Abbreviating contractions

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Avoid the use of contractions in a formal medical-legal record, even if dictated. When possible, extend abbreviations that contain contractions, especially if they are slang or coined terms.

D: The patient can't recall when she last saw a physician.
T: The patient cannot recall when she last saw a physician.

D: The patient OD'd on heroin.
T: The patient overdosed on heroin.

EXCEPTION: Direct quotations. If contractions are used in a direct quote, transcribe as dictated.

The patient states "I ain't going to go in the hospital."
When asked about medications, the patient says, "I can't remember."

Given a choice between an abbreviation and a contraction, use the abbreviation.

cont. (rather than cont'd)
govt. (rather than gov't)

Respect a company's preference when it uses a contraction in its corporate name or in the name of a product.

Toys "R" Us
Sweet'n Low
Cap'n Crunch