | State Children's Health Insurance Program |
| SCIC | Significant change in condition |
| SEIU | Service Employees International Union |
| SEOC | State emergency operations center |
| SGR | Sustainable Growth Rate |
| SICU | Surgical intensive care unit |
| SIDS | Sudden infant death syndrome |
| SMDA | Safe Medical Devices Act (1990) |
| SME | State medical examiner |
| SNF | Skilled Nursing Facility |
| SNP | Special Needs Plan |
| SNS | Strategic National Stockpile |
| SOB | Shortness of breath |
| SPECT | Single-photon-emission computerized tomography |
| SSA | Social Security Administration |
| SSI | Supplemental Security Income |
| START | Simple triage and rapid transport |
| STAT | Immediately |
| STD | Sexually transmitted disease |
| STHP | Short Term Health Plan |
| SX | Symptoms |
| Stat. | Immediately |
| T | |
| T | Temperature |
| T&C | Type and cross (blood) |
| T&A | Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy |
| TAB | Tablet |
| TAH | Total abdominal hysterectomy |
| TB | Tuberculosis |
| TBI | Traumatic brain injury |
| TCPI | Transforming Clinical Practice Initiative |
| TGA | Transient global amnesia |
| TIN | Tax Identification Number |
| TIW | Three times a week |
| TLC | Total lung capacity |
| TMA | Transitional Medical Assistance |
| TPA | Third-party administrator or third-party administration |
| TPA | Tissue plasminogen activator (dissolve clots), total parenteral alimentation (intravenous nutritional needs) |
| TPR | Temperature, pulse, respiration |
| TQI | Total quality improvement |
| TQM | Total quality management |
| TRHCA | Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 |
| TSA | Transportation Security Administration |
| Temp. | Temperature |
| U | |
| UA | Urinalysis |
| UB-04 | Uniform Billing Form, modified in 2004 |
| UB-92 | Uniform Billing Form, modified in 1992 |
| UC | Urgi Center |
| UC | Ulcerative colitis |
| UCR | Usual, customary and reasonable (charges) |
| UE | Upper extremity |
| UHL | University of Iowa Hygienic Laboratory |
| UO | Urine output |
| UR | Utilization review |
| URI | Upper respiratory infection |
| US | Ultrasound |
| USOH | Usual state of health |
| USPHS | United States Public Health Service |
| UTI | Urinary tract infection |
| V | |
| VA | Veterans Administration |
| VAERS | Vaccine adverse events reporting system |
| VB | Vaginal bleeding |
| VBAC | Vaginal birth after caesarean section |
| VBP | Hospital Value-Based Purchasing |
| VBPM | Value-based payment modifier |
| VD | Venereal disease |
| VDRL | Serology |
| VF | Ventricular fibrillation |
| VFC | Vaccines for Children |
| VH | Vaginal hysterectomy, hallucination |
| VHA | Voluntary Hospitals of America |
| VIP | Voluntary interruption of pregnancy |
| VMBIP | Vaccine Management Business Improvement Project |
| VM | Value-Based Payment Modifier |
| VS | Vital signs |
| VSS | Vital signs stable |
| W | |
| WB | Whole blood |
| WBC | White blood count |
| WHO | World Health Organization |
| WIC | Women and infant children program |
| WNL | Within normal limits |
| WT | Weight |
| X | |
| XRT | External radiation therapy |
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Cite This Page (APA): Langtree, I. C. (2019, March 21 - Last revised: 2023, July 15). List of Healthcare and Medical Acronyms/Abbreviations. Disabled World. Retrieved September 18, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/definitions/acronyms.php
Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/definitions/acronyms.php">List of Healthcare and Medical Acronyms/Abbreviations</a>: List of commonly used acronyms, short-forms, or abbreviations, mainly used across the general health care system in North America.
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