What does c/o indicate in a medical context?

In a medical context, "c/o" stands for "complains of." It is commonly used in documentation when a patient expresses concerns or symptoms they are experiencing during their visit to a healthcare provider. This abbreviation is particularly helpful in clinical notes as it offers a concise way to convey the patient's primary issues or complaints directly related to their health.

For example, if a patient were to say they are experiencing chest pain, the provider might note this in the chart as "Patient c/o chest pain." This method allows for efficiency and clarity in the patient's medical record, facilitating better communication among healthcare professionals.

The other options do not accurately reflect the established meaning of the abbreviation in the medical field. "Course of" could imply a method or regimen, but it lacks the specific personal context of patient concerns. "Compare of" is not a standard medical term used in this way, and "care of" usually refers to the responsibility for someone else's care, rather than the expression of a patient's symptoms or concerns.