How to Decipher Your Doctor's Handwriting Reading the handwriting of the doctor, or doctors, that you work with can be a job within itself. Asking your doctor to reiterate what is written can time consuming and irritating for the both of you, however, it is important that you decipher the information properly. According to Time magazine, more than 7,000 people die because of sloppy handwriting per year. Therefore, it may be difficult to understand another person's handwriting, however, there are ways you can figure out what it says before moving forward. Related: Why do we have a Nursing Shortage? Be Persistent Ask your doctor instead of assuming you know what it says, as going directly to the source is the only sure way to figure out what he or she is trying to say. Unfortunately, a busy doctor might not have the time or the patience to take a moment to read their own handwriting. If this is the case, try to address the situation as soon as possible. Keep Track of Recurring Symbols and Abbreviations Certain abbreviations and shortcuts are taken when doctors jot down whatever they may be writing. The International Nurses Association recommends that you be mindful of what doctors are writing what scripts or requests, and keep track of any recurring symbols or abbreviations they might use when writing. By doing so, you'll be able to decipher what they are saying easily, and you will limit the amount of times you'll have to address a doctor on what certain thigns say. Below are a few examples that you may encounter on the job:
P – Plan
O/E – On Examination
IUD – Intrauterine Device
RTC – Return to Clinic
U/S – Ultrasound
D&C – Dilation and Curettage
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