Appointment Abbreviations: “Appt” and Other Shorthand on Reminders

“Appt”

Appt (sometimes appt.) is the usual abbreviation for appointment — you’ll see it in texts (“Reminder: appt tomorrow 9:30”), calendars and forms. The plural is appts.

Common scheduling shorthand

These are widely used, but organizations choose their own. Treat this as a guide, not a rule:

• Conf / confirmed — your appointment is confirmed.
• Resched / R/S — rescheduled, or a request to reschedule.
• Canc / cxl — cancelled.
• NS or no-show — recorded as not attended.
• TBD / TBA — to be decided / announced.
• ETA — estimated time of arrival (often in technician visits).
• Pls arrive 15 min early — check-in time is before the appointment time. See how early to arrive.
• Reply C to confirm / R to reschedule / STOP to opt out — instructions for automated text systems.
• ICS — a calendar file you can add to your calendar app.

Healthcare shorthand you may see

• NP — new patient (on schedules), though it can also stand for nurse practitioner.
• F/U — follow-up visit.
• PCP — primary care provider.
• AWV — often annual wellness visit.
• Tele / TH / VV — telehealth or video visit.
• Labs — blood or other lab tests, sometimes before the visit.
• NPO — nothing by mouth (no food or drink) — usually before a procedure or some tests. If you see this, follow the specific instructions you were given.

Because abbreviations like “NP” have more than one meaning, context matters. MedlinePlus encourages patients to ask questions until they understand what their provider tells them — that includes anything on a portal or appointment letter you aren’t sure about.

When the abbreviation matters

If an abbreviation could change what you need to do — fasting, bringing documents, arriving early — call or message the office and ask. It takes a minute and can save a wasted trip.

Scam check

Fake reminders sometimes use abbreviations to look official. If an unexpected message asks you to click a link or pay, read how to spot fake appointment reminders.