Decoding Medical Diagnosis: Essential Abbreviations You Need to Know

Understanding medical terminology can often feel like learning a new language. Within this complex language, abbreviations are frequently used to save time and space, especially in diagnosis and medical records. For patients and healthcare professionals alike, deciphering these diagnosis abbreviations is crucial for clear communication and accurate understanding of health information. This guide provides a comprehensive list of common medical abbreviations related to diagnosis, ensuring you can navigate medical conversations and documents with greater confidence.

Common Medical Abbreviations in Diagnosis

This section lists frequently encountered medical abbreviations used in diagnostic contexts, organized alphabetically for easy navigation.

A.A.R.O.M. – Active Assistive Range of Motion
AAC – Augmentative and Alternative Communication
A.B.G – Arterial Blood Gas
a.c. – Before Meals (related to tests needing fasting)
A/C – Assist Control (in respiratory diagnosis/monitoring)
ADA Diet – American Diabetes Association Diet (relevant in diabetes diagnosis and management)
A.D.L. – Activities of Daily Living (assessing functional status in diagnosis)
A.Fib. – Atrial Fibrillation (heart rhythm diagnosis)
AKA – Above-Knee Amputation or Above-the-Knee Amputation (relevant in patient history and diagnosis)
ALS – Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (neurological diagnosis)
AMA – Against Medical Advice (documentation related to patient decisions impacting diagnosis and care)
A&O – Alert and Oriented (neurological assessment in diagnosis)
A/P – Anterior–Posterior (direction in imaging, relevant to diagnostic reports)
A.R.O.M. – Active Range of Motion
ASAP – As Soon As Possible (urgency in diagnostic procedures or treatment)
ASD – Autism Spectrum Disorder (developmental diagnosis)
ASL – American Sign Language (communication needs in diagnosis and care)

b.i.d. – Twice a Day (frequency of medication or treatment related to diagnosis)
BKA – Below-Knee Amputation
B/L – Bilateral (affecting both sides of the body, relevant in diagnosis)
B.L.BS – Bilateral Breath Sounds (respiratory exam finding in diagnosis)
BMR – Basal Metabolism Rate (metabolic assessment, relevant in some diagnoses)
BP – Blood Pressure (vital sign, crucial in many diagnoses)
BR – Bed Rest (medical order based on diagnosis)
bs – Bowel Sounds (abdominal exam finding in diagnosis)
BS – Breath Sounds (respiratory exam finding in diagnosis)
B/S – Bedside (location for procedures or tests related to diagnosis)
bx – Biopsy (diagnostic procedure)

c̅ – With
C – Celsius, Centigrade (temperature measurement)
C1, C2, etc. – First Cervical Vertebrae, Second Cervical Vertebrae, etc. (spinal levels in diagnosis, especially in neurology/orthopedics)
CA – Cardiac Arrest (critical diagnosis), Cancer, Carcinoma (oncology diagnosis)
CA, ca – Cancer, Carcinoma
CABG – Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (past surgical history relevant to cardiac diagnosis)
CAD – Coronary Artery Disease (cardiac diagnosis)
cal – Calorie (dietary considerations in diagnosis)
cath – Catheter (medical device, may be used in diagnostic procedures)
CBC – Complete Blood Count (common diagnostic blood test)
cc – Cubic Centimeter (unit of volume, e.g., for medication dosage or fluid measurement in diagnosis)
CC – Chief Complaint (patient’s primary reason for seeking medical attention, guides diagnosis)
CHF – Congestive Heart Failure, Chronic Heart Failure (cardiac diagnosis)
CCU – Coronary Care Unit (specialized unit for cardiac patients, often post-diagnosis)
CHI – Closed Head Injury (neurological diagnosis, trauma-related)
cm – Centimeter (unit of length, e.g., measuring wounds or anatomical structures in diagnosis)
CMT – Continuing Medication and Treatment (post-diagnosis management)
CN – Cranial Nerve (neurological exam, crucial in neurological diagnoses)
CNA – Certified Nursing Assistant (healthcare professional involved in patient care and observation post-diagnosis)
CNS – Central Nervous System (body system, relevant in neurological diagnoses)
c/o – Complains Of (patient symptoms reported, crucial for diagnosis)
COTA – Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (rehabilitation professional involved in post-diagnosis care)
cont – Continue(d) (instructions for ongoing treatment or monitoring post-diagnosis)
COPD – Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (respiratory diagnosis)
CP – Cerebral Palsy (neurological diagnosis, developmental)
CPAP – Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (respiratory support, may be used in diagnosis and treatment)
CPR – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (emergency procedure, relevant in critical diagnoses)
CRF – Chronic Renal Failure (kidney diagnosis)
CRNP – Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (advanced practice nurse involved in diagnosis and management)
CSF – Cerebrospinal Fluid (fluid tested in neurological diagnoses, e.g., lumbar puncture)
CT – Computerized Tomography (diagnostic imaging technique)
CV – Cardiovascular (body system, relevant in cardiac and vascular diagnoses)
CVA – Cerebral Vascular Accident (stroke diagnosis)
CXR – Chest X-Ray (common diagnostic imaging for respiratory and cardiac conditions)

d – Day (duration related to diagnosis or treatment)
d/c – Discontinue (stopping medication or treatment based on diagnosis or progress)
DC – Discharge (patient leaving hospital after diagnosis and/or treatment)
DM – Diabetes Mellitus (endocrine/metabolic diagnosis)
DNK – Do Not Know (lack of information, may impact diagnostic process)
DNKA – Did Not Keep Appointment (missed appointments may delay diagnosis or follow-up)
DNR – Do Not Resuscitate (advance directive, relevant in end-of-life care and diagnosis)
DNT – Did Not Test (test not performed, may impact diagnosis)
DOA – Dead On Arrival (critical outcome, relevant in emergency medicine and diagnosis)
DOB – Date Of Birth (patient demographic information, essential for identification and diagnosis)
DOE – Dyspnea On Exertion (symptom, shortness of breath with activity, relevant in respiratory and cardiac diagnoses)
d/t – Due To (causal relationship, important in explaining diagnoses)
Dx – Diagnosis

ECC, EKG – Electrocardiogram (cardiac diagnostic test)
ED – Emergency Department (hospital department for urgent diagnoses and treatment)
EEG – Electroencephalogram (neurological diagnostic test, brain activity)
EENT – Eyes, Ears, Nose, Throat (body regions, often examined together in initial diagnosis)
EMG – Electromyogram (neurological diagnostic test, muscle and nerve function)
ENT – Ears, Nose, Throat (medical specialty, related to diagnoses in these regions)
ER – Emergency Room (same as ED)
ETOH – Ethanol (Alcohol) (substance use history, relevant in various diagnoses)
exam – Examination (physical exam, crucial part of diagnostic process)
ext – External, Exterior (location or direction, relevant in anatomical descriptions in diagnosis)

F – Fahrenheit (temperature scale)
FH – Family History (important part of medical history for risk assessment and diagnosis)
fib – Fibrillation (abnormal heart rhythm, e.g., atrial fibrillation)
fl, fld – Fluid (fluid balance, relevant in many diagnoses)
FOB – Foot Of Bed (positioning, may be relevant for certain diagnoses or treatments)
f/u – Follow-Up (post-diagnosis care and monitoring)
FWB – Full Weight Bearing (mobility status, relevant in orthopedic and neurological diagnoses)
Fx – Fracture (bone break diagnosis)

GB – Gall Bladder (organ, related to biliary diagnoses)
GCS – Glasgow Coma Scale (neurological assessment for level of consciousness, used in trauma and neurological diagnoses)
GE – Gastroenterology (medical specialty, related to digestive system diagnoses)
GERD – Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (digestive system diagnosis)
G/E – Gastroenteritis (digestive system diagnosis, infection)
gen – General (general health status, general exam findings)
gest. – Gestation (pregnancy, relevant in obstetrics and gynecology diagnoses)
G.I. – Gastrointestinal (digestive system)
GNA – Geriatric Nursing Assistant (care provider for elderly patients, relevant in geriatric diagnoses)
gluc – Glucose (blood sugar level, crucial in diabetes diagnosis and management)
GP – General Practitioner, General Paralysis (primary care physician, neurological condition)
GSW – Gunshot Wound (trauma, relevant in emergency medicine and diagnosis)
GTT – Glucose Tolerance Test (diagnostic test for diabetes and glucose metabolism)
Gt. tr. – Gait Training (rehabilitation, post-diagnosis therapy)
GYN – Gynecology (medical specialty, related to female reproductive system diagnoses)

h – Hour (time duration)
H/A – Headache (symptom, common in many diagnoses)
HAV – Hepatitis A Virus (infectious disease diagnosis)
Hb. – Hemoglobin (blood component, measured in CBC, relevant in anemia and other diagnoses)
HB – Heart Block (cardiac rhythm abnormality diagnosis)
HBP – High Blood Pressure (hypertension diagnosis)
h.d. – At Bedtime (medication timing)
HEENT – Head, Eyes, Ears, Nose, Throat (exam region)
HEP – Home Exercise Program (rehabilitation plan post-diagnosis)
H2O – Water (hydration, relevant in many diagnoses)
h/o – History Of (medical history, crucial for diagnosis)
HOB – Head Of Bed (patient positioning)
H&P – History and Physical (initial medical assessment for diagnosis)
HR – Heart Rate (vital sign)
HTN – Hypertension (high blood pressure diagnosis)
HVD – Hypertensive Vascular Disease (complication of hypertension)
Hx – History (medical history)
Hz – Hertz (cycles/second, unit of frequency, e.g., in EEG)

ICCU – Intensive Coronary Care Unit (specialized cardiac ICU)
ICP – Intracranial Pressure (pressure inside the skull, relevant in neurological diagnoses)
ICU – Intensive Care Unit (critical care for seriously ill patients)
imp. – Impression (preliminary diagnosis or assessment)
incr. – Increased(ing) (change in condition or lab value)
inf – Infusion, Inferior (method of administration, anatomical direction)
inspire – Inspiration, Inspiratory (breathing in)
int. – Internal (anatomical direction)
I&O – Intake and Output (fluid balance monitoring)
IPPB – Intermittent Positive Pressure Breathing (respiratory therapy)
irreg. – Irregular (e.g., irregular heart rhythm)
IV – Intravenous(ly) (route of administration)

J, jt. – Joint (anatomical structure)

K – Potassium, Kidney (electrolyte, organ system)

L – Left, Liver, Liter, Lower, Light, Lumbar (direction, organ, unit of volume, direction, neurological region)
L2, L3 – Second Lumbar Vertebrae, Third Lumbar Vertebrae (spinal levels)
lab – Laboratory (diagnostic testing location)
lac. – Laceration (wound type)
lat. – Lateral (direction)
LBW – Low Birth Weight (neonatal diagnosis)
L.E. – Lower Extremities (legs and feet)
liq. – Liquid (form of medication or diet)
L.O.C. – Loss Of Consciousness, Level Of Consciousness, Laxative Of Choice (neurological status, medication type)
LOS – Length Of Stay (hospital duration)
LP – Lumbar Puncture (diagnostic procedure, spinal tap)
LPN – Licensed Practical Nurse (healthcare professional)
LUE – Left Upper Extremity (arm and hand)
Lx – Larynx (voice box)
L&W – Living and Well (patient status)

m, M – Married, Male, Mother, Murmur, Meter, Mass, Molar (demographics, gender, family, auscultation finding, unit of measurement, description of lesion, dental term)
max. – Maximum, Maxillary (highest level, anatomical region)
MBC – Maximum Breathing Capacity (pulmonary function)
MBSS – Modified Barium Swallow Study (diagnostic test for swallowing)
MCA – Middle Cerebral Artery (brain artery, relevant in stroke diagnosis)
MD – Muscular Dystrophy, Medical Doctor (neuromuscular disease, physician)
mdnt. – Midnight (time)
med. – Medicine, Medical (treatment, healthcare field)
mets. – Metastasis (cancer spread)
MG – Myasthenia Gravis (neuromuscular autoimmune disease)
MI – Myocardial Infarction (heart attack)
min – Minute, Minimum (time, lowest level)
MICU – Medical Intensive Care Unit (ICU for medical, non-surgical patients)
mod – Moderate (severity level)
MRI – Magnetic Resonance Imaging (diagnostic imaging technique)
MRSA – Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (antibiotic-resistant bacteria)
mss – Massage (therapy)
MVA – Motor Vehicle Accident (trauma mechanism)

n. – Nerve (anatomical structure)
Na – Sodium (electrolyte)
NaCl – Sodium Chloride (saline)
NAD – No Abnormality Detected, No Apparent Distress (normal findings on examination)
neg. – Negative (test result)
neur. – Neurology (medical specialty)
NG – Nasogastric (tube placement, nose to stomach)
NIC – Neonatal Intensive Care (specialized care for newborns)
NICU – Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (ICU for newborns)
NKA – No Known Allergies (allergy status)
no. – Number (quantity)
NOS – Not Otherwise Specified (diagnosis category)
NPO – Nothing By Mouth (dietary restriction)
NSA – No Specific Abnormality (non-specific finding)
NST – Nonstress Test (fetal monitoring)
N&V – Nausea and Vomiting (symptoms)
NVD – Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea (symptoms)
N&W – Normal and Well (patient status)
NWB – Non–Weight Bearing (mobility restriction)
NYD – Not Yet Diagnosed (diagnostic status)

o – None, Without
O – Oral (route of administration)
O2 – Oxygen (medical gas)
O2 cap. – Oxygen Capacity (pulmonary function)
O2 sat. – Oxygen Saturation (blood oxygen level)
OA – Osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease)
OB, OBG – Obstetrics (medical specialty, pregnancy and childbirth)
OB/GYN – Obstetrics and Gynecology (combined specialty)
Obs – Observation (monitoring patient status)
OBS – Organic Brain Syndrome (cognitive impairment)
ODD – Oppositional Defiant Disorder (behavioral disorder)
O/E – On Examination (physical exam findings)
OH – Occupational History (work history, relevant in some diagnoses)
OHD – Organic Heart Disease (heart disease of structural origin)
oint. – Ointment (topical medication)
O.M. – Otitis Media (middle ear infection)
O.M.E. – Otitis Media with Effusion (middle ear fluid)
OOB, oob – Out Of Bed (mobility order)
Op. – Operation (surgery)
ot. – Ear (anatomical region)
Oto – Otolaryngology (ENT specialty)
OTC – Over-The-Counter (pharmaceuticals, medications available without prescription)
O.T. – Occupational Therapy, Old Tuberculin (rehabilitation, skin test)
OR – Operating Room (surgical suite)

PA – Physician’s Assistant, Posterior-Anterior (healthcare provider, imaging direction)
p&a – Percussion and Auscultation (physical exam techniques)
PACU – Post Anesthesia Care Unit (recovery room after surgery)
PAF – Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation (intermittent atrial fibrillation)
palp. – Palpate, Palpated, Palpable (physical exam technique, feeling with hands)
Path – Pathology (study of disease)
PA view – Posterior–Anterior View on X-ray (imaging projection)
p/c, p.c. – After Meals (medication timing)
PD – Parkinson’s Disease (neurological degenerative disease)
pdr. – Powder (medication form)
PDN – Private Duty Nurse (nursing care arrangement)
PE – Physical Exam, Pulmonary Embolism, Pressure Equalizer (Tubes) (assessment, lung blood clot, ear tubes)
Ped. – Pediatrics (medical specialty, children’s health)
PEEP – Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (ventilator setting)
PEG – Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (feeding tube placement)
PET – Positron Emission Tomography (advanced imaging technique)
PH – Past History (medical history)
pharm – Pharmacy (medication dispensing)
PHYS. – Physical, Physiology (body functions, physical therapy)
PI – Present Illness, Pulmonary Insufficiency (current medical problem, lung function)
PICU – Pulmonary Intensive Care Unit, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (specialized ICUs)
PID – Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (female reproductive infection)
plts. – Platelets (blood cells, important for clotting)
P.M. – Afternoon, Postmortem (time of day, after death)
PMH – Past Medical History (previous health conditions)
PMR – Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (medical specialty)
PN – Poorly Nourished, Practical Nurse (nutritional status, healthcare provider)
P&N – Psychiatry and Neurology (combined medical specialties)
PNA – Pneumo, Pneumonia (lung infection)
PNI – Peripheral Nerve Injury (nerve damage outside brain and spinal cord)
PNX – Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
p.o. – By Mouth (oral administration)
p.o.d. – Postoperative Day (days after surgery)
pos. – Positive (test result)
post. – Posterior (direction)
POSTOP. – Postoperative (after surgery)
pot. or potass. – Potassium (electrolyte)
PR – Proctology, Per Rectum (rectal specialty, rectal administration)
pre-op – Preoperative (before surgery)
prep. – Prepare For (instructions for upcoming procedure)
p.r.m. – According to Circumstances
p.r.n., PRN – As Often As Necessary, As Needed (medication order)
prod. – Productive (e.g., productive cough with sputum)
Prog. – Prognosis (expected course of disease)
PROM – Passive Range Of Motion (assisted joint movement)
pron. – Pronator, Pronation (body movement)
prosth. – Prosthesis (artificial limb or device)
PSH – Past Surgical History (previous surgeries)
Psych. – Psychiatry (mental health specialty)
pt., Pt. – Patient (person receiving medical care)
PT, P.T. – Physical Therapy (rehabilitation specialty)
PTA – Prior To Admission, Posterior Tibial Artery (time reference, pulse location)
PTA pulse – Posterior Tibial Artery Pulse (pulse point in the foot)
PUD – Peptic Ulcer Disease (stomach or duodenal ulcer)
PVD – Peripheral Vascular Disease (blood vessel disease outside heart and brain)
PVT – Previous Trouble (past medical issue)
PWB% – Partial Weight Bearing With Percent (mobility restriction level)
Px, PX – Physical Examination (medical assessment)

q – Every (frequency)
q.h. – Every Hour (hourly frequency)
q.i.d. – Four Times A Day (medication frequency)
qt. – Quart (unit of volume)
quad. – Quadriplegic (paralysis of all four limbs)

R, r – Right, Rectal Temperature (direction, route of temperature measurement)
R. – Rub, Rectal Temperature
RA – Rheumatoid Arthritis, Right Atrium (autoimmune joint disease, heart chamber)
rad. – Radial (anatomical location, e.g., radial pulse)
r.a.m. – Rapid Alternating Movements (neurological test)
R.A.S. – Right Arm Sitting (patient position)
RAtx – Radiation Therapy (cancer treatment)
rbc/RBC – Red Blood Cell, Red Blood Count (blood component, CBC measurement)
RCA – Right Coronary Artery (heart artery)
RCU – Respiratory Care Unit (specialized unit for respiratory patients)
RD – Respiratory Distress (breathing difficulty)
RDS – Respiratory Distress Syndrome (neonatal lung condition)
RE – Reconditioning Exercise (rehabilitation)
reg. – Regular (normal, standard)
rehab. – Rehabilitation (recovery process)
resp. – Respiratory, Respirations (breathing, breathing rate)
RF – Rheumatic Fever, Rheumatoid Factor (inflammatory conditions)
RLAS – Rancho Los Amigos Scale (cognitive recovery scale after brain injury)
R to L&A – React To Light And Accommodation (pupillary reflexes)
RLE – Right Lower Extremity (right leg and foot)
RN – Registered Nurse (healthcare professional)
RND – Radical Neck Dissection (surgical procedure, often cancer-related)
RO, R/O – Rule Out (diagnostic consideration, to exclude a diagnosis)
ROM – Range Of Motion, Rupture Of Membranes, Right Otitis Media (joint movement, pregnancy event, ear infection)
ROS – Review Of Symptoms (part of medical history)
Rt. – Right (direction)
RT – Radiation Therapy, Respiratory Therapy (cancer treatment, breathing treatment)
RUE – Right Upper Extremity (right arm and hand)
RV – Residual Volume (lung volume measurement)
RW – Rolling Walker (mobility aid)
Rx – Therapy, Prescription (treatment, medication order)

s – Without
S – Sensation, Sensitive, Serum (neurological function, reactivity, blood component)
Sa. – Saline (salt solution)
s.c. – Subcutaneous(ly) (injection route, under the skin)
Scc – Squamous Cell Carcinoma (skin cancer type)
SCCA – Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma Antigen (cancer type, tumor marker)
SCD – Sudden Cardiac Death (abrupt heart failure death)
SCI – Spinal Cord Injury (neurological trauma)
schiz – Schizophrenia (mental illness)
SCU – Special Care Unit (intermediate care unit)
sec – Second (unit of time)
Sens. – Sensory, Sensation (neurological function)
sep. – Separated (distinct, apart)
SGA – Small For Gestational Age (newborn size relative to gestational age)
s.gl. – Without Correction (Without Glasses) (vision status)
SH – Social History (lifestyle factors relevant to health)
SI – Stroke Index (cardiac output measurement)
sib. – Sibling (family member)
SICU – Surgical Intensive Care Unit (ICU for surgical patients)
SIDS – Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (unexplained infant death)
skel. – Skeletal (related to bones)
Sl. – Slightly (mild degree)
SL – Under The Tongue (sublingual administration)
SLP – Speech-Language Pathologist (communication therapist)
sm – Small (size)
SNF – Skilled Nursing Facility (long-term care facility)
SOAP – Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan (medical note format)
SOB – Shortness Of Breath (dyspnea)
S/P, s/p – Status Post (Previous Condition) (medical history context)
sp. cd. – Spinal Cord (neurological structure)
spec. – Specimen (sample for lab testing)
sp. fl. – Spinal Fluid (cerebrospinal fluid)
sp&H – Speech and Hearing (communication functions)
spin. – Spine, Spinal (vertebral column)
spont. – Spontaneous (occurring naturally)
s/s – Signs and Symptoms (disease manifestations)
SS – Social Service (patient support services)
ST – Speech Therapy (communication rehabilitation)
stat., STAT – Immediately (urgent order)
STD – Sexually Transmitted Disease (infection transmitted sexually)
subcut. – Subcutaneous (under the skin)
subling. – Sublingual (under the tongue)
sup. – Superior (direction)
supin. – Supination (body movement)
surg. – Surgery, Surgical (operative procedure)
Sx – Symptoms (patient complaints)
sys. – System (body system)
Syst. – Systolic (blood pressure measurement)
Sz – Seizure (neurological event)

T – Temperature (vital sign)
T&A – Tonsils And Adenoids, Tonsillectomy And Adenoidectomy (throat structures, surgical procedure)
tab. – Tablet (medication form)
TAH – Total Abdominal Hysterectomy (surgical procedure, uterus removal)
TB – Tuberculosis (infectious disease)
TBI – Traumatic Brain Injury (head injury)
temp – Temperature (vital sign)
THERAP. – Therapy, Therapeutic (treatment)
THR – Total Hip Replacement (joint replacement surgery)
TIA – Transient Ischemic Attack (mini-stroke)
TKR – Total Knee Replacement (joint replacement surgery)
TNM – Tumor, Nodes, And Metastases (cancer staging system)
TO – Telephone Order (verbal order from physician)
TPN – Total Parenteral Nutrition (IV nutrition)
TPR – Temperature, Pulse, Respiration (vital signs)
tr – Trace (minimal amount)
trach – Tracheostomy (surgical airway)
tsp. – Teaspoon (unit of volume)
Tx – Treatment, Traction (therapy, orthopedic procedure)

U/A – Urinalysis (urine test)
UCD, UCHD – Usual Childhood Diseases (common illnesses in children)
UG – Upward Gaze (eye movement)
Unilat. – Unilateral (one-sided)
u/o – Under Observation (monitoring status)
Ur. – Urine (body fluid)
URD – Upper Respiratory Disease (upper airway illness)
URI – Upper Respiratory Infection (common cold, etc.)
Urol. – Urology (medical specialty, urinary system)
u/s, US – Ultrasound (imaging technique)
UTI – Urinary Tract Infection (bladder or kidney infection)

V – Vein (blood vessel type)
VA – Visual Acuity (vision sharpness)
vag – Vagina, Vaginal (female reproductive organ, route of administration)
VC, vit.cap. – Vital Capacity (lung volume measurement)
VD – Venereal Disease (sexually transmitted disease)
vent. – Ventilator (breathing machine)
vert. – Vertical (direction)
VF – Visual Fields, Ventricular Fibrillation (vision area, dangerous heart rhythm)
VFSS – Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study (swallowing assessment)
Via – By Way Of (route of administration)
vit. – Vitamin (nutrient)
VN – Visiting Nurse (home healthcare nurse)
VO – Verbal Order (spoken order from physician)
VS, V.S. – Vital Signs (temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure)

w, wk – Week (unit of time)
W/C, wh.ch. – Wheelchair (mobility aid)
WBT – Weight Bearing Tolerance (mobility status)
WFL – Within Functional Limits (functional ability status)
w/n – Within (inside boundaries)
WNL – Within Normal Limits (normal range of test results)
WP – Whirlpool (hydrotherapy)
wt. – Weight (body mass)
w/u – Workup (diagnostic investigation)

x – Times (frequency)

y.o. – Years Old (age)
yrs. – Years (unit of time)

Disclaimer: This list is intended for informational purposes and should not be considered exhaustive. Always consult with healthcare professionals for accurate diagnosis and medical advice. The meaning of some abbreviations can vary depending on context, so clarity is always paramount in medical communication.

Decoding Medical Diagnosis: Essential Abbreviations You Need to Know

Common Medical Abbreviations in Diagnosis

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