Acronyms in healthcare

The following is a partial list of 'initialisms and acronyms commonly used in health care'. The terms listed are used in the English language within the health care systems of various countries.

Health care AACOM—American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine AAHAM—American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management AAHP—American Association of Health Plans AAPCC—Average Adjusted Per Capita Cost AARP—American Association of Retired Persons ABN—Advance beneficiary notice ACA—Affordable Care Act ACGME—Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education ACHE—American College of Healthcare Executives ACO-Accountable care organization ACLS—Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support ACR—Adjusted community rating ACS—American Cancer Society … also American College of Surgeons ACU—Ambulatory care unit ADA—Americans with Disabilities Act … also American Diabetes Association ADC—Average daily census ADS—Alternative delivery system AGPA—American Group Practice Association AHA—American Hospital Association … or American Heart Association AHRQ—Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality AIDS—Acquired immune deficiency syndrome ALJ—Administrative law judge ALOS—Average length of stay AMA—American Medical Association AMCRA—American Medical Care and Review Association ANA—American Nurses Association AOA—American Osteopathic Association AONE—American Organization of Nurse Executives APC—Ambulatory Payment Classification APG—Ambulatory Patient Group APR-DRG—All payer refined diagnostic related group ARC—American Red Cross ASC—Ambulatory surgery center ASO—Administrative services only contract BBA—Balanced Budget Act of 1997 BBRA—Balanced Budget Relief Act of 1999 BCAA—Blue Cross Association of America BCBSI—Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Iowa now known as Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Iowa BLS—Basic Life Support BHAI—Behavioral Health Affiliate of Iowa BIA—Bureau of Indian Affairs BIPA—Benefits Improvement & Protection Act of 2000 BLS—Bureau of Labor Statistics CAH—Critical access hospital Cahaba GBA—Cahaba Government Benefit Administrators, LLC (administers Medicare health insurance for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) CAHPS-Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems CAM—Complementary and alternative medicine CARF—Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities CAT—Computerized axial tomography CAA—Care area assessment CBSA—Core based statistical area CCI—Correct coding initiative CCR—Cost-to-charge ratio CCU—Cardiac care unit CDC—Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.) CHA—Catholic Health Association CHAMPUS—Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services CHAMPVA—Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Veterans Administration CICU—Cardiac intensive care unit CIPI—Capital input price index CISM—Critical incident stress management CLIA—Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (1967) … also Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (1988) CME—Continuing medical education CMHC—Community mental health center CMI—Case mix index CMP—Competitive medical plan … also Civil monetary penalty CMS—Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services COB—Coordination of benefits COBRA—Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 COI—Certificate of Insurance CON—Certificate of Need COP—Condition of participation CORF—Comprehensive outpatient rehabilitative facility CPI—Consumer price index CPR—Customary, prevailing, and reasonable (charges) … also Cardiac pulmonary resuscitation CPT—Current Procedural Terminology CQI—Continuous quality improvement DEA—Drug Enforcement Administration DHPC—Direct Healthcare Professional Communication DHS—Department of Human Services (Iowa) DMAT—Disaster Medical Assistance Team DME—Durable medical equipment … also Direct medical education DNR—Department of Natural Resources … also Do not resuscitate … also Do not report DRA—Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 DRG—Diagnosis-related group DSA—Disproportionate share adjustment DSH—Disproportionate share hospital EBP—Evidence-based practice ECF—Extended care facility EEOC—Equal Employment Opportunity Commission EHR—Electronic health record EMR—Electronic medical record EMS—Emergency medical services EMTALA—Emergency Medical Transfer Active Labor Act EOB—Explanation of benefits EOC—Episode of care … also Emergency operations center... also Explanation of coverage EOMB—Explanation of Medicare Benefits EPA—Environmental Protection Agency EPO—Exclusive Provider Organization EPSDT—Early periodic screening diagnosis and treatment program ER/ED—Emergency room/emergency department ERISA—Employee Retirement Income Security Act FAQ—Frequently asked questions FDA—Food and Drug Administration FEC—Freestanding emergency center FEHBP—Federal Employees Health Benefits Program FFS—Fee for service FFWU—Full fever work-up FI—Fiscal intermediary FPL—Federal Poverty Level FQHC—Federally Qualified Health Center FSA—Flexible Spending Accounts FTC—Federal Trade Commission FTE—Full-time equivalent GAF—Geographic adjustment factor GAO U.S.—Government Accountability Office GHAA—Group Health Association of America GME—Graduate medical education GPCI—Geographic practice cost index HANYS—Healthcare Association of New York State HAWK-I—Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa HCPCS—Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System HCSE—HealthCare Systems Engineering HEDIS—Health Plan Employer Data and Information Set HEICS—Hospital emergency incident command system HFMA—Healthcare Financial Management Association HHA—Home Health Agency HHR—Health human resources (or health workforce) HHS—Health and Human Services (Federal) HHSC—Health and Human Services Commission HIAA—Health Insurance Association of America HIM—Health information management HIPAA—Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act HIPCs—Health Insurance Purchasing Cooperatives HIPPS-Health Insurance Prospective Payment System HMO—Health maintenance organization HPB—Historic payment basis HPCI—Health Policy Corporation of Iowa HPSA—Health Professional Shortage Area HQRM—Healthcare quality and resource management HSR—Hospital-specific rate IAHSA—Iowa Association of Homes and Services for the Aging ICD—International Classification of Diseases ICF/MR—Intermediate Care Facility for the Mentally Retarded ICN—Iowa Communications Network ICS—Incident command system ICU—Intensive care unit IDIA—Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals IDN—Integrated Delivery Network IDPH—Iowa Department of Public Health IDS—Integrated delivery system IFMC—Iowa Foundation for Medical Care IHA—Iowa Hospital Association IHC—Iowa Healthcare Collaborative IHHCC—Iowa Hospital Home Care Council IHERF—Iowa Hospital Education & Research Foundation IHI—Institute for Healthcare Improvement IHO—Iowa Hospice Organization IHS—Indian Health Services IME—Indirect Medical Education … also Iowa Medicaid Enterprise IMGMA—Iowa Medical Group Management Association IMS—Iowa Medical Society INA—Iowa Nurses Association IOM—Institute of Medicine IOMA—Iowa Osteopathic Medical Association IONL—Iowa Organization of Nurse Leaders IPA—Independent Practice Association IPF—Inpatient psychiatric facility IRB—Institutional review board IRF—Inpatient rehabilitation facility ISMP—Institute for Safe Medication Practices ITC—Iowa Trauma Coordinators ITPDM—Initiative to Pay Doctors More LAMA—Left against medical advice LCD—Local coverage determinations LOS—Length of stay LSA—Legislative Service Agency LTC—Long-term care MA—Medicare Advantage MAC—Medicare Administrative Contractor MB—Market basket MBI—Market basket index MCO—Managed care organization MDA—Muscular Dystrophy Association MDC—Major Diagnostic Category MDH—Medicare Dependent Hospital MDS—Minimum Data Set MedPAC—Medicare Payment Advisory Commission MEI—Medical economic index MFS—Medicare fee schedule MGCRB—Medicare Geographic Classification Review Board MLP—Mid-level practitioner MMA—Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 MOB—Medical office building MRI—Magnetic resonance imaging MSA—Metropolitan statistical area MSO—Management service organization MUA—Medically underserved area MUP—Medically underserved population MVPS—Medicare volume performance standard NB—Newborn NBC—Nuclear, Biological, Chemical NCD—National coverage determination NCQA—National Committee for Quality Assurance NDMS—National Disaster Medical System NF—Nursing facility NIC—Neonatal intensive care NICU—Neonatal intensive care unit NIH—National Institutes of Health NIMS—National Incident Management System NLRB—National Labor Relations Board NP—Nurse practitioner NPI—National Provider Identifier NQF—National quality forum OASIS—Outcome and Assessment Information Set OBRA—Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act ODS—Organized delivery system OIG—Office of Inspector General OMB—Office of Management and Budget OPO—Organ procurement organization OPP—Out-of-pocket payments OR—Operating room OSHA—Occupational Safety and Health Administration OT—Occupational therapy OTC—Over-the-counter PA—Physician assistant PACS—Picture archiving and communication system PCN—Primary care network PCP—Primary care physician (or primary care provider if the provider is an NP, PA, or other non-physician) PDL—Prescription drug list PDP—Prescription drug plan PET—Positron emission tomography PFFS—Private fee-for-service PHN—Public health nurse PHO—Physician hospital organization PHS—Public health services POS—Point of service PPE—Personal protective equipment PPI—Producer price index PPO—Preferred provider organization PPRC—Physician Payment Review Commission PPS—Prospective payment system PQRS-Physician Quality Reporting System PRO—Peer review organization PRRB—Provider reimbursement review board PSO—Provider sponsored organization PT—Physical therapy QA—Quality assurance QI—Quality improvement QIO—Quality improvement organizations RBRVS—Resource-based relative value scale RHC—Rural health clinic RPB 6—Regional Policy Board 6 (AHA) RUGs—Resource utilization groups RVS—Relative value scale RVU—Relative value unit SCH—Sole community hospital SCHIP—State Children's Health Insurance Program SEIU—Service Employees International Union SGR—Sustainable Growth Rate SMDA—Safe Medical Devices Act (1990) SNF—Skilled nursing facility SNS—Strategic National Stockpile SPECT—Single-photon-emission computerized tomography SSA—Social Security Administration SSI—Supplemental Security Income STHP—Short Term Health Plan TPA—Third-party administrator or third-party administration TQI—Total quality improvement TQM—Total quality management TRHCA—Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 UB-04—Uniform Billing Form, modified in 2004 UB-92—Uniform Billing Form, modified in 1992 UC—Urgi Center UCR—Usual, customary and reasonable (charges) UR—Utilization review USPHS—United States Public Health Service VA—Veterans Administration VBPM—Value-based payment modifier VHA—Voluntary Hospitals of America WHO—World Health Organization WIC—Women and infant children program Medical Abd.—Abdominal ACLS—Advanced cardiac life support AED—Automated external defibrillator AF—Atrial fibrillation AI—Aortic insufficiency AIDS—Acquired immune deficiency syndrome ALS—Advanced life support AMA—Against medical advice ANP—Advanced nurse practitioner ART—Accredited record technician AS—Aortic stenosis ATLS—Advanced trauma life support BE—Barium enema BLS—Basic life support BMR—Basal metabolism rate BP—Blood pressure BTLS—Basic trauma life support BUN—Blood urea nitrogen Ca—Carcinoma CADAC—Certified alcohol and drug abuse counselor CBC—Com5ount CC—Chief complaint CISM—Critical incident stress management CMA-Certified Medical Assistant CMT-Certified Medication Technician CNM—Certified Nurse Midwife CNS—Central nervous system CPR—Cardiopulmonary resuscitation CRNA—Certified registered nurse anesthetist CVA—Cerebrovascular accident, a stroke CVI—Cerebrovascular insufficiency DC—Doctor of Chiropractic DD—Differential diagnosis DDS—Doctor of Dental Surgery DIFF.—Differential blood count DO—Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine DNR—Do not resuscitate; also Do not report DPM—Doctor of Podiatric Medicine DPT—Diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus D&C—Dilatation and curettage D&E—Dilatation and evacuation DSC—Doctor of Surgical Chiropody DVM—Doctor of Veterinary Medicine ECU—Environmental control unit EEG—Electroencephalogram EENT—Eye, ear, nose and throat EKG, ECG—Electrocardiogram EMG—Electromyogram EMS—Emergency medical service EMT—Emergency medical technician ENT—Ear nose and throat FACHE—Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives FBS—Fasting blood sugar FMG—Foreign medical graduate FSH—Follicle-stimulating hormone GB viz.—Gall bladder visualization GC—Gonococcal, gonorrhea GI—Gastrointestinal GP—General practitioner GU—Genitourinary Hgb.—Hemoglobin ICN—Intermediate care nursery IM—Intramuscular IP—Intraperitoneal IV—Intravenous IVP—Intravenous pyelogram (urogram) LPC—Licensed professional counselor LPN—Licensed practical nurse LPT—Licensed physical therapist LVN—Licensed vocational nurse MD—Doctor of Medicine mEq.—Milliequivalent MHA—Master of Hospital Administration Master of Health Administration MHSA—Master of Health Services Administration MI—Myocardial infarction; also Mitral insufficiency or Mental institution MOM—Milk of magnesia Mono—Mononucleosis MPA—Master of Public Administration MPH—Master of Public Health MS—Mitral stenosis; also Master of Science or Medical scientist MSN—Master of Science in Nursing MSW—Master of Social Work N—Normal NB—Newborn ND—Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine OB-GYN—Obstetrics and gynecology OD—Doctor of Optometry O.D.—Right eye O.S.—Left eye PA—Physician assistant; also Posterior–anterior P&A—Percussion and auscultation PALS—Pediatric advanced life support PAT—Paroxysmal Atrial Tachycardia PBI—Protein-bound iodine Ped.—Pediatrics; also Pediatrician pH—Expression of acidity or alkalinity. pH 7 is neutral;above 7 alkalinity increases; below 7 acidity decreases. Preemy—Premature infant PSA—Prostate-specific antigen RAD—Radiation-absorbed dose RBC—Red blood count SC—Subcutaneous SCIC—Significant change in condition SICU—Surgical intensive care unit SIDS—Sudden infant death syndrome SOB—Short of breath START—Simple triage and rapid transport Stat.—Immediately STD—Sexually transmitted disease T&A—Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy TB—Tuberculosis Temp.—Temperature VD—Venereal disease VDRL—Serology WBC—White blood count Disaster preparedness ACIP—Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices ADPER—Acute disease prevention and emergency response AIIR—Airborne infection isolation room APHL—Association of Public Health Laboratories CADE—Center for Acute Disease Epidemiology CBRNE—Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive CDOR—Center for disaster operations and response CIO—Chief information officer COG—Continuity of government COOP—Continuity of operations CIP—Critical infrastructure protection DOT—Department of Transportation DMAT—Disaster medical assistance team DMORT—Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team DPI—Bureau of Disease Prevention and Immunization DPS—Department of Public Safety ECC—Emergency coordination center EMAC—Emergency Management Assistance Compact EOC—Emergency operations center EPI-X—Epidemic information exchange (national list serve) ER—Emergency room ESF—Emergency support functions ESF06—Mass care emergency support function ESF08—Health and medical services support function FEMA—Federal Emergency Management Agency HAN—Health Alert Network HAZMAT—Hazardous material HEPA—High-efficiency particulate air HHS—U.S. Department of Health and Human Services HERT—Hospital emergency response team HICPAC—Hospital infection control practices advisory committee HICS—Hospital incident command system HLSEM—Homeland security and emergency management HPAI—Highly pathogenic avian influenza IAC—Iowa Administrative Code IC—Incident commander ICC—Incident command center ICP—Infection control professional ICS—Incident command system IDAC—Infectious disease advisory committee IDALS—Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship IISN—Iowa Influenza Surveillance Network JIC—Joint information center LMS—Learning management system LPHA—Local public health agency LRN—Laboratory Response Network ME—Medical examiner MMRS—Metropolitan medical response system NIMS—National Incident Management System NIPP—National Infrastructure Protection Plan NNDSS—Nationally Notifiable Disease Surveillance System NRP—National Response Plan PAPR—Personal air-purifying respirator PPE—Personal protective equipment SARS—Severe acute respiratory syndrome SEOC—State emergency operations center SME—State medical examiner SNS—Strategic National Stockpile TSA—Transportation Security Administration UHL—University of Iowa Hygienic Laboratory VAERS—Vaccine adverse events reporting system VFC—Vaccines for Children VMBIP—Vaccine Management Business Improvement Project WMD—Weapon of mass destruction

References

External links

• Smart Define - Healthcare Related Abbreviations