What does "DOB" stand for in patient records?

In patient records, "DOB" stands for "Date of Birth." This abbreviation is crucial in healthcare documentation as it helps to accurately identify a patient and provide context for their medical history, treatment plans, and eligibility for services. Knowing a patient's date of birth is essential for differentiating individuals with similar names, ensuring that the correct medical information is applied to each patient, and fulfilling legal requirements for age-specific care.

Understanding a patient's age is vital for both clinical assessments and for applying age-appropriate medical guidelines and interventions. Age can influence a range of factors, including medication dosing, screening measures, and preventive care recommendations. Thus, the use of "DOB" is integral to maintaining clear and precise medical records.