What does "hx" refer to in a patient's medical record?

In the context of a patient's medical record, "hx" is an abbreviation commonly used to denote "history." This term typically refers to the patient's medical history, which includes past illnesses, surgeries, medications, and other relevant health information. Understanding a patient's history is crucial for healthcare providers as it informs clinical decision-making and helps to establish a baseline for evaluating current health issues or concerns. Recognizing medical abbreviations like "hx" is essential for interpreting medical records accurately and efficiently.