Medical Abbreviation List explains what medical abbreviations and terms usually mean. It is general information for reading notes, orders and labels.
Not medical advice
Nothing on this site is medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The meaning of shorthand can change with the setting and the person who wrote it, and only the clinicians caring for you know what a note means for you. Never start, stop or change a medicine or treatment because of something you read here. Ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Emergencies
If you think you are having a medical emergency, call your local emergency number right away. In the US, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be reached by call or text at 988.
Examples on our pages
Chart lines, orders and label wording on our pages are examples of format only. Doses or timings shown in them are not recommendations.
No relationship
Using this site does not create a clinician and patient relationship. We are not affiliated with any hospital, health system or official body named on our pages.