What does the abbreviation "h/o" stand for in medical documentation?

The abbreviation "h/o" in medical documentation stands for "history of." This term is frequently used by healthcare providers to indicate that a patient has a significant past medical condition or event. For instance, a provider might write "h/o hypertension" to signal that the patient has a history of high blood pressure, which is crucial information for understanding the patient's overall health and tailoring appropriate care. By documenting a patient's medical history accurately and concisely using this abbreviation, healthcare providers can enhance communication and ensure that important health information is conveyed efficiently.