Medical shorthand and abbreviations are a fundamental part of clinical documentation, providing speed and efficiency for healthcare professionals. These brief codes allow for rapid, standardized communication of complex patient information in medical records. Among the most common abbreviations is Hx, the universal shorthand for a patient’s “History.” Hx acts as the starting point for nearly all patient assessments, signifying the collection of background data necessary for care.
The Meaning and Purpose of Hx
The abbreviation Hx stands for the patient’s medical history, a systemic record of past health events and general background. Gathering a comprehensive history is the first step a clinician takes, preceding a physical examination and laboratory testing. This collection of data provides context, helping to guide the diagnostic process by identifying potential risk factors and underlying conditions.
A thorough Hx includes information reported directly by the patient, such as details about the current concern, and facts compiled from existing medical records. This distinction is important because patient-reported symptoms are subjective, while documented records provide objective confirmation of past diagnoses and treatments. Reviewing the entire history allows the healthcare team to synthesize a cohesive narrative of the patient’s health trajectory.
Understanding Prefixes and Specialized Histories
In clinical practice, Hx is rarely used alone; it is paired with a prefix to specify the exact type of information being documented. These specialized histories ensure that records are organized and that all relevant health domains are covered during an assessment. The most frequently encountered variations of this shorthand are PMHx, FHx, SHx, and PSHx.
PMHx, or Past Medical History, records all previous illnesses, chronic conditions, and prior diagnoses a patient has received. This category includes conditions like hypertension or diabetes. PSHx, or Past Surgical History, specifically details any surgical procedures the patient has undergone, often including the date and reason for the operation.
FHx, or Family History, focuses on the health status of a patient’s immediate blood relatives. This information is useful for identifying genetic predispositions to conditions like certain cancers or cardiovascular disease. SHx, or Social History, covers aspects of a patient’s lifestyle that may impact their health. This includes details about:
- Occupation
- Living situation
- Tobacco use
- Alcohol consumption
- Recreational drug use
Hx in the Context of Other Medical Shorthand
Hx is part of a larger, interconnected group of abbreviations that represent the chronological flow of patient care. Understanding Hx is easier when it is placed alongside its common counterparts in a patient’s chart. These related terms are often found in the same section of a medical note, outlining the progression from initial complaint to final outcome.
Sx, or Symptoms, refers to the subjective evidence of disease reported by the patient, such as pain or fatigue. The clinician uses the patient’s Hx and Sx, along with physical exam findings, to arrive at a Dx, or Diagnosis, which identifies the nature of the illness. The Dx then dictates the final two steps in this sequence.
Tx stands for Treatment, which encompasses the management and care plan designed to combat the disease or disorder. This can involve procedures, therapy, or medication, the latter of which is often documented using the abbreviation Rx, for Prescription. The History (Hx) serves as the foundational data that informs the clinical process, leading to the Diagnosis (Dx) and subsequent Treatment (Tx) plan.