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What Does C/O Mean in Medical Terms?
C/O stands for complains of. Patient reports a symptom or problem.
complains of
Patient reports a symptom or problem.
Where you will see C/O
You will most often see C/O in medical charts and clinical notes.
Example
A chart note might use “C/O” as shorthand for complains of when documenting a patient's care.
Related abbreviations
- A&O x4 — alert and oriented times four (person place time situation)
- a.m. — ante meridiem (morning)
- A/P — assessment and plan
- AC — anterior chamber (eye)
- ACG — angle-closure glaucoma
- ACIOL — anterior chamber intraocular lens
- ACR — American College of Radiology (appropriateness context)
- acuity — patient acuity (severity level)
Browse the full Medical Abbreviations guide — 5,715 entries, searchable A–Z and by specialty.
Educational reference only. This guide is for learning and quick reference. Abbreviations vary between hospitals, countries and specialties, and some are discouraged because they can be misread. Always write and interpret orders using your own institution’s approved abbreviation list, and check anything unclear with the prescriber or your local policy.