Medical Lingo, Made Simple

Common terms

"Within normal limits" (WNL)

Your result falls inside the range most healthy people have. It doesn't always mean nothing is wrong, just that this particular test didn't show it.

Unremarkable

Nothing unusual was found. It's a good thing on a report, even though it sounds dismissive.

Negative / Positive

A negative result usually means the thing being tested for was not found. A positive result means it was.

Rule out (R/O)

Testing to cross a possible condition off the list.

Differential diagnosis

The list of possible conditions your provider is considering for your symptoms.

Idiopathic

The cause is unknown.

Etiology

The cause or origin of a condition.

Acute vs. Chronic

Acute means sudden and usually short-term. Chronic means long-lasting or ongoing.

Flare

A period when symptoms get worse.

Remission

A period when symptoms ease or go away.

Comorbidity

Having two or more conditions at the same time.

Prognosis

The expected course or outcome of a condition.

Contraindicated

A treatment or medication shouldn't be used for you because the risk is too high.

PRN

"As needed." A medication you take only when you need it, not on a set schedule.

Prior authorization

Your insurance company has to approve a test, treatment, or medication before they'll cover it.

Rare disease

In the U.S., a disease that affects fewer than 200,000 people.