What does the abbreviation c/c commonly refer to in a clinical setting?

In a clinical setting, the abbreviation c/c commonly refers to "chief complaint." This term is used to describe the primary reason a patient seeks medical attention. The chief complaint is typically documented at the beginning of a patient's medical record and serves as a focal point for further history-taking, examination, and diagnostic evaluation. It helps healthcare providers prioritize the patient's needs and guides the medical assessment, making it a critical component of the patient encounter.

Understanding this concept is crucial for medical scribes, as accurately documenting the chief complaint sets the stage for the entire clinical narrative. It also ensures that all subsequent information gathered during the visit relates directly to the patient's primary issue, facilitating effective communication within the healthcare team.