Doctors should use plain language when they write scripts today, but not all got the memo. Even though the Joint Commission issued an official "do not use" list of abbreviations that are common sources of errors, you may still get scripts filled with hieroglyphics from time to time. So use this cheat sheet to decipher them.
By the way, doctors typically write the name of the medicine first, then the form (say, capsule or tablet), dosage, amount (say, 30 tablets), directions for taking it, and finally the number of refills. Or, in medical shorthand:
- ac: before meals
- alt die: alternate days
- bid: twice a day
- c (with line over c): with
- dol urg: when pain is severe
- hs: at bedtime
- prn: when needed
- sig: label
- sos: if necessary
- stat: immediately
- tid: three times a day
- ung: ointment
- 2x: refill two times
Doctors should use plain language when they write scripts today,
but not all got the memo. Even though the Joint Commission issued
an official "do not use" list of abbreviations that are common
sources of errors, you may still get scripts filled...
More
Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:Doctors should use plain language when they write scripts today, but not all got the memo. Even though the Joint Commission issued an official "do not use" list of abbreviations that are common sources of errors, you may still get scripts filled with hieroglyphics from time to time. So use this cheat sheet to decipher them.
Find out more about this book: YOU: The Smart Patient: An Insider's Handbook for Getting the Best Treatmen...
