Medical Abbreviations & Acronyms
In the US, patients now have full access to their electronic medical record (EMR) as of October 6, 2022 under federal regulations. However, the medical record is written by physicians to communicate with other physicians. As such, it often contains acronyms that have no meaning to the rest of us. Here are some common acronyms and abbreviations that you may come across and what they (possibly) stand for.
Disclaimer: This is not meant to be comprehensive and your doctor may use an acronym/abbreviation differently. You should always seek professional medical advice, or consult with your physician if you have any question and/or concern with regards to your record.
Join us in our blog if you'd like to learn more about various topics and thoughts related to our healthcare. If you have any specific, interested topics that you'd like to learn more, please submit it through our contact form.
Common Medical Abbreviation & Acronym
Abbr | Description (Lab, Disease, Diagnosis, etc.) | Specialty | Additional Specialty |
|---|---|---|---|
ICU | Intensive care unit | CCU/ICU (Critical/Intensive Care) | - |
IDDM | Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus | Endocrinology (Hormone) | - |
IM | Intramuscular | Medication Dosing (Pharmacology) | - |
IUD | Intrauterine device | Ob/Gyn (Obstetrician/Gynecologist) | - |
IV | Intravenous | Medication Dosing (Pharmacology) | - |
LDL | Low density lipoprotein | General | - |
LFT | Liver function tests | General | - |
MI | Myocardial infarction | Cardiology (Heart) | - |
MMR | Measles, mumps, and rubella | General | - |
MRI | Magnetic resonance imaging | General | - |
MRSA | Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus | ID (Infectious Disease) | - |
MS | Multiple sclerosis | Neurology (Nervous System) | - |