What are abbreviations used for in medical terms?
Abbreviations, acronyms, and medical terminology are used for many conditions, and for instructions on medication prescribed by your doctor. This is a short list of common abbreviations you may have seen on a doctor's notepad; a prescription drug package or bottle; lab or other test results; or in your doctor's notes.
Are medical abbreviations on the TJC do not use list?
**These Medical Abbreviations are included on TJC's "minimum list" of dangerous Medical Abbreviations, acronyms and symbols that must be included on an organization's "Do Not Use" list, effective January 1, 2004. Visit www.jointcommission.org for more information about this TJC requirement.
How do I search for medical acronyms or abbreviations?
There is no standard or approved list used by health care professionals to search for medical acronyms or abbreviations. Therefore, it is important to understand the context in which the abbreviation or term has been used.
When did the JCAHO adopt the list of medical abbreviations?
In 2005, the JCAHO adopted a list of medical abbreviations that cannot be used by any JCAHO-accredited organizations and those seeking accreditation, which also apply to services that have been or are applying to be certified under the Disease-Specific Care Certification Program.
What is the medical abbreviation for treatment?
List of medical abbreviations: TAbbreviationMeaningTxTreatmentTAtemporal arteritisT&Atonsillectomy with adenoidectomyT&Ctype and cross-match (see blood transfusion)134 more rows
Why are abbreviations important in healthcare?
Abbreviations are commonly used in the medical world to save time and space whilst writing in the patients' medical records. As various specialties have evolved, each has developed a collection of commonly used abbreviations within its practice, which may not be recognizable to those not working within the same field.
Why is it important to use abbreviations?
Abbreviations and acronyms are shortened forms of word (s) or phrases (s). They assist in making manuscripts easy to read and understand. Additionally, they help in meeting the strict word-count targets, avoiding the repetition of words, thereby making the text easy to read.
Why is it important to be absolutely sure of the meaning of any abbreviations used in laboratory work?
Abbreviations must also be used accurately in order to avoid costly mistakes. Abbreviations may contain the same letters, but mean something different, so they are case sensitive.
Why are abbreviations used for Specialised medical terminology?
People working in the health sector use a known list of medical terms and abbreviations with the knowledge that others working in the field will be able to correctly interpret what is communicated. This ensures consistency in what is communicated across the industry.
Why are Standardised terminology and abbreviations used in healthcare settings?
To promote patient safety, the Recommendations for Terminology, Abbreviations and Symbols used in Medicines Documentation sets out principles for safe, clear and consistent terminology for medicines, and safe terms, abbreviations and dose designations for medicines.
Why are medical abbreviations important to doctors and nurses?
Improve efficiency: Using standardized terminology – especially abbreviations or acronyms – can help patients receive the care and medications they need faster. This allows facilities to see a greater number of patients and improve their overall efficiency.
Why might a healthcare professional use an abbreviation that is on the Do Not Use list?
49 different types of unapproved abbreviations were used for drug names. Conclusions: A 'Do Not Use' list is effective in reducing error-prone abbreviations. Reinforcements of the 'Do Not Use' list further improves prescriber adherence.
Why is it necessary for medical administrative staff to understand what abbreviations and acronyms mean?
There is need to standardize abbreviations and acronyms used in clinical care to minimize the potential danger of compromised patient safety.
Why do we need to know the basic medical terms and acronyms even if we are not working in a medical field?
We all need to know what's going on with our health. Fans of medical TV shows might already be familiar with some common terms. Even so, rounding out your existing knowledge with some additional medical terms, abbreviations, and acronyms can help you gain an even better handle on what you hear in the health care world.
Why is it important that medical terminology be consistent and uniform throughout the world?
The purpose of medical terminology is to create a standardised language for medical professionals. This language helps medical staff communicate more efficiently and makes documentation easier.
What is the importance of learning how do you abbreviate words or phrases in nursing?
We in the fields of nursing and medicine have our unique set of vocabulary. These terminologies are important for us to have a more understandable and efficient communication. Abbreviations are shortened forms for written words or phrases used in a place of the whole (e.g., vol for volume).
Medical Abbreviations
Medical abbreviations and acronyms are frequently used in the healthcare field.
Charting Abbreviations
Let’s begin with common abbreviations you might see associated with charting.
Vital Sign Abbreviations
Next we have abbreviations for vital signs, which will likely appear in charts as well.
Pharmacy Abbreviations
Let’s move on to abbreviations you might see associated with pharmacy.
What does G stand for in cream?
g: gram, a unit of weight. The cream is available in both 30 and 60 gram tubes.
What does BMP stand for in a pulmonary amputation?
For example, someone with a pneumonia in both lungs might have abnormal bibasilar breath sounds. BKA: Below the knee amputation. BMP: Basic metabolic panel. Electrolytes (potassium, sodium, carbon dioxide, and chloride) and creatinine and glucose. BP: Blood pressure.
What is intravenous delivery?
Intravenous: delivered via a vein, such as with medication or other fluid.
What are prefixes in medical terminology?
Prefixes are phrases that are at the beginning of a word (pre = before); suffixes are attached to the end of a word. Learning the following prefixes and suffixes will help you build your medical terminology vocabulary quickly. A-, an-: lack of or without. Dys-: abnormal, difficult, or painful.
What does "nocte" mean in Latin?
Nocte: the Latin for “at night,” often in reference to when medication should be administered. NSAID: Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug. Ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen are NSAIDs. PO: the Latin for “per orem,” or orally. PR: the Latin for “per rectum,” or rectally.
What does BDS mean?
BDS: from the Latin “bis die sumendum,” meaning “two times per day. ”. Typically in reference to when medication should be administered. Mane: the Latin for “in the morning.”. Typically used in reference to when medication should be administered.
What is LFT test?
LFT: Liver Function Test. Used to measure how well the liver is functioning in order to identify potential disease.
What is a U/A?
U/A: Urinalysis. A urine test used to identify a range of disorders or disease.
What is the insertion of an endotracheal tube to assist a patient’s breathing?
Intubation: the insertion of an endotracheal tube to assist a patient’s breathing.
What are the medical terms used in medical charts?
You might even know some of them by a different name. 1. Abrasion: A cut or scrape that typically isn’t serious. 2. Abscess: A tender, fluid-filled pocket that forms in tissue, usually due to infection. 3.
What does "a" mean in medical terminology?
You likely know some of these from words outside the realm of medicine. 25. A-, an-: Lack of or without. 26. -ation: Indicates a process.
What does PT stand for in medical terms?
73. PT: Physical therapy, a type of treatment to help patients move and feel better.
What does BMI stand for?
57. BMI: Body mass index, a measure of body fat based on height and weight.
What is the meaning of the word "cardio"?
43. Cardi/o: Related to the heart.
How many abbreviations are there in OpenMD?
OpenMD’s index includes 4,500 common medical abbreviations. Meanings vary by institution and clinical context. When available, the context and original Latin term are provided in parentheses after the English definition.
What are some examples of dangerous abbreviations?
Examples of dangerous abbreviations include: IU (international unit): may be confused with “IV” (intravenous) µg (microgram): may be confused with mg (milligram) U (unit): may be mistaken for “0” (zero), increasing the dose tenfold.
What does Q.D. mean?
Q.D., QD, q.d., qd (daily); Q.O.D., QOD, q.o.d., qod (every other day): The JCAHO recognized that the “every day” and “every other day” abbreviations have been frequently mistaken for each other, and that a period placed after the “Q” could be mistaken for an “I,” or that the “O” could also be mistaken for an “I.” Instead, the JCAHO requires the words “daily” and “every other day” to be written out completely.
What is the abbreviation for "U" in JCAHO?
U (unit): It can be mistaken for a “0” (zero), the number “4” (four) or “cc.” Instead of using the abbreviation “U,” the JCAHO requires substitution with the word “unit.”
How many prohibited abbreviations are there?
There are essentially five prohibited abbreviations (and derivatives). As stated in the list itself, these prohibitions apply “to all orders and all medication-related documentation that is handwritten (including free-text computer entry) or on pre-printed forms.”
What is trailing zero in medical terminology?
A “trailing zero” (X.0 mg) or lack of a “leading zero” (.X mg): The major issue with these notations is that the decimal point is often missed by the writer or reader. JCAHO did provide one exception for the “trailing zero” prohibition for medication orders or other medication-related documentation: “A ‘trailing zero’ may be used only where required to demonstrate the level of precision of the value being reported, such as for laboratory results, imaging studies that report size of lesions, or catheter/tube sizes.” Instead of the prohibited designation, you should simply leave out the unnecessary trailing zero, and write “X mg” or use the appropriate necessary leading zero, as in “0.X mg” where appropriate.
What are some examples of personal abbreviations?
Some examples of personal abbreviations and other slang from actual charts are: “Guts and Butts”: your local gastroenterologist.
What do you write in a drug name?
Instead, you should write in full either the generic name or the trade name of the medication you are ordering or prescribing.
What does MS stand for in medicine?
Medication abbreviations “MS,” “MSO4,” and “MgSO4”: In the first instance, “MS” has been interpreted as morphine sulfate and magnesium sulfate when the other was intended. The other abbreviations have been confused for one another, so they both are prohibited.
How to audit medical records?
1. Develop a medical record documentation policy 2. Use an audit tool 3. Select charts for review 4. Perform the audit 5. Use the audit results
What information is needed to document a patient's identifying information?
At a minimum, document the: • Patient’s identifying information • Requester’s name and address • Date of transport • Location pickup and time • Location drop-off and time • Loaded mileage
What is PT documentation?
PT documentation includes: • A treatment plan • Ordering physician’s signature • Daily notes • Date and PT signature • Medical information that is readily available in the record • Justification for billing services
Is rehabilitation paid for by Medicaid?
Rehabilitation (rehab) is paid for by Medicaid: • In an acute-care setting • When it is medically necessary • When it is to treat an acute condition or exacerbation
