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 |
|---|---|---|---|
PRN | As needed | Medication Dosing (Pharmacology) | - |
PSA | Prostate specific antigen | General | Urology (Urinary System, Surgical) |
PT | Physical Therapy | General | - |
PTSD | Post-traumatic stress syndrome | Psychiatry | - |
PTT | Partial thromboplastin time | General | - |
PUD | Peptic ulcer disease | Gastroenterology (GI, Digestive System) | - |
PVC | Premature ventricular contraction | Cardiology (Heart) | - |
QID | Four times a day | Medication Dosing (Pharmacology) | - |
RA | Rheumatoid arthritis | Rheumatology (Autoimmune) | - |
RBC | Red blood cell | General | - |
RSV | Respiratory syncytial virus | ID (Infectious Disease) | - |
Rx | Prescription | Medication Dosing (Pharmacology) | - |