As a Veteran, looking at your health records can sometimes feel like you’re looking at alphabet soup. Something that should be simple feels as if it’s “ate up like a soup sandwich” as many drill sergeants used to say.
Well, the Western North Carolina VA Health Care System wants to make it easy.
Per system policy, when symbols, abbreviations and acronyms are used in a Veteran’s health record, there must be an explanatory legend or standardized list available to decipher their meaning. When included in information provided to Veterans, abbreviations and acronyms must be explained in language that are easily understood.
Though this legend doesn’t include all the possible abbreviations used in medical documentation, we are committed to the safety of our Veterans, and we want to ensure their understanding of their medical record. If the user of this list has any questions, they are welcome to reach out to their PACT team for clarification.
| Abbreviation/Acronym | Abbreviation/Acronym Definitions |
| /F | lower complete denture |
| /P | lower partial denture |
| a.c. | before meals |
| a.d. | right ear |
| a.m. | morning; before noon |
| a.s. | left ear |
| a.u. | both ears |
| aa | of each |
| AAA | apply to affected area |
| AAA | abdominal aortic aneurysm |
| ABF | aortobifemoral bypass |
| ABI | ankle brachial index |
| Abnl | abnormal |
| ABX | antibiotics |
| AC IOL | anterior chamber intraocular lens |
| ACA | anterior cerebral artery |
| ACT | acceptance and commitment therapy |
| ACW | acetowhite (change) or leukoplakia |
| ad lib. | as much as desired; freely |
| ADATC | Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Center |
| ADD | attention deficit disorder |
| ADHD | attention deficit hyperactivity disorder |
| ADT | androgen deprivation therapy |
| AH/VH | auditory hallucination/visual hallucination |
| AIMS | abnormal involuntary movement scale |
| AIN | acute interstitial nephritis |
| AJ | ankle joint |
| AKA | above knee amputation |
| AKI | acute kidney injury |
| AMD | age-related macular degeneration |
| Amp | amputation |
| amp. | ampule |
| Amph | amphetamines |
| amt. | amount |
| AOx3 | alert and oriented in three spheres |
| APAP | acetaminophen |
| Appy | appendectomy |
| APR | abdominoperineal resection |
| APT | antiplatelet therapy |
| aq. | water |
| AR | anterior resection |
| AT | anterior tibialis |
| ATC | around the clock |
| ATN | acute tubular necrosis |
| AUB | abnormal uterine bleeding |
| AVF | arteriovenous fistula |
| AVG | arteriovenous graft |
| AVM | arteriovenous malformation |
| B | bilateral |
| B | buccal |
| b.i.d. | twice a day |
| b/l | bilateral |
| BA | behavioral activation |
| BAD | bipolar affective disorder |
| BB | brachiobasilic |
| BC | brachiocephalic |
| BDR | background diabetic retinopathy |
| bib. | drink |
| Bilat | bilateral |
| BKA | below knee amputation |
| BLE | bilateral lower extremity |
| BLL | bilateral lower lid |
| BOT | base of tongue |
| BP | blood pressure |
| BPH | benign prostatic hyperplasia |
| BRONJ | bisphosphonate related osteonecrosis of the jaw |
| BRVO | branch retinal Vein Occlusion |
| bucc. | inside cheek |
| BUE | bilateral upper extremity |
| BUL | bilateral upper lid |
| Bup | buprenorphine |
| BWX | bitewing |
| BX | biopsy |
| Bxy | biopsy |
| BZD | benzodiazepine |
| C | chills |
| c. | with |
| c/s | culture and sensitivity |
| Ca | cancer |
| CAD | coronary artery disease |
| CAP | carcinoma of the prostate |
| cap. | capsule |
| CBCT | cone beam computed tomography |
| CBT | cognitive behavioral therapy |
| CBZ | carbamazepine |
| cc | cubic centimeter (cm3) |
| CC | chief compliant |
| CCA | common carotid artery |
| CCE | clubbing, cyanosis, edema |
| cdi | clean, dry, and intact |
| CEA | carotid endarterectomy |
| CEIOL | cataract extraction with intraocular lens placement |
| CFA | common femoral artery |
| CFV | common femoral vein |
| CIA | common iliac artery |
| CIC | clean intermittent catheterization |
| CIDP | chronic demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy |
| CKD | chronic kidney disease |
| CLI | critical limb ischemia |
| cm | centimeter |
| CN | cranial nerve (number that follows indicated which nerve |
| CNS | central nervous system |
| COE | comprehensive exam |
| COPD | chronic obstructive pulmonary disease |
| CP | chest pain |
| CPT | cognitive processing therapy |
| CPT | Current Procedural Terminology (procedure code book) |
| CRVO | central retinal vein occlusion |
| CSF | cerebral spinal fluid |
| CSSRS | Columbia suicide severity rating scale |
| CT | computerized tomography |
| CT A/P | abdomen & pelvis CT scan |
| CTA | CT Abdomen |
| CTA | CT angiogram |
| CT-Bx | CT scan guided biopsy |
| CTH | CT head |
| CTO | chronic total occlusion |
| CTR | carpal tunnel release |
| CTS | carpal tunnel syndrome |
| CVI | chronic venous insufficiency |
| CWT | compensated work therapy |
| cx | culture |
| CXR | chest x-ray |
| D | distal |
| d.c. | discontinue |
| D/C | discontinue |
| D/C | discharge |
| DAPT | dual antiplatelet therapy |
| DAW | dispense as written |
| DBT | dialectical behavior therapy |
| DCR | distal clavicle resection |
| DDX | differential diagnosis |
| DEB | drug-eluting balloon |
| DES | dry eye syndrome |
| DF | dorsiflexion |
| DFE | dilated fundus examination |
| dil. | dilute |
| DIPJ | distal interphalangeal joint |
| disp. | dispense |
| div. | divide |
| dL | deciliter |
| DM | diabetes mellitus |
| DME | diabetic macular edema |
| DMI | diabetes type 1 |
| DMII | diabetes type 2 |
| Dom | domiciliary |
| DP | dorsalis pedis |
| DPH | Dilantin (phenytoin) |
| DPH | diphenhydramine/Benadryl |
| DR | delayed-release |
| DVT | deep vein thrombosis |
| DX | diagnosis |
| EAC | external auditory canal |
| EAM | external auditory meatus |
| EBL | estimated blood loss |
| EBRT | external beam radiation therapy |
| EBUS | bronchoscopy with endobronchial ultrasound |
| EC | enteric-coated |
| ECA | external carotid artery |
| ECC | endocervical curettage |
| ED | erectile dysfunction |
| EEG | electroencephalogram |
| EIA | external iliac artery |
| EMA | early morning awakening |
| EMB | endometrial biopsy |
| EMDR | eye movement desensitization and reprocessing |
| EMG | electromyelography |
| ENB | electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy |
| ENDO | endodontist/ endodontic therapy |
| ENT | ear nose and throat |
| EOD | every other day |
| EOMI | extra ocular movements intact |
| Epi | epinephrine |
| EPS | extrapyramidal symptoms |
| ER | extended-release |
| ERCP | endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram |
| ERM | epiretinal membrane |
| ESRD | end stage renal disease (on dialysis) |
| ESWL | extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy |
| et | and |
| ETOH | alcohol |
| EUA | exam under anesthesia |
| EVAR | endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair |
| FEVAR | fenestrated EVAR |
| ext | external |
| F | fever |
| F | facial |
| f. | make; let it be made |
| F/ | upper complete denture |
| FBR | First at Blue Ridge |
| fem-pop | femoropopliteal bypass |
| FF | free fluid |
| FGA | first generation antipsychotic |
| FL | fluoride |
| fl. | fluid |
| FLAIR | fluid attenuated inversion recovery |
| FMX | full mouth series (radiographs) |
| FNA | fine needle aspiration |
| FOL | flexible laryngoscopy |
| FOM | floor of mouth |
| FPD | fixed partial denture |
| FSGS | focal segmental glomerulosclerosis |
| ft. | make; let it be made |
| FT | full thickness |
| FWB | full weight bearing |
| FX | fracture |
| FXD | for 10 days |
| g | grams |
| GAD | generalized anxiety disorder |
| GAD-7 | generalized anxiety disorder – 7 |
| gal | gallon |
| GBS | Guillain-Barré syndrome |
| GBUS | gallbladder ultrasound |
| GDS | geriatric depression scale |
| GI | gastrointestinal |
| GLC | glaucoma |
| gm | grams |
| GN | glomerular nephritis |
| gr. | grain |
| GSV | great saphenous vein |
| GTC | generalized tonic clinic |
| gtt. | drop |
| h. | hour |
| hr. | hour |
| hor. | hour |
| h.s. | at bedtime |
| h/a/p | hypermetropia/astigmatism/presbyopia |
| HA | headache |
| HALNx | hand assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy |
| HbA1c | hemoglobin a1c test |
| HBOT | hyperbaric oxygen therapy |
| HCT | hydrochlorothiazide |
| HCTZ | hydrochlorothiazide |
| HD | hemodialysis |
| HF | hot flushes |
| HH | hiatal hernia |
| HI | homicidal ideation |
| HIDA scan | hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid scan |
| HIV | human immunodeficiency virus |
| HPI | history of present illness |
| HSG | hysterosalpingogram |
| HTN | hypertension |
| HVF | Humphrey visual field |
| Hx | history |
| I | incisal |
| I and D | incision and drainage |
| I&D | irrigation and debridement |
| I/O | in and out (catheter) |
| IBM | inclusion body myositis |
| ICA | internal carotid artery |
| ICH | intracranial hemorrhage |
| ICI | intracorporal Injection |
| ICP | intracranial pressure |
| ID | intradermal |
| IDDM | insulin dependent diabetes mellitus |
| IgA | immunoglobulin A |
| IIH | idiopathic intracranial hypertension |
| IJ | internal jugular |
| IM | intramuscular |
| IM | intramural |
| IMA | inferior mesenteric artery |
| IN | intranasal |
| inf. | infusion |
| inh. | inhalation |
| inj. | injection |
| INR | international normal ratio |
| IOC | intra operative cholangiogram |
| IOP | intraocular pressure |
| IPJ | interphalangeal joint |
| IPP | inflatable penile prosthesis |
| IR | immediate-release |
| ISI | insomnia severity index |
| IUD | intrauterine device |
| IUI | intrauterine insemination |
| IV | intravenous |
| iVATS | image-guided video assisted thoracoscopic surgery |
| IVC | inferior vena cava |
| IVCF | inferior vena cava filter |
| IVF | in vitro fertilization |
| K | potassium |
| kg | kilogram |
| L | liter |
| L | left |
| L | lateral |
| LAI | long-acting injectable |
| Lap LHC | laparoscopic left hemicolectomy |
| Lap RHC | laparoscopic right hemicolectomy |
| LAR | low anterior resection |
| lat | lateral |
| LAVH | laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy |
| lb | pound |
| LBP | low back pain |
| LE | lower extremity |
| LGB | lap gallbladder |
| LHC | left hemicolectomy |
| LIP | licensed independent practitioner |
| liq. | liquid |
| LL | laser lithotripsy |
| LLE | left lower extremity |
| LLL | left lower lid |
| LLL | left lower lobe |
| LMN | lower motor neuron |
| LMTG | lamotrigine |
| LMWH | low molecular-weight heparin |
| LOA | lyses of adhesion |
| LOE | limited oral exam |
| lot. | lotion |
| LPC | licensed professional counselor |
| LRTI | ligament reconstruction tendon interposition |
| LTG | lamotrigine |
| LUE | left upper extremity |
| LUL | left upper lid |
| LUL | left upper lobe |
| LUS | lower uterine segment |
| m | meter |
| M | mesial |
| M | medial |
| Man | mandibular (lower) |
| MAOI | monoamine oxidase inhibitor |
| MAP | myopia, astigmatism, presbyopia |
| Max | maxillary (upper) |
| max. | maximum |
| MBC | measurement based care |
| MBD | metabolic bone disease |
| MBRP | mindfulness based relapse prevention |
| MBSR | mindfulness based stress reduction |
| MCA | middle cerebral artery |
| mcg; μg | microgram |
| MCI | mild cognitive impairment |
| MD | medical doctor |
| MDD | major depressive disorder |
| MDP | Medrol dosepak |
| med | medial |
| MET | metabolic expulsion therapy |
| mg | milligram |
| MGF | maternal grandfather |
| MGM | maternal grandmother |
| MH | mental health |
| MHC | Mental Health Clinic |
| MI | motivational interviewing |
| min. | minimum |
| mL | milliliter |
| mm | millimeter |
| MMN | multifocal motor neuropathy |
| MMSE | mini-mental Status exam |
| MNA | middle night awakening |
| MoCA | Montreal cognitive assessment |
| MPGN | membrane proliferative glomerulonephritis |
| MPJ | metatarsophalangeal joint |
| MRI | magnetic resonance imaging |
| MRONJ | medication related osteonecrosis of the jaw |
| MSA | multisystem atrophy |
| MSE | mental status exam |
| MST | military sexual trauma |
| MTJ | mid tarsal joint |
| MUA | manipulation under anesthesia |
| N | nausea |
| Nav-Bronch | electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy |
| neb. | nebulizer |
| Neg | negative |
| NGB | neurogenic bladder |
| NIV | noninvasive vascular studies (e.g. ultrasound, ABI) |
| Nl | normal |
| NMS | neuroleptic malignant syndrome |
| NNVAMD | non-neovascular age related macular degeneration |
| Noncon | without contrast (non-contrast) |
| NPDR | non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy |
| NPH | normal pressure hydrocephalus |
| NPWT | negative pressure wound therapy (aka wound vac) |
| NSAID | nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug |
| NTG | normo-tensive glaucoma |
| NVAMD | neovascular macular degeneration” |
| NVCC | Non-VA community care |
| NVG | neovascular glaucoma |
| NVID | neurovascularly intact distally |
| NWB | non weight bearing |
| Nx | nephrectomy |
| O | occlusal |
| o.d. | right eye |
| o.s. | left eye |
| o.u. | both eyes |
| OC | oral cavity |
| OCC | Office of Community Care |
| OCD | obsessive compulsive disorder |
| OD | right eye (oculus dexter) |
| ODT | oral disintegrating tablet |
| OHTN | ocular hypertension |
| oint. | ointment |
| OMFS | oral maxillofacial surgery |
| ON | optic nerve |
| ORIF | open reduction internal fixation |
| OS | left eye (oculus sinister) |
| OSA | obstructive sleep apnea |
| OSP | open simple prostatectomy |
| OTC | over the counter |
| OU | both eyes together (oculi uterque) |
| OUD | opioid use disorder |
| oz | ounce |
| P&A | phenol and alcohol |
| p.c. | after meals |
| p.m. | evening; after noon |
| p.o. | by mouth; orally |
| p.r. | rectally |
| p.r.n. | as needed (for) |
| p.v. | vaginally |
| P/ | upper partial denture |
| PA | prior authorization |
| PAA | popliteal artery aneurysm |
| PAD | peripheral arterial disease |
| PANO | panoramic image |
| PAOD | peripheral arterial occlusive disease |
| PARL | periapical radiolucency |
| PAs | panic attacks |
| Path | pathology |
| PAU | penetrating aortic ulcer |
| PAX | periapical radiograph |
| PC | primary care |
| PC IOL | posterior chamber intraocular lens |
| PCA | posterior cerebral artery |
| PCP | primary care physician |
| PD | Parkinson’s disease |
| PD | personality disorder |
| PD | peritoneal dialysis |
| PDR | proliferative diabetic retinopathy |
| PE | prolonged exposure |
| PET | positron emission tomography |
| PF | plantar flexion |
| PFM | porcelain fused to metal |
| PGF | paternal grandfather |
| PGM | paternal grandmother |
| PHQ-9 | patient health questionnaire – 9 |
| PICA | posterior inferior cerebral artery |
| PID | pelvic inflammatory disease |
| PIPJ | proximal interphalangeal joint |
| PMH | past medical history |
| PNES | psychogenic nonepileptic spells |
| PNx | partial nephrectomy |
| POAG | primary open angle glaucoma |
| POD | post-operative day |
| POE | periodic oral evaluation |
| POM | post-operative month |
| pop | popliteal artery |
| Pos | positive |
| POW | post-operative week |
| PP | pin prick |
| PPD | pack per day |
| ppx | prophylaxis |
| Premed | antibiotic premedication |
| Prep | preparation |
| PRRC | Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Center |
| PSP | progressive supranuclear palsy |
| PSRP | periodontal scaling and root planning |
| pt | pint |
| PT | partial thickness |
| PT | posterior tibialis |
| PTA | percutaneous transluminal angioplasty |
| PTSD | post-traumatic stress disorder |
| PVD | posterior vitreous detachment |
| PWB | partial weight bearing |
| q | every; per |
| q.a.m. | every morning; every day before noon |
| q.h.s. | every day at bedtime |
| q.i.d. | 4 times a day |
| q.p.m. | every evening; every day after noon |
| q.s. | a sufficient quantity |
| q.w. | every week |
| q12; q. 12 h.; q12° | every 12 hours |
| q1-2; q. 1-2 h.; q1-2° | every 1 to 2 hours |
| qt | quart |
| qty. | quantity |
| R | right |
| RAA | renal artery aneurysm |
| RAS | renal artery stenosis |
| RBUS | renal bladder ultrasound |
| RC | radiocephalic |
| RCP | radical cystoprostatectomy |
| RCR | rotator cuff repair |
| RCT | root canal therapy |
| REI | reproductive endocrinology and infertility |
| RHC | right hemicolectomy |
| RIS | responding to internal stimuli |
| RLE | right lower extremity |
| RLL | right lower lid |
| RLL | right lower lobe |
| RLS | restless legs syndrome |
| RML | right middle lobe |
| ROH | removal of hardware |
| ROM | range of motion |
| RPD | removable partial denture |
| RPGN | rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis |
| RPR | rapid plasma reagent |
| RRP | radical prostatectomy |
| RSBD | REM sleep behavior disorder |
| RTC | return to clinic |
| RTSA | reverse total shoulder arthroplasty |
| RUE | right upper extremity |
| RUL | right upper lid |
| RUL | right upper lobe |
| Rx | prescription |
| s&s | signs and symptoms |
| s. | without |
| S/P | status post |
| SAD | sub-acromial decompression |
| SAH | subarachnoid hemorrhage |
| SARRTP | Substance Abuse Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program |
| SBP | systolic blood pressure |
| SBRT | stereotactic body radiation treatment |
| SC | subcutaneous |
| SCD | sequential compression device |
| SFA | superficial femoral artery |
| SGA | second generation antipsychotic |
| SHPTH | secondary hyperparathyroidism |
| SI | suicidal ideation |
| SIADH | syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone |
| sig. | write; label |
| SIS | saline infusion sonohystogram |
| SL; s.l. | sublingually; under the tongue |
| SLAP | superior labrum anterior posterior |
| SLUMS | St. Louis University Mental Status |
| SM | submucosal |
| SMA | superior mesenteric artery |
| SNRI | serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor |
| SO | salpingoophorectomy |
| SOB | shortness of breath |
| sol. | solution |
| SPT | suprapubic tube |
| SQ | subcutaneous |
| SRI | serotonin reuptake inhibitor |
| SS | subserosal |
| SSN | social security number |
| SSRI | selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor |
| stat. | immediately |
| STD | sexually transmitted disease |
| STI | sexually transmitted infection |
| STJ | subtalar joint |
| SubQ | subcutaneous |
| SUD | substance use disorder |
| supp. | suppository |
| susp. | suspension |
| SW | social work |
| Sx | surgery |
| syr. | syrup |
| SZ | seizure |
| T&C | tenotomy and capsulotomy |
| t.i.d. | 3 times a day |
| tab. | tablet |
| tabs | tablets |
| TAD | take as directed |
| TAH | total abdominal hysterectomy |
| TBI | traumatic brain injury |
| TBM | thin basement membrane disease |
| tbsp | tablespoon |
| TCA | tricyclic antidepressant |
| TcPO2 | transcutaneous partial pressure of oxygen |
| TCVC | tunneled central venous catheter |
| TD | tardive dyskinesia |
| TFR | trigger finger release |
| THA | total hip arthroplasty |
| TIA | transient ischemic attack |
| TKA | total knee arthroplasty |
| TL | tubal ligation |
| TLH | total laparoscopic hysterectomy |
| TMA | transmetatarsal amputation |
| TMJ | temporal mandibular joint |
| top. | topical |
| troch. | lozenge |
| TRUS | transrectal ultrasound |
| TSA | total shoulder arthroplasty |
| tsp | teaspoon |
| TURBT | transurethral resection of bladder tumor |
| TURP | transurethral resection of the prostate |
| TVH | total knee arthroplasty |
| u.d. | as directed |
| UC | urothelial carcinoma |
| UDS | urine drug screen |
| UE | upper extremity |
| UFH | unfractionated heparin |
| UMN | upper motor neuron |
| ung. | ointment |
| URS | ureteroscopy |
| US | ultrasound |
| USMC | US Marine Corps |
|
as directed |
| UTI | urinary tract infection |
| V | vomiting |
| VA | vertebral artery |
| VA | visual acuity |
| VAS | visual analogue scale |
| VATS | video assisted thoracoscopic surgery |
| VBI | vertebral basilar insufficiency |
| VDRL | venereal disease research lab test |
| VED | vacuum erection device |
| VRQ | Veteran’s Restoration Quarters |
| VS | vibration sensation |
| w. | with |
| w/f | with food; with meals |
| w/o | without |
| WNL | within normal limits |
| WP | wet prep |
| WWP | warm and well-perfused |
| XR | extended-release |
| XRT | radiation therapy |
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