Glossary of Common
Healthcare Abbreviations
Efficient communication is vital for healthcare professionals in any medical setting–and that includes
those working with chronic care patients. Below is a glossary of healthcare abbreviations and acronyms commonly used in care coordination settings to enhance communication and efficiency within care teams.
ACP
Discussing and preparing for future medical care in case the patient becomes unable to communicate their preferences.
APCM
A comprehensive, team-based approach to delivering primary care that emphasizes proactive, coordinated, and patient-centered services by integrating population health strategies, data analytics, behavioral health, and more.
Abbreviation
Stands For
Definition
ACO
A group of doctors and other healthcare providers who provide coordinated, high-quality care to their Medicare patients.
ACC
A nonprofit medical association that awards credentials to cardiovascular specialists who meet the qualifications.
AMA
A professional association and group of lobbying physicians and medical students.
ADL
Activities of daily living
The basic tasks performed on an everyday basis that are required for independent living.
ACP
A national organization of physicians that seeks to promote federal policy reforms that benefit the practice of internal medicine.
APRN
A licensed clinician with advanced education and clinical training, authorized to diagnose, treat, and manage care independently.
AWV
A preventive health assessment for Medicare beneficiaries that focuses on proactively managing overall health.
AUDIT-C
Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test
A screening tool meant to assess alcohol-related issues and consumption habits.
BHCM
Facilitates communication among a Collaborative Care team and acts as the lead contact for the patient.
BHI
A care management program that coordinates mental health, substance use, and primary care services to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care that addresses the full spectrum of behavioral and physical health needs.
BMI
Body mass index
A screening tool that measures the ratio of a patient’s height
to their weight to estimate body fat percentage.
CCM
Care coordination for patients with two or more chronic conditions expected to last at least 12 months (or until death), and that place the patient at significant risk of death, acute exacerbation or decompensation, or functional decline.
CHI
Healthcare services integrated within community settings to enhance access, improve health outcomes, and address social determinants of health (SDOH) by linking individuals with local resources and support.
BP
Blood pressure
The force of circulating blood pushing against the walls of blood vessels, resulting mainly from the heart pumping blood through the circulatory system.
CIN
A group of healthcare providers who collaborate to improve care quality and reduce costs through shared protocols, data, and governance.
CMS
Healthcare services integrated within community settings to enhance access, improve health outcomes, and address social determinants of health (SDOH) by linking individuals with local resources and support.
CNA
Works under the supervision of a licensed nurse to aid patients
with tasks such as daily living activities and mobility.
CNM
An advanced practice registered nurse who focuses on gynecologic and family planning services, as well as primary care.
CNS
An advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who can advise patients about specific conditions or treatment plans.
CoCM
A comprehensive approach to healthcare that integrates mental and physical health services and specialists.
CPM
Continuous Passive Motion
A type of therapy most commonly used post-surgery that allows for machines to passively move joints to promote recovery of joint range of motion.
CPT
A standardized language under Level I of HCPCS that serves to correlate codes with certain healthcare services.
DX
Diagnosis
The identification of a condition through an analysis of symptoms.
EHR
A digital version of a patient’s overall medical history that the provider maintains on a rolling basis.
EMR
Electronic medical records
A digital version of a patient’s medical history from a single care provider.
E/M
Evaluation and management coding
Coding system that represents services performed by a physician that involve either evaluating or managing a patient’s health.
FQHC
A community-based provider that delivers primary care in underserved areas, supported by federal funding and enhanced Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement.
FFS
A traditional healthcare reimbursement model where providers are paid separately for each service or procedure delivered. Common in Medicare and private insurance, Fee-for-Service rewards volume over outcomes and remains foundational in billing systems that use CPT and HCPCS codes.
GAD-7
A diagnostic tool used to screen patients for symptoms of anxiety disorders in primary care settings.
GNA
Assists elderly patients with daily living activities and tracks
any changes in physical and mental health status.
GP
General practitioner
A healthcare professional who serves as the main point of contact for routine medical issues and can refer patients to specialists as needed. Also commonly referred to as a “primary care provider.”
HCC
Medicare risk adjustment model used to estimate future healthcare costs based on a patient’s documented chronic conditions and demographics.
HCPCS
A standardized set of codes divided into two main levels used to report healthcare services and supplies to insurers for billing purposes.
HEDIS
A standardized set of performance measures developed by NCQA to evaluate healthcare quality, access, and outcomes across health plans, provider networks, and care organizations.
HIPAA
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
Federal law that protects sensitive health information from being disclosed without the patient’s explicit consent.
ICD-10
A standardized system of alphanumeric codes used to classify diagnoses, symptoms, and conditions for medical billing, risk adjustment, and quality reporting.
IDN
A healthcare system that unifies hospitals, clinics, and providers under shared administration to coordinate care and manage costs.
IPA
A network of independent healthcare providers that contracts collectively with payers while allowing each member to retain ownership of their own practice.
IPPE
A preventive visit that serves to promote good health through disease detection and prevention. Also referred to as the “Welcome to Medicare” visit.
LCSW
A licensed mental health professional trained to provide therapy, assessments, and care coordination.
MCO
A healthcare network that coordinates services and controls costs through fixed payments and provider contracts.
MDD
Major depressive disorder
A mental health condition involving prolonged feelings of hopelessness and loss of interest that can interfere with daily life.
MSO
An entity that handles the non healthcare-related work required to run a medical practice, such as revenue cycle management or accounts payable.
MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging
Method of medical imaging that produces detailed images of internal structures within the human body.
NP
A nurse with advanced education and clinical training who is able to perform many of the same duties as a physician.
NPP
A healthcare provider who is not a physician but can practice with or under the supervision of a licensed physician.
PA
A healthcare professional who can provide patient care
while working under the supervision of a licensed physician.
PCM
Tailored care coordination focused on patients with a single high-risk chronic condition.
PCMH
A care delivery model used in primary care that emphasizes long-term patient-provider relationships, care coordination, and whole-person health management.
PCP
Primary care provider
A healthcare professional who serves as the main point of contact for routine medical issues and can refer patients to specialists as needed. Also commonly referred to as a “general practitioner.”
PHQ-9
A diagnostic tool used to screen patients for symptoms of depression in primary care settings.
PIN
Principal Illness Navigation
Care management that helps patients better understand their condition and guide them through the healthcare system.
PPP
Public-private partnership
An agreement between one or more public and private entities that puts forth mutual responsibilities in the promotion of shared interests.
PSH
Past surgical history
A record that details a patient’s past surgical procedures.
PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder
A mental health condition involving severe anxiety, nightmares, or flashbacks that stems from a traumatic or stressful event.
QD
Once a day
Indicates that a medication should be taken once a day.
QHP
A Qualified Health Professional (QHP) is a licensed or credentialed clinician authorized to provide or supervise specific healthcare services, often for billing, compliance, or care coordination purposes.
QMB
A Medicare patient who qualifies for financial assistance with their Part A and Part B premiums, based on limited income and resources.
QID
Four times a day
Indicates that a medication should be taken four times a day.
RAF
A numerical score assigned to a Medicare beneficiary that predicts their expected healthcare costs based on documented conditions and demographics.
RN
Registered nurse
A provider who works alongside physicians, administering physical exams and educating patients about their symptoms and treatment plans.
RPM
Monitor and capture health data from patients remotely, facilitating real-time care management and adjustments to treatment plans.
RTM
Utilizes technology and real-time data to monitor and
manage patient therapy remotely.
RVU
A standardized measure used to quantify the value of medical services for billing and reimbursement.
SDOH
Utilizes technology and real-time data to monitor and
manage patient therapy remotely.
TCM
Focuses on providing support and continuity of care for patients transitioning from a hospital setting to other care environments.
VBC
Outcome-focused care model that rewards providers for improving patient health and coordinating care effectively.
SNF
A facility that contains the staff and equipment needed to provide skilled nursing care, skilled rehabilitation,
and other health-related services.
Frequently Asked Questions About Healthcare Abbreviations
1. What are healthcare abbreviations and why are they important?
Healthcare abbreviations are shortened forms of medical terms, procedures, or diagnoses used by professionals
to save time and improve communication. For example, BP stands for blood pressure and MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging. These abbreviations help streamline documentation and communication, especially in fast-paced clinical settings.
2. Are all healthcare abbreviations standardized?
No, not all healthcare abbreviations are standardized. While many are widely accepted, others may vary between hospitals, regions, or countries. It's important for healthcare providers to be aware of local usage and to avoid ambiguous abbreviations that might lead to miscommunication.
3. Can using abbreviations lead to errors?
Yes, misinterpreted or unclear abbreviations can lead to medical errors. For example, "QD" (once daily) can be mistaken for "QID" (four times daily), which could result in overmedication. To reduce risks, many institutions promote the use of "do not use" abbreviation lists and encourage clear, unambiguous communication in patient records.