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per AAMT, it is preferred to

Posted By: sm on 2008-02-24
In Reply to: xray - how to type (re) x-ray - sm pls - I know I have seen this before

Subject: per AAMT, it is preferred to

edit to read "x-ray again" as opposed to re-x-ray, but definitely not rex-ray or re-xray.


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I prefer disc also, but disk is preferred for AAMT BOS 2, page 140
Subject: I prefer disc also, but disk is preferred for AAMT BOS 2, page 140

oh well... have to do what the BOS says. 
I agree; AAMT BOS2 states "The abbreviation mL is preferred to ml to avoid the l being misread as
Subject: I agree; AAMT BOS2 states "The abbreviation mL is preferred to ml to avoid the l being misread as the numeral 1 (one). "


mcg is preferred as the other
Subject: mcg is preferred as the other

symbol is on the "additional" list of dangerous abbreviations, for possible future inclusion.  Most clients prefer mcg, but you would want to check that with your client profile.


As for liter, if using liter without a prefix, I do not abbreviate it.  My clients prefer it written out.  When using as in milliter, my clients' preference is mL (it's much easier to recognize). 


But these are things you should definitely verify with your client profile.


mL is preferred...sm
Subject: mL is preferred...sm

Both "cc" and "mL" are equivalent, but in medical literature "mL" is now preferred. JCAHO also has "cc" on its list of "dangerous abbreviations" because when written poorly it can be misconstrued as "U" (less of an issue for typed records). The mL vs. cc preference can be client/account specific. But I humbly disagree with your mentor. I've *never* heard of mL for intake and cc for output. I believe usage should be consistent throughout depending on client preference. just my 2 cents....
Don't know which if either is preferred, but
Subject: Don't know which if either is preferred, but

I think "okay" looks a little more professional in a report.
tendonitis is preferred but
Subject: tendonitis is preferred but

I used to type tendinitis and the doctor bugged out and did not want that. Either is correct though technically.
Per BOS, disK is preferred for both.
Subject: Per BOS, disK is preferred for both.

x
BOS now says numerals preferred, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc. nm
Subject: BOS now says numerals preferred, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc. nm

.
Preferred usage
Question:  When typing mammos which is the perferred.  9 o'clock position or 9:00 position. 
Preferred abbrevation
Subject: Preferred abbrevation

What is the preferred way to abbreviate C-PAP?


Abbreviation preferred by
Subject: Abbreviation preferred by

 AAMT Book of Style, 2nd Edition, p. 217. 


If we transcribe a numeral for the dose, it is best to use the abbreviation. 


If you wanted to spell it out (like if it started a sentence), it is acceptable to use the word itself.     One gram of Ancef IV was administered prior to the procedure.    but    The patient was administered 1 g of Ancef IV prior to the procedure.


Best to check with your supervisor or account transcription guidelines to see which method they prefer, but I figured the BOS standpoint might be helpful.  Happy Holidays!


I would think tendinitis is preferred
Subject: I would think tendinitis is preferred

My Stedman's ortho book has main listing "tendinitis" with subentries under this spelling.  It also has "tendonitis" as a "variant of tendinitis" with no subentries.  As backup I checked Vera Pyle and the entry in the silver book is as follows:


tendinitis - not tendonitis (her italics)


which is preferred.. hiccoughs or hiccups?
Subject: which is preferred.. hiccoughs or hiccups?

nm
p.o. is preferred, but client preference
Subject: p.o. is preferred, but client preference

x
Is there a preferred way to type epo, Epo, EPO level? TIA.
Subject: Is there a preferred way to type epo, Epo, EPO level? TIA.

nm
disc has always been preferred in my experience
Subject: disc has always been preferred in my experience


esophagram possibly preferred?
Subject: esophagram possibly preferred?

Stedman's ENT word book has esophagram, and my Stedman's Electronic Medical Dictionary has esophagram with the definition but it also has syn: esophagogram, so both are used.
preferred is disk though for yrs I typed disc....
Subject: preferred is disk though for yrs I typed disc....


curet, curette - either/or? which is preferred and what is acceptable? nm
Subject: curet, curette - either/or? which is preferred and what is acceptable? nm

x


Steman's has presbyacusis as the preferred spelling,
Subject: Steman's has presbyacusis as the preferred spelling,

but presbycusis is the same thing.
Preferred is disk.--both eyes and back.
Subject: Preferred is disk.--both eyes and back.

x
I would type C34 a 2 mm; annular is the preferred sp; anular a variation.nm
Subject: I would type C34 a 2 mm; annular is the preferred sp; anular a variation.nm


Yes, just means far in the past. Also, should be *aortocoronary* (1 word preferred)
Subject: Yes, just means far in the past. Also, should be *aortocoronary* (1 word preferred)

x
Exactly. Disk is preferred but disc is also correct. So RELAX, people!
Subject: Exactly. Disk is preferred but disc is also correct. So RELAX, people!

Have a margarita or something, willya?

Thanks for the cite, CG!
Hurtle or Hurthle cell carcinoma? I find both. Whis is preferred
Subject: Hurtle or Hurthle cell carcinoma? I find both. Whis is preferred


Stedman's says ETOH is preferred but EtOH acceptable, awa E, ET and ETH. nm
Subject: Stedman's says ETOH is preferred but EtOH acceptable, awa E, ET and ETH. nm


which is preferred ~ diabetes mellitus type II or type 2?
Subject: which is preferred ~ diabetes mellitus type II or type 2?


my abbrev. book has EtOH - but I use ETOH - not sure which is preferred though
Subject: my abbrev. book has EtOH - but I use ETOH - not sure which is preferred though


may I just add something about AAMT...sm
Subject: may I just add something about AAMT...sm

While I used to respect the AAMT, the AAMT is not the end-all, be-all, and, in fact, prior to the late 1990s, their book was 80 pages long....


just my 2 cents....


According to AAMT and ..
Subject: According to AAMT and ..

the Pharmicist's association, q.d. is on the "dangerous abbreviations" list. So if you did shorten it to the abbreviation, it can only be "1 daily" or "1 every day"
And where did the AAMT
Subject: And where did the AAMT

get this information?
AAMT
Subject: AAMT

In my most humble opinion, I would think the AAMT BOS rules are set by AAMT, as Joint Commision accredits hospitals.  Some of the style guides that my account uses are actually requirements by Joint Commission, but not those specifically required by the BOS.  Anyone else have an opinion? 
I mean q.6h. (per AAMT)
Subject: I mean q.6h. (per AAMT)

nm
AAMT BOS
Subject: AAMT BOS


"I wrote him a prescription for 38 Tylox."  Am I supposed to type #38 or not?


 


Per AAMT
Subject: Per AAMT

Abbreviate units of measure, even if dictated in full, if they are accompanied by a numeral.

I would assume in your case since it is not accompanied by a number and has the word of between the two, then I would spell it out.
# according to AAMT
Subject: # according to AAMT

I type for a hospital so # are not written out.  I only have the first AAMT book.  In the new book, is it now standard to not write out #.  I am QAing a clinic where they told me to use my own judgement as half MT are writing them out and the other half are not.  What is new standard rule?
AAMT BOS
Subject: AAMT BOS

Use only with numerals. Use a lowercase x in expressions of area and volume, as a multiplication symbol, and when it takes the place of the word times.

A capital X is generally used to express magnification.

X30 magnification


x meaning by (dimensions)
Use a lowercase x to express by in dimensions.

Space before and after the x.

13 x 2 cm

x meaning for
When the word "times" is dictated and can be translated as for, it should be transcribed as for rather than using times or x.

D: The patient was given antibiotics to take times 2 weeks.
T: The patient was given antibiotics to take for 2 weeks.

x meaning times
When the word "times" is dictated and means the number of times a thing was done, the letter x can be used.

To keep this expression together and easily read as a unit, do not place a space after the x.

D: Blood cultures were negative times 3.
T: Blood cultures were negative x3.

Use the symbol x meaning times only when the x precedes a numeral.

D: Demerol was administered 3 times.
T: Demerol was administered 3 times. not ...3x.
Yes, BOS is from AAMT, but
Subject: Yes, BOS is from AAMT, but

what they base their decisions on I'll never know.

A new BOS is being written, and the new writers have some much better credentials than the former writers, so hopefully the new one will make actual sense. One can only hope.
it is CT per AAMT
Subject: it is CT per AAMT

x
AAMT BOS
Subject: AAMT BOS

affect, effect

These terms often sound alike when dictated, but their usage and meanings are not interchangeable. Affect is usually a verb, and effect is usually a noun. In medicine either of these terms may be a verb or noun, with a multitude of meanings, and their differences in usage and meaning should be learned.

affect
As a verb, affect (pronounced af-féct) means to influence or change.

She suffers from a neuropathy affecting her upper extremities.
The warm encouragement of the patient's wife positively affected his outcome.

As a noun, affect (pronounced áf-fect) means an expressed or observed emotion or feeling.

The patient displayed a flat affect.
Her affect did not change throughout the course of the interview.

effect
As a verb, effect means to bring about or cause to happen.

We plan to effect a decrease in the size of the tumor using adjunctive therapy.
The medication effected relief.

As a noun, effect means result.

The effect of the treatment was pronounced.
A mass effect was seen on x-ray.

Copyright (c) 2002 American Association for Medical
Transcription

It is confusing! I have been doing this for years and still have to stop and think at times. Good luck to you! You are getting into a great field of work! Hope you can get with a good company!
x3 per AAMT
Subject: x3 per AAMT


According to AAMT BOS use
Subject: According to AAMT BOS use

arabic numerals (not roman numerals) in this case.


See AAMT-BOS (sm)
Subject: See AAMT-BOS (sm)

Gleason tumor grade
Also known as Gleason score. The system scores or grades the prognosis for adenocarcinoma of the prostate, with a scale of 1 through 5 for each dominant and secondary pattern; these are then totaled for the score. The higher the score, the poorer the prognosis.

Lowercase grade or score, and use arabic numerals.

Diagnosis: Adenocarcinoma of prostate, Gleason score 8.
Gleason score 3 + 2 = 5.
Gleason 3 + 3 with a total score of 6.
without the S per AAMT-BOS (sm)
Subject: without the S per AAMT-BOS (sm)

eponyms
Names of entities—e.g., diseases, anatomic structures, operations, or tests— derived from the names of persons or places.

Homans sign
Lyme disease
Down syndrome


capitalization
Capitalize eponyms but not the common nouns, adjectives, and prefixes that accompany them.

Do not capitalize words derived from eponyms.

ligament of Treitz
red Robinson catheter
non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Parkinson disease but parkinsonism
Cushing syndrome but cushingoid

plurals
Do not use an apostrophe in the plural forms of eponyms.

Babinskis were negative.

possessive form
AAMT first advocated dropping the possessive form of eponyms in 1990. We adopted this standard because it promotes consistency and clarity. More recently, The AMA Manual of Style (1998), Stedman's Medical Dictionary (2000), and Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary (2000), have acknowledged the trend away from the possessive form.

It is important to note, however, that use of the possessive form remains an acceptable alternative if dictated and/or if indicated as the preference by employer or client.

Apgar score
Babinski sign
Down syndrome
Gram stain
Hodgkin lymphoma

In awkward constructions, such as when the noun following the eponym is omitted, the possessive form becomes preferred.

The patient's husband suffers from Alzheimer's.
AAMT says...
Subject: AAMT says...

AAMT under cancer classifications has it as grade 1.
AAMT says...
Subject: AAMT says...

AAMT under obstetrics has it as gravida 1 or G1
62 mL - according to AAMT - nm
Subject: 62 mL - according to AAMT - nm


From AAMT
Subject: From AAMT

fractions
Spell out or use numerals for common fractions. Use the dictation style as a guide.


An hour and a half before presentation, the patient slipped and fell.
or Approximately 1-1/2 hours before presentation... (if dictated "one and a half hours" or "one and one-half hours")
The glass was two-thirds full. or The glass was 2/3 full.
7/8-inch wound
a half-inch incision or a 1/2-inch incision (since it was dictated precisely)
about a half inch below the sternal notch (the word about makes this an imprecise measurement)
He smokes a pack and a half of cigarettes per day.
or He smokes 11/2 packs of cigarettes per day.
or He smokes 1-1/2 packs of cigarettes per day.


Copyright (c) 2002 American Association for Medical Transcription


Per my AAMT BOS, gm is acceptable, sm
Subject: Per my AAMT BOS, gm is acceptable, sm

but g is the referred method (no period), which is the way I type it, i.e. Valtrex 1 g

Of course, my BOS is not the newest version, so things could have changed.
FYI-AAMT BOS, edition 2
Subject: FYI-AAMT BOS, edition 2

Just thought I would pass on some information recently sent to me.


AAMT BOS  (Book of Style), 2nd edition


periods
Do not use periods within or at the end of most abbreviations, including acronyms, abbreviated units of measure, and brief forms. Use a period at the end of abbreviated English units of measure if they may be misread without the period. Better still, write out most English units of measure, thereby avoiding this use of a period at the end of an abbreviation.


wbc
WBC
mg
exam
prep
inch preferred to in. (Do not use in meaning inch without a period.)


However, use periods in lowercase drug-related abbreviations.
b.i.d.
q.4 h. = note it is "q.4" and then a space before the "h."
p.o.
p.r.n.


If a sentence terminates with an abbreviation that requires a period, do not add another period.
He takes Valium 5 mg q.a.m.
not He takes Valium 5 mg q.a.m..


plurals
Use a lowercase s without an apostrophe to form the plural of capitalized abbreviations, acronyms, and brief forms.
EEGs
PVCs
CABGs
exams


Use 's to form the plural of lowercase abbreviations.
rbc's
Use 's to form the plural of single-letter abbreviations.
X's


Hyphens and adjectives


15-year-old boy
The patient is a 33-year-old.
2-year 5-month-old child (note no comma in this)
5-1/2-year-old girl
1-month course
.38-caliber pistol - note no leading zero here - see below
two-thirds full
one-half normal saline
half-normal saline
She was panic-stricken
20-pack-year history
self-medicated
shell-like
 
For quantities less than 1, place a zero before the decimal point, except when the number could never equal 1 (e.g., in bullet calibers and in certain statistical expressions such as correlation coefficients and statistical probability).
0.75 mg
.22-caliber rifle


 


the new AAMT BOS says about numbers....sm
Subject: the new AAMT BOS says about numbers....sm

that you should use 4-5 and not spell out four to five.....all numbers now, even 1 through 9, should be numerals and not spelling out four, five, etc.