Medical abbreviations and acronyms are everywhere in healthcare documentation. From EHR systems to handwritten patient notes, understanding common abbreviations is essential for accurate medical coding. This article covers 100+ essential abbreviations you’ll encounter regularly in medical records. Bookmark this page and reference it whenever you encounter an unfamiliar abbreviation.
Brain damage from lack of blood flow; code I63.x, I61.x
TIA
Transient Ischemic Attack
Mini-stroke; temporary symptoms; code G45.x
MS
Multiple Sclerosis
Autoimmune nerve disease; code G35
ALS
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s)
Progressive motor neuron disease; code G12.21
Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s Disease
Movement disorder; code G20
Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s Disease
Dementia; code G30.x
MCI
Mild Cognitive Impairment
Between normal aging and dementia; code G31.83
Seizure
Abnormal brain electrical activity
Single episode; code R56.9 or G40.x
LOC
Loss of Consciousness
Unconscious state
GCS
Glasgow Coma Scale
Neurological assessment score (3-15)
Hematologic and Oncologic Abbreviations
Abbreviation
Meaning
Context/Use
CBC
Complete Blood Count
Blood test; checks WBC, RBC, platelets
WBC
White Blood Cell
Infection-fighting cells
RBC
Red Blood Cell
Oxygen-carrying cells
Hgb
Hemoglobin
Oxygen-carrying protein in RBCs
Hct
Hematocrit
Percentage of RBCs in blood
Anemia
Low red blood cells/hemoglobin
D50-D64 codes
Leukemia
Cancer of white blood cells
C91-C95 codes
Lymphoma
Cancer of lymph nodes
C81-C86 codes
CA
Cancer
Malignant neoplasm; C00-C97 codes
TX
Treatment
Therapy for condition
Musculoskeletal Abbreviations
Abbreviation
Meaning
Context/Use
OA
Osteoarthritis
Degenerative joint disease; code M17-M19
RA
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Autoimmune joint disease; code M05-M06
ACL
Anterior Cruciate Ligament
Knee ligament; injury code S83.5
MCL
Medial Collateral Ligament
Knee ligament; injury code S83.4
ROM
Range of Motion
How much a joint can move
PT
Physical Therapy
Rehabilitation treatment
Fx
Fracture
Break in bone; S codes
fx hx
Fracture History
Past broken bones
Psychiatric and Psychological Abbreviations
Abbreviation
Meaning
Context/Use
Depression
Major Depressive Disorder
F32 (single episode), F33 (recurrent)
Anxiety
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
F41.1
PTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
F43.10
OCD
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
F42
Bipolar
Bipolar Disorder
F31 (Type 1), F31.8 (Type 2)
Schizo
Schizophrenia
F20
SUD
Substance Use Disorder
Alcohol, drug addiction; F10-F19
Infectious Disease Abbreviations
Abbreviation
Meaning
Context/Use
URI
Upper Respiratory Infection
Cold, sore throat; code J06-J11
LRI
Lower Respiratory Infection
Bronchitis, pneumonia; code J12-J18
COVID
COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019)
U07.1
Flu
Influenza
J09-J11
RSV
Respiratory Syncytial Virus
B97.4
HIV
Human Immunodeficiency Virus
B20 (AIDS), Z21 (HIV positive)
AIDS
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
B20
Sepsis
Systemic Infection/Bloodstream Infection
A40, A41
MRSA
Methicillin-Resistant Staph Aureus
Antibiotic-resistant infection
Lab and Test Abbreviations
Abbreviation
Meaning
Context/Use
CT
Computed Tomography
Imaging test (CAT scan)
MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Detailed imaging without radiation
X-ray
Radiograph
Radiation imaging
US
Ultrasound
Sound wave imaging
ECG/EKG
Electrocardiogram
Heart rhythm test
EEG
Electroencephalogram
Brain activity test
BMP
Basic Metabolic Panel
Electrolytes, kidney function test
CMP
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
BMP + liver function tests
LFT
Liver Function Tests
AST, ALT, bilirubin
Lipid Panel
Cholesterol Test
Total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides
⭐ Pro Tip: Keep a list of abbreviations you encounter frequently. The CPC exam will include abbreviations you need to know to interpret clinical notes. Memorizing the most common ones saves time during the exam.
Anatomy and Location Abbreviations
Abbreviation
Meaning
Context/Use
RUQ
Right Upper Quadrant
Right upper abdomen
LUQ
Left Upper Quadrant
Left upper abdomen
RLQ
Right Lower Quadrant
Right lower abdomen
LLQ
Left Lower Quadrant
Left lower abdomen
RUL
Right Upper Lobe (lung)
Top of right lung
RLL
Right Lower Lobe (lung)
Bottom of right lung
LUL
Left Upper Lobe (lung)
Top of left lung
LLL
Left Lower Lobe (lung)
Bottom of left lung
Common Clinical Abbreviations
Abbreviation
Meaning
Context/Use
Hx
History
“PMH” = Past Medical History
Sx
Symptom or Surgery
Context determines meaning
Dx
Diagnosis
What the condition is
Tx
Treatment or Transplant
Context determines meaning
Rx
Medication/Prescription
Drug being given
STAT
Immediately
Latin: “statim” = immediately
BID
Twice Daily
Two times per day
TID
Three Times Daily
Three times per day
QID
Four Times Daily
Four times per day
PO
Orally (By Mouth)
Route of medication
IV
Intravenous
Into the vein
IM
Intramuscular
Into the muscle
SC/SQ
Subcutaneous
Under the skin
❌ Abbreviation Caution: Some abbreviations are confusing and have multiple meanings. Always use context to determine the correct meaning. For example, “TX” can mean “treatment” or “transplant.” Ask for clarification if unsure!
Why Medical Abbreviations Matter for Coders
Understanding medical abbreviations helps you:
Interpret clinical documentation quickly and accurately
Identify missing information when abbreviations don’t provide enough detail
Recognize commonly tested abbreviations on the CPC exam
Communicate effectively with healthcare providers
Code conditions correctly based on abbreviation meanings
This comprehensive guide covers over 100 essential abbreviations. Bookmark this page and reference it whenever you encounter unfamiliar abbreviations in medical records. The more familiar you become with these abbreviations, the faster and more accurately you’ll be able to code.