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.
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Common Medical Abbreviation & Acronym
Abbr | Description (Lab, Disease, Diagnosis, etc.) | Specialty | Additional Specialty |
|---|---|---|---|
NG | Nasogastric | Medication Dosing (Pharmacology) | - |
NIDDM | Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus | Endocrinology (Hormone) | - |
NKDA | No known drug allergies | General | - |
NSAID | Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (e.g. Aspirin, Ibuprofen) | General | - |
OCD | Obsessive-compulsive disorder | Psychiatry | - |
PAD | Peripheral arterial disease | General | - |
PAP | Papanicolau smear | Ob/Gyn (Obstetrician/Gynecologist) | - |
PET | Positron emission tomography | General | Oncology (Cancer) |
PFT | Pulmonary function test | Pulmonology (Lung) | - |
PID | Pelvic inflammatory disease | Ob/Gyn (Obstetrician/Gynecologist) | ID (Infectious Disease) |
PMS | Premenstrual syndrome | Ob/Gyn (Obstetrician/Gynecologist) | - |
PPD | Purified protein derivative (TB skin test) | General | ID (Infectious Disease) |