Decoding Diagnosis Short Forms: Your Essential Medical Abbreviation List

Understanding medical abbreviations is crucial in healthcare. These short forms, often referred to as “Diagnosis Short Forms” when related to diagnoses, are used daily by healthcare professionals to efficiently document and communicate patient information. While abbreviations save time and space, they can be confusing for those not familiar with medical terminology. This comprehensive list aims to decode common medical abbreviations, enhancing your understanding of medical records, doctor’s notes, and healthcare communications.

A.A.R.O.M. – Active Assistive Range of Motion: Refers to the range of movement at a joint when the patient is assisted by a therapist or device.
AAC – Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Methods used to help individuals with communication difficulties express themselves.
A.B.G – Arterial Blood Gas: A test that measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in arterial blood, assessing lung function.
a.c. – Before Meals (Ante Cibum): Instructions to take medication before eating.
A/C – Assist Control: A mode of mechanical ventilation where the ventilator delivers a set breath rate but also assists with any breaths initiated by the patient.
ADA Diet – American Diabetes Association Diet: A dietary guideline recommended for individuals with diabetes, focusing on balanced nutrition.
A.D.L. – Activities of Daily Living: Basic self-care tasks such as eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, and mobility.
A.Fib. – Atrial Fibrillation: An irregular and often rapid heart rhythm originating in the atria of the heart.
AKA – Above-Knee Amputation or Above-the-Knee Amputation: Surgical removal of the leg above the knee joint.
ALS – Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
AMA – Against Medical Advice: When a patient chooses to leave the hospital or refuse treatment against the recommendations of medical professionals.
A&O – Alert and Oriented: Indicates a patient’s level of consciousness and awareness of their surroundings, typically assessed by orientation to person, place, time, and situation (A&O x 4).
A/P – Anterior–Posterior: Relating to the front and back of the body, often used in medical imaging directions.
A.R.O.M. – Active Range of Motion: The range of movement at a joint that a patient can achieve independently.
ASAP – As Soon As Possible: Indicates urgency and the need for prompt action.
ASD – Autism Spectrum Disorder: A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social interaction and communication, and restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests.
ASL – American Sign Language: A visual language used by the deaf community in the United States and parts of Canada.

b.i.d. – Twice a Day (Bis in Die): Instructions to administer medication two times per day.
BKA – Below-Knee Amputation: Surgical removal of the leg below the knee joint.
B/L – Bilateral: Relating to both sides of the body.
B.L.BS – Bilateral Breath Sounds: Normal breath sounds heard in both lungs during auscultation.
BMR – Basal Metabolism Rate: The minimum amount of energy required to keep the body functioning at rest.
BP – Blood Pressure: The pressure of blood in the arteries, measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
BR – Bed Rest: Medical order to restrict a patient to bed for therapeutic reasons.
bs – Bowel Sounds: Noises made by the movement of the intestines, assessed during abdominal auscultation.
BS – Breath Sounds: Noises produced by breathing, assessed using a stethoscope to evaluate lung function.
B/S – Bedside: Located at or near the patient’s bed.
bx – Biopsy: The removal of a small tissue sample for laboratory examination to diagnose disease.

c̅ – With (Cum): Used in prescriptions to indicate that medications are to be taken with something else.
C – Celsius, Centigrade: Units of temperature measurement.
C1, C2, etc. – First Cervical Vertebrae, Second Cervical Vertebrae, etc.: Refers to the vertebrae in the neck region of the spine.
CA – Cardiac Arrest: Sudden cessation of heart function, leading to loss of consciousness and breathing. Note: CA can also mean Cancer or Carcinoma depending on context.
CA, ca – Cancer, Carcinoma: Malignant tumors or growths. Context is key to differentiate from Cardiac Arrest.
CABG – Coronary Artery Bypass Graft: A surgical procedure to improve blood flow to the heart by bypassing blocked arteries with grafts.
CAD – Coronary Artery Disease: A condition characterized by the buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries, leading to reduced blood flow to the heart.
cal – Calorie: A unit of energy, often used to measure the energy content of food.
cath – Catheter: A thin tube inserted into the body to drain fluid or administer medication.
CBC – Complete Blood Count: A common blood test that evaluates the types and numbers of cells in the blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
cc – Cubic Centimeter: A unit of volume, equivalent to a milliliter (mL).
CC – Chief Complaint: The main reason for a patient seeking medical attention, in their own words.
CHF – Congestive Heart Failure, Chronic Heart Failure: A condition where the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs.
CCU – Coronary Care Unit: A specialized hospital unit for patients with serious heart conditions.
CHI – Closed Head Injury: An injury to the head where the skull is not fractured or penetrated.
cm – Centimeter: A unit of length measurement.
CMT – Continuing Medication and Treatment: Indicates ongoing medical management.
CN – Cranial Nerve: Nerves that emerge directly from the brain or brainstem, involved in sensory and motor functions of the head and neck.
CNA – Certified Nursing Assistant: A healthcare worker who assists patients with daily living activities under the supervision of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse.
CNS – Central Nervous System: The brain and spinal cord.
c/o – Complains Of: Indicates the patient’s reported symptoms.
COTA – Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant: A healthcare professional who assists occupational therapists in providing therapy to patients.
cont – Continue(d): Medical directive to keep ongoing treatment or medication.
COPD – Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A group of lung diseases that block airflow and make it difficult to breathe, commonly associated with smoking.
CP – Cerebral Palsy: A group of disorders affecting movement and muscle tone or posture, caused by damage that occurs to the immature, developing brain, most often before birth.
CPAP – Continuous Positive Airway Pressure: A therapy that uses mild air pressure to keep airways open during sleep, often used for sleep apnea.
CPR – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: An emergency procedure to manually revive heart and lung function when breathing or heart stops.
CRF – Chronic Renal Failure: Gradual loss of kidney function over time, also known as Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
CRNP – Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner: An advanced practice registered nurse who provides a wide range of healthcare services.
CSF – Cerebrospinal Fluid: The fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
CT – Computerized Tomography: An imaging technique that uses X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body.
CV – Cardiovascular: Relating to the heart and blood vessels.
CVA – Cerebral Vascular Accident: Stroke; damage to the brain from interruption of its blood supply.
CXR – Chest X-ray: An X-ray image of the chest used to diagnose conditions affecting the lungs, heart, and chest wall.

d – Day: Unit of time.
d/c – Discontinue: To stop a medication or treatment.
DC – Discharge: To release a patient from hospital care.
DM – Diabetes Mellitus: A metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels.
DNK – Do Not Know: Information is unknown or unavailable.
DNKA – Did Not Keep Appointment: Patient missed a scheduled appointment.
DNR – Do Not Resuscitate: A medical order instructing healthcare providers not to perform CPR if the patient’s heart stops or they stop breathing.
DNT – Did Not Test: A test was not performed.
DOA – Dead On Arrival: Patient was deceased upon arrival at the hospital.
DOB – Date Of Birth: Patient’s birth date.
DOE – Dyspnea On Exertion: Shortness of breath that occurs with activity or effort.
d/t – Due To: Indicates the cause of a condition or symptom.
Dx – Diagnosis: Identification of a disease, condition, or injury.

ECC, EKG – Electrocardiogram: A test that records the electrical activity of the heart.
ED – Emergency Department: Hospital department for emergency medical care.
EEG – Electroencephalogram: A test that measures electrical activity in the brain.
EENT – Eyes, Ears, Nose, Throat: Refers to the area of specialty or examination.
EMG – Electromyogram: A diagnostic test to assess the health of muscles and the nerve cells that control them (motor neurons).
ENT – Ears, Nose, Throat: Medical specialty focused on these areas, also known as otolaryngology.
ER – Emergency Room: Another term for Emergency Department.
ETOH – Ethanol (Alcohol): Medical abbreviation for alcohol.
exam – Examination: Physical or medical assessment.
ext – External, Exterior: Outer part or surface.

F – Fahrenheit: Unit of temperature measurement.
FH – Family History: Medical history of a patient’s family, relevant to potential hereditary conditions.
fib – Fibrillation: Rapid, irregular, and unsynchronized contraction of muscle fibers, commonly referring to heart muscle.
fl, fld – Fluid: Liquid.
FOB – Foot Of Bed: The end of the bed where the feet are positioned.
f/u – Follow-Up: Subsequent medical appointment or monitoring.
FWB – Full Weight Bearing: Able to place full weight on an affected limb.
Fx – Fracture: Broken bone.

GB – Gall Bladder: A small organ that stores and concentrates bile produced by the liver.
GCS – Glasgow Coma Scale: A neurological scale used to assess level of consciousness.
GE – Gastroenterology: Medical specialty dealing with the digestive system.
GERD – Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A digestive disorder that occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus.
G/E – Gastroenteritis: Inflammation of the stomach and intestines, typically caused by viral or bacterial infection.
gen – General: Not specific or localized.
gest. – Gestation: Pregnancy.
G.I. – Gastrointestinal: Relating to the stomach and intestines.
GNA – Geriatric Nursing Assistant: Nursing assistant specializing in care for elderly patients.
gluc – Glucose: Blood sugar.
GP – General Practitioner, General Paralysis: Primary care physician. Note: GP can also mean General Paralysis; context is important.
GSW – Gunshot Wound: Injury caused by a bullet or projectile from a firearm.
GTT – Glucose Tolerance Test: A medical test in which glucose is given and blood samples taken afterward to determine how quickly it is cleared from the blood.
Gt. tr. – Gait Training: Therapy focused on improving a patient’s ability to walk.
GYN – Gynecology: Medical specialty dealing with the female reproductive system.

h – Hour: Unit of time.
H/A – Headache: Pain in the head.
HAV – Hepatitis A Virus: Virus that causes hepatitis A, a liver infection.
Hb. – Hemoglobin: Protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.
HB – Heart Block: Disruption in the electrical signals that control the heartbeat.
HBP – High Blood Pressure: Hypertension.
h.d. – At Bedtime (Hora Decubitus): Instructions to take medication at bedtime.
HEENT – Head, Eyes, Ears, Nose, Throat: Region of physical examination.
HEP – Home Exercise Program: Exercises prescribed for a patient to perform at home.
H2O – Water: Chemical formula for water.
h/o – History Of: Past medical conditions or events.
HOB – Head Of Bed: The head end of the bed.
H&P – History and Physical: Initial patient assessment including medical history and physical examination.
HR – Heart Rate: Number of heartbeats per minute.
HTN – Hypertension: High blood pressure.
HVD – Hypertensive Vascular Disease: Heart and blood vessel disease caused by high blood pressure.
Hx – History: Medical history.
Hz – Hertz (Cycles/Second): Unit of frequency.

ICCU – Intensive Coronary Care Unit: Specialized ICU for cardiac patients.
ICP – Intracranial Pressure: Pressure inside the skull.
ICU – Intensive Care Unit: Hospital unit for critically ill patients requiring intensive monitoring and treatment.
imp. – Impression: Preliminary diagnosis or assessment.
incr. – Increased(ing): Getting larger or higher.
inf – Infusion, Inferior: Administration of fluids intravenously. Note: ‘inf’ can also mean inferior; context is important.
inspire – Inspiration, Inspiratory: Breathing in.
int. – Internal: Inside part or surface.
I&O – Intake and Output: Measurement of fluids consumed and excreted by a patient.
IPPB – Intermittent Positive Pressure Breathing: Respiratory therapy using positive pressure to assist breathing.
irreg. – Irregular: Not uniform or consistent, often referring to heartbeat.
IV – Intravenous(ly): Administered into a vein.

J, jt. – Joint: Point where two bones meet.

K – Potassium, Kidney: Chemical symbol for potassium. Note: K can also refer to kidney depending on context.

L – Left, Liver, Liter, Lower, Light, Lumbar: Note: ‘L’ has multiple meanings; context is crucial.
L2, L3 – Second Lumbar Vertebrae, Third Lumbar Vertebrae: Vertebrae in the lower back.
lab – Laboratory: Place for medical testing and analysis.
lac. – Laceration: Cut or tear of the skin.
lat. – Lateral: Side.
LBW – Low Birth Weight: Baby born weighing less than normal.
L.E. – Lower Extremities: Legs and feet.
liq. – Liquid: Fluid state of matter.
L.O.C. – Loss Of Consciousness, Level Of Consciousness, Laxative Of Choice: Note: L.O.C has multiple meanings; context is crucial.
LOS – Length Of Stay: Duration of a hospital stay.
LP – Lumbar Puncture: Spinal tap; procedure to collect cerebrospinal fluid.
LPN – Licensed Practical Nurse: Nurse licensed to provide basic nursing care.
LUE – Left Upper Extremity: Left arm and hand.
Lx – Larynx: Voice box.
L&W – Living and Well: Indicates patient is alive and healthy.

m, M – Married, Male, Mother, Murmur, Meter, Mass, Molar: Note: ‘M’ has multiple meanings; context is crucial.
max. – Maximum, Maxillary: Greatest amount or upper jaw.
MBC – Maximum Breathing Capacity: Measurement of lung function.
MBSS – Modified Barium Swallow Study: X-ray test to assess swallowing function.
MCA – Middle Cerebral Artery: Major artery in the brain.
MD – Muscular Dystrophy: Genetic disease causing progressive muscle weakness.
mdnt. – Midnight: 12:00 AM.
med. – Medicine: Medication or medical.
mets. – Metastasis: Spread of cancer to other parts of the body.
MG – Myasthenia Gravis: Chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease causing muscle weakness.
MI – Myocardial Infarction: Heart attack; death of heart muscle due to blocked blood supply.
min – Minute: Unit of time.
MICU – Medical Intensive Care Unit: ICU for patients with medical conditions.
mod – Moderate: Neither mild nor severe.
MRI – Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Imaging technique using magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images.
MRSA – Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus: Antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
mss – Massage: Therapeutic rubbing of muscles.
MVA – Motor Vehicle Accident: Car accident.

n. – Nerve: Part of the nervous system.
Na – Sodium: Chemical symbol for sodium.
NaCl – Sodium Chloride: Salt.
NAD – No Abnormality Detected, No Apparent Distress: Indicates normal findings on examination. Note: NAD has multiple meanings; context is crucial.
neg. – Negative: Indicating absence or normal result.
neur. – Neurology: Medical specialty dealing with the nervous system.
NG – Nasogastric: Tube inserted through the nose into the stomach.
NIC – Neonatal Intensive Care: Specialized care for newborns.
NICU – Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: ICU for newborns.
NKA – No Known Allergies: Patient has no known allergies.
no. – Number: Numerical designation.
NOS – Not Otherwise Specified: Diagnosis not further specified.
NPO – Nothing Per Os (Nothing by Mouth): Patient is not allowed to eat or drink anything.
NSA – No Specific Abnormality: No particular abnormality found.
NST – Nonstress Test: Prenatal test to monitor fetal heart rate.
N&V – Nausea and Vomiting: Feeling sick to the stomach and throwing up.
NVD – Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea: Common gastrointestinal symptoms.
N&W – Normal and Well: Healthy condition.
NWB – Non–Weight Bearing: No weight to be placed on an affected limb.
NYD – Not Yet Diagnosed: Condition not yet diagnosed.

o – None, Without: Absence of something.
O – Oral: By mouth.
O2 – Oxygen: Chemical symbol for oxygen.
O2 cap. – Oxygen Capacity: Maximum amount of oxygen that can be carried in the blood.
O2 sat. – Oxygen Saturation: Percentage of oxygen carried in the blood.
OA – Osteoarthritis: Degenerative joint disease.
OB, OBG – Obstetrics: Medical specialty dealing with pregnancy and childbirth.
OB/GYN – Obstetrics and Gynecology: Combined medical specialty.
Obs – Observation: Monitoring patient’s condition.
OBS – Organic Brain Syndrome: Now referred to as Neurocognitive Disorder, a condition causing decreased mental function.
ODD – Oppositional Defiant Disorder: Childhood behavioral disorder.
O/E – On Examination: Findings during physical examination.
OH – Occupational History: Patient’s work history.
OHD – Organic Heart Disease: Heart disease caused by structural abnormalities.
oint. – Ointment: Topical medication.
O.M. – Otitis Media: Middle ear infection.
O.M.E. – Otitis Media With Effusion: Middle ear infection with fluid buildup.
OOB, oob – Out Of Bed: Patient allowed to get out of bed.
Op. – Operation: Surgical procedure.
ot. – Ear: Relating to the ear.
Oto – Otolaryngology: ENT specialty.
OTC – Over-The-Counter (Pharmaceuticals): Medications available without prescription.
O.T. – Occupational Therapy, Old Tuberculin: Therapy to improve daily living skills. Note: O.T. has multiple meanings; context is crucial.
OR – Operating Room: Room where surgeries are performed.

PA – Physician’s Assistant: Healthcare professional who practices medicine under the supervision of a physician.
p&a – Percussion and Auscultation: Parts of a physical examination involving tapping and listening to body sounds.
PACU – Post Anesthesia Care Unit: Recovery room after surgery.
PAF – Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: Atrial fibrillation that comes and goes.
palp. – Palpate, Palpated, Palpable: To examine by touch.
Path – Pathology: Study of diseases.
PA view – Posterior–Anterior View on X-ray: X-ray view from back to front.
p/c, p.c. – After Meals (Post Cibum): Instructions to take medication after eating.
PD – Parkinson’s Disease: Progressive neurological disorder affecting movement.
pdr. – Powder: Fine particles of medication.
PDN – Private Duty Nurse: Nurse hired privately by a patient.
PE – Physical Exam, Pulmonary Embolism, Pressure Equalizer (Tubes): Note: PE has multiple meanings; context is crucial.
Ped. – Pediatrics: Medical specialty dealing with children.
PEEP – Positive End-Expiratory Pressure: Ventilator setting to keep airways open.
PEG – Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy: Feeding tube inserted through the skin into the stomach.
PET – Positron Emission Tomography: Imaging technique using radioactive tracers.
PH – Past History: Previous medical history.
pharm – Pharmacy: Place where medications are dispensed.
PHYS. – Physical, Physiology: Relating to the body or bodily functions.
PI – Present Illness, Pulmonary Insufficiency: Current medical problem. Note: PI has multiple meanings; context is crucial.
PICU – Pulmonary Intensive Care Unit, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: ICU for lung conditions or for children. Note: PICU has multiple meanings; context is crucial.
PID – Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: Infection of the female reproductive organs.
plts. – Platelets: Blood cells involved in clotting.
P.M. – Afternoon, Postmortem: Time of day or after death. Note: P.M. has multiple meanings; context is crucial.
PMH – Past Medical History: Previous medical conditions.
PMR – Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: Medical specialty focused on restoring function.
PN – Poorly Nourished, Practical Nurse: Nutritional status or type of nurse. Note: PN has multiple meanings; context is crucial.
P&N – Psychiatry and Neurology: Combined medical specialty.
PNA – Pneumo, Pneumonia: Lung infection.
PNI – Peripheral Nerve Injury: Damage to nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.
PNX – Pneumothorax: Collapsed lung.
p.o. – Per Os (By Mouth): Route of medication administration.
p.o.d. – Postoperative Day: Day after surgery.
pos. – Positive: Indicating presence or abnormal result.
post. – Posterior: Back.
POSTOP. – Postoperative: After surgery.
pot. or potass. – Potassium: Chemical element.
PR – Proctology: Medical specialty dealing with the rectum and anus.
pre-op – Preoperative: Before surgery.
prep. – Prepare For: Instructions to get ready for a procedure or test.
p.r.m. – Pro Re Nata (According to Circumstances): As needed.
p.r.n., PRN – Pro Re Nata (As Often As Necessary, As Needed): Medication or treatment to be given as required.
prod. – Productive: Producing sputum or discharge.
Prog. – Prognosis: Predicted course of a disease.
PROM – Passive Range Of Motion: Range of motion achieved by external force.
pron. – Pronator, Pronation: Rotating the forearm so the palm faces down.
prosth. – Prosthesis: Artificial limb or device.
PSH – Past Surgical History: Previous surgeries.
Psych. – Psychiatry: Medical specialty dealing with mental health.
pt., Pt. – Patient: Person receiving medical care.
PT, P.T. – Physical Therapy: Therapy to improve movement and function.
PTA – Prior To Admission, Posterior Tibial Artery: Before hospital admission or artery in the lower leg. Note: PTA has multiple meanings; context is crucial.
PTA pulse – Posterior Tibial Artery Pulse: Pulse felt in the posterior tibial artery.
PUD – Peptic Ulcer Disease: Sores in the lining of the stomach or duodenum.
PVD – Peripheral Vascular Disease: Blood vessel disease outside the heart and brain.
PVT – Previous Trouble: Past medical issues.
PWB% – Partial Weight Bearing With Percent: Limited weight allowed on an affected limb, specified by percentage.
Px, PX – Physical Examination: Medical assessment of the body.

q – Every (Quaque): Used in medication schedules.
q.h. – Every Hour (Quaque Hora): Every hour.
q.i.d. – Four Times A Day (Quater In Die): Four times a day.
qt. – Quart: Unit of liquid volume.
quad. – Quadriplegic: Paralysis of all four limbs.

R, r – Right: Right side of the body.
R. – Rub, Rectal Temperature: Route of medication administration or temperature measurement. Note: R. has multiple meanings; context is crucial.
RA – Rheumatoid Arthritis, Right Atrium: Autoimmune joint disease or heart chamber. Note: RA has multiple meanings; context is crucial.
rad. – Radial: Relating to the radius bone in the forearm.
r.a.m. – Rapid Alternating Movements: Neurological test of coordination.
R.A.S. – Right Arm Sitting: Position of patient.
RAtx – Radiation Therapy: Cancer treatment using radiation.
rbc/RBC – Red Blood Cell, Red Blood Count: Component of blood.
RCA – Right Coronary Artery: Major artery supplying the heart.
RCU – Respiratory Care Unit: Specialized unit for respiratory patients.
RD – Respiratory Distress: Difficulty breathing.
RDS – Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Breathing difficulty in newborns.
RE – Reconditioning Exercise: Exercise to improve physical condition.
reg. – Regular: Normal or consistent.
rehab. – Rehabilitation: Process of restoring function after illness or injury.
resp. – Respiratory, Respirations: Relating to breathing or breaths per minute.
RF – Rheumatic Fever, Rheumatoid Factor: Inflammatory disease or blood test. Note: RF has multiple meanings; context is crucial.
RLAS – Rancho Los Amigos Scale: Scale to assess cognitive levels post-brain injury.
R to L&A – React To Light and Accommodation: Pupillary response test.
RLE – Right Lower Extremity: Right leg and foot.
RN – Registered Nurse: Licensed nurse.
RND – Radical Neck Dissection: Surgical procedure for neck cancer.
RO, R/O – Rule Out: To exclude a diagnosis.
ROM – Range Of Motion, Rupture Of Membranes, Right Otitis Media: Note: ROM has multiple meanings; context is crucial.
ROS – Review Of Symptoms: Part of medical history taking.
Rt. – Right: Right side.
RT – Radiation Therapy, Respiratory Therapy: Cancer treatment or breathing therapy. Note: RT has multiple meanings; context is crucial.
RUE – Right Upper Extremity: Right arm and hand.
RV – Residual Volume: Volume of air left in lungs after maximal exhalation.
RW – Rolling Walker: Mobility aid.
Rx – Therapy, Prescription: Medical treatment or medication order.

s – Without (Sine): Absence of something.
S – Sensation, Sensitive, Serum: Note: S has multiple meanings; context is crucial.
Sa. – Saline: Salt solution.
s.c. – Subcutaneous(ly): Under the skin.
Scc – Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Type of skin cancer.
SCCA – Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma Antigen: Note: SCCA has multiple meanings; context is crucial.
SCD – Sudden Cardiac Death: Unexpected death from heart failure.
SCI – Spinal Cord Injury: Damage to the spinal cord.
schiz – Schizophrenia: Chronic mental disorder.
SCU – Special Care Unit: Hospital unit for patients needing specialized care.
sec – Second: Unit of time.
Sens. – Sensory, Sensation: Relating to senses or feeling.
sep. – Separated: Divided.
SGA – Small For Gestational Age: Baby born smaller than expected for gestational age.
s.gl. – Sine Glasses (Without Correction): Without glasses.
SH – Social History: Patient’s social background and habits.
SI – Stroke Index: Cardiac output measurement.
sib. – Sibling: Brother or sister.
SICU – Surgical Intensive Care Unit: ICU for surgical patients.
SIDS – Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: Unexplained death of an infant.
skel. – Skeletal: Relating to the skeleton.
Sl. – Slightly: To a small degree.
SL – Sublingual (Under the Tongue): Route of medication administration.
SLP – Speech-Language Pathologist: Therapist for speech and communication disorders.
sm – Small: Little size.
SNF – Skilled Nursing Facility: Facility providing skilled nursing care.
SOAP – Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan: Method of documenting patient encounters.
SOB – Shortness Of Breath: Dyspnea.
S/P, s/p – Status Post (Previous Condition): Condition after a prior event or surgery.
sp. cd. – Spinal Cord: Part of the central nervous system.
spec. – Specimen: Sample for laboratory testing.
sp. fl. – Spinal Fluid: Cerebrospinal fluid.
sp&H – Speech and Hearing: Combined senses.
spin. – Spine, Spinal: Relating to the backbone.
spont. – Spontaneous: Occurring naturally without external cause.
s/s – Signs and Symptoms: Indications of illness or condition.
SS – Social Service: Support services for patients and families.
ST – Speech Therapy: Therapy to improve speech and communication.
stat., STAT – Statim (Immediately): Urgent order.
STD – Sexually Transmitted Disease: Infection transmitted through sexual contact.
subcut. – Subcutaneous: Under the skin.
subling. – Sublingual: Under the tongue.
sup. – Superior: Above or higher.
supin. – Supination: Rotating the forearm so the palm faces up.
surg. – Surgery, Surgical: Relating to surgical procedures.
Sx – Symptoms: Subjective evidence of disease.
sys. – System: Body system.
Syst. – Systolic: Top number in blood pressure reading.
Sz – Seizure: Sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain.

T – Temperature: Body temperature.
T&A – Tonsils and Adenoids, Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy: Throat structures or surgical removal. Note: T&A has multiple meanings; context is crucial.
tab. – Tablet: Solid dose form of medication.
TAH – Total Abdominal Hysterectomy: Surgical removal of the uterus through the abdomen.
TB – Tuberculosis: Infectious bacterial disease, usually affecting the lungs.
TBI – Traumatic Brain Injury: Brain injury caused by external force.
temp – Temperature: Body temperature.
THERAP. – Therapy, Therapeutic: Treatment.
THR – Total Hip Replacement: Surgical replacement of the hip joint.
TIA – Transient Ischemic Attack: Mini-stroke; temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain.
TKR – Total Knee Replacement: Surgical replacement of the knee joint.
TNM – Tumor, Nodes, and Metastases: Cancer staging system.
TO – Telephone Order: Medical order given over the phone.
TPN – Total Parenteral Nutrition: Intravenous feeding providing complete nutrition.
TPR – Temperature, Pulse, Respiration: Vital signs.
tr – Trace: Very small amount.
trach – Tracheostomy: Surgical opening in the trachea (windpipe).
tsp. – Teaspoon: Unit of volume for medication dosage.
Tx – Treatment, Traction: Medical therapy or orthopedic treatment. Note: Tx has multiple meanings; context is crucial.

U/A – Urinalysis: Urine test.
UCD, UCHD – Usual Childhood Diseases: Common illnesses in children.
UG – Upward Gaze: Eye movement direction.
Unilat. – Unilateral: One-sided.
u/o – Under Observation: Patient being monitored.
Ur. – Urine: Liquid waste product.
URD – Upper Respiratory Disease: Illness affecting the upper respiratory tract.
URI – Upper Respiratory Infection: Common cold or similar infection.
Urol. – Urology: Medical specialty dealing with the urinary system.
u/s, US – Ultrasound: Imaging technique using sound waves.
UTI – Urinary Tract Infection: Infection of the urinary system.

V – Vein: Blood vessel carrying blood to the heart.
VA – Visual Acuity: Sharpness of vision.
vag – Vagina, Vaginal: Female reproductive organ.
VC, vit.cap. – Vital Capacity: Maximum amount of air exhaled after maximal inhalation.
VD – Venereal Disease: Sexually transmitted disease (STD).
vent. – Ventilator: Machine to assist breathing.
vert. – Vertical: Upright.
VF – Visual Fields, Ventricular Fibrillation: Range of vision or dangerous heart rhythm. Note: VF has multiple meanings; context is crucial.
VFSS – Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study: Swallowing assessment using video X-ray.
Via – By Way Of: Route of administration.
vit. – Vitamin: Essential nutrient.
VN – Visiting Nurse: Nurse who provides home healthcare.
VO – Verbal Order: Medical order given verbally.
VS, V.S. – Vital Signs: Basic physiological measurements: temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure.

w, wk – Week: Unit of time.
W/C, wh.ch. – Wheelchair: Mobility device.
WBT – Weight Bearing Tolerance: Ability to bear weight on a limb.
WFL – Within Functional Limits: Function is adequate for daily activities.
w/n – Within: Inside of.
WNL – Within Normal Limits: Results are within the normal range.
WP – Whirlpool: Hydrotherapy device.
wt. – Weight: Body mass.
w/u – Workup: Diagnostic process.

x – Times: Multiplier.

y.o. – Years Old: Age in years.
yrs. – Years: Plural of year.

This list is not exhaustive, and the meaning of some “diagnosis short forms” and medical abbreviations can overlap. Always consider the context in which an abbreviation is used to ensure accurate interpretation. When in doubt, it is always best to clarify the meaning to avoid misunderstandings, especially in critical healthcare situations.

Decoding Diagnosis Short Forms: Your Essential Medical Abbreviation List

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