Download KPCO Editorial Style Guide January 2014

brandcenter.kp.org
Editorial Style Guide
Updated: 1/14
Welcome to the Kaiser Permanente
Editorial Style Guide
When you are writing on behalf of Kaiser Permanente,
have you ever wondered:
• Can I use the term “Obamacare?”
• Are people’s job titles supposed to be capitalized?
• Do I have to spell out “Kaiser Permanente,” or is it ok to use “KP”?
This style guide provides guidance on style, grammar, terminology, and
usage. For detailed guidance on brand voice, please see the Brand Book or
visit the Brand Center at brandcenter.kp.org.
Please Note:
Due to the fact that the wiki is currently over 700 pages, we encourage you
to be environmentally conscious and not print the document.
A
A
a, an
a.m., p.m.
abbreviations, acronyms
above, below
absolutes
ACA
academic degrees
acronyms
Added Choice®
addresses
advance directives
advice nurse
adviser
affect, effect
affiliated community physicians
Affordable Care Act
African-American (n., adj.)
after hours (adv.), after-hours (adj.)
ages
AIDS
although, though
America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP)
American Association of Health Plans
American Express
American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO)
American Medical Association (AMA)
American Nurses Association (ANA)
American Specialty Health, Inc. (ASH)
among, between
ampersand
and, or
apostrophe
app
appointments
Asian-American (n., adj.)
assistant physician in chief
assure
asterisk *
asthma
asthmatic
attention deficit disorder (ADD)
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Avivia Health From Kaiser Permanente
a, an
a, an
Use a with words, abbreviations, or acronyms that begin with sounded consonants.
a historic building, a hotel, a book
Use a with words that begin with a you sound.
a utopia, a union, a unit, a European vacation
Use an with words or acronyms that begin with vowels or unsounded consonants.
an honor, an herb, an heiress, an emergency
If an abbreviation or acronym is pronounced as a series of individual letters, the choice of the article depends on the pronunciation of the first
letter.
An HIV test, an RHE brochure, a CDC guideline
If the abbreviation or acronym is widely pronounced as a word, the article is determined by the pronunciation of the word.
a NATO meeting, an OSHA regulation
See also academic degrees, addresses, months, recipes.
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abbreviations, acronyms
abbreviations, acronyms
For the sake of clarity, avoid using acronyms and abbreviations as much as possible. However, within the health care industry and Kaiser
Permanente,
acronyms and abbreviations abound — when using them, use sparingly.
Do not use internally created acronyms or abbreviations in external communications. Example: KP
For plurals, add an S without an apostrophe. Example: HMOs (not HMO’s)
If a speaker uses an abbreviation or acronym in a quote that does not appear elsewhere in the copy, and it is not immediately recognizable, follow
with a
definition set in brackets, or simply replace with a definition set in brackets.
“I checked his EMR [electronic medical record] and noticed the issue,” Dr. Bryce said.
“I checked his [electronic medical record] and noticed the issue,” Dr. Bryce said.
Acronyms
As defined by this style guide, acronyms (including initialisms) are formed from the first letter of a group of words.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Kaiser Permanente (KP)
United Kingdom (UK)
To avoid confusion, acronyms that spell real words and have less than three letters take periods.
United States (U.S.)
operating room (O.R.)
Exception: IT (for information technology).
Define and clarify acronyms as soon as they are introduced.
We have shared walking information with the Institute of Medicine (IOM) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Our cancer survival rates are among the best in the world as measured by SEER — also known as
Surveillance, Epidemiology, & End Results — and cancer registries.
Do not use an acronym unless it will be repeated more than twice in subsequent copy.
Extremely familiar acronyms generally do not need to be defined.
FBI, HIV, IBM
Headlines: Do not define acronyms, but be sure to define acronyms within the piece itself.
Wrong: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Releases Latest Flu Report
Right:
CDC Releases Latest Flu Report
Abbreviations
Abbreviations are shortened forms of a word or phrase. They take periods at the end.
Mister (Mr.)
Boulevard (Blvd.)
California (Calif.)
Single-letter directional abbreviations in addresses take periods. Multiletter directional abbreviations do not.
300 W. Main St.
500 NE Multnomah
Exceptions to the above guidance for abbreviations occur, so be aware of them. Some examples include:
Postal codes for states (CA, OH, MD)
ID (identification)
IV (intravenous)
OK (okay)
TV (television)
MD, PhD
For specific acronyms or abbreviations, see the full name of the organization listed in this style guide or in the AP Stylebook.
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above, below
above, below
On the Web, avoid using above and below unless the text you're referring to will definitely be displayed on the same page.
Avoid using above and below in multiple-page documents. Page breaks may change so what once was below may end up on the next page.
Use with caution: The centers listed below . . . Physicians listed above . . .
Preferred: The following centers . . . The list of physicians included here . . .
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absolutes
absolutes
Avoid using absolutes, such as always, every, all, and never, when describing Kaiser Permanente.
Right: And many of the services you might need are usually in the same location as your physician.
Wrong: And all of the services you might need are always in the same location as your physician.
See also superlatives.
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ACA
ACA
See Affordable Care Act.
academic degrees
academic degrees
Do not use periods in abbreviations for academic and professional degrees and titles.
MD, PhD, PharmD (not M.D., Ph.D., Pharm.D.)
Do not precede a name with a courtesy title for an academic degree and then follow the name with the degree's abbreviation.
Dr. Pam Jones or Pam Jones, MD (not Dr. Pam Jones, MD)
In text, use a person's full name followed by his or her degree in the first reference. In subsequent mentions, the courtesy title goes in front of the
last name. Use of the name in a headline counts as first reference.
First reference: Anthony Radcliffe, MD
Subsequent references: Dr. Radcliffe
In informal internal communications, even persons with doctoral degrees may be referred to by their first name on subsequent references.
First reference: Artie Southam, MD
Subsequent references: Artie
In general, use Dr. only with doctors who hold an MD. Some clinical departments, however, may choose to use Dr. for professionals who hold a
DO, OD, PhD, PsyD, DDS, etc.
An OD, RN, MD, etc., is a degree, not a person. Degree abbreviations should only be used following a person's name.
Right: Judy Jones is an optometrist. The nurse checked his blood pressure.
Wrong: Judy Jones is an OD. The RN checked his blood pressure.
Initial proper names of degrees. Master of Fine Arts
Lower case general types of academic degrees and use an apostrophe. Lowercase the field in which the degree was received, unless it is a
proper noun such as English.
master's degree in music; bachelor's degree
It is often not practical to include all degrees or certifications a person holds, so it is important to consider the context of your communication. In
general, do not include bachelor's degrees.
Include master's and/or doctorate degrees and professional certifications as relevant to the content of the communication. If a person holds both a
master's and doctorate in the same field, it is not necessary to include the master's degree.
When a person with a degree of any type is cited as a subject expert, also cite his or her field of expertise for clarity's sake.
Barry Jacobson, PhD, a mental health counselor at Beaverton Medical Office
Carol Smith, PT, a physical therapist at Rockville Medical Center
see also titles, academic; titles, jobs
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acronyms
acronyms
See abbreviations and acronyms.
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Added Choice®
Added Choice®
A Kaiser Permanente point-of-service plan in which members have the option to choose care from a Kaiser Permanente physician or outside
providers at the point of service.
Use ® symbol in first reference and any prominent references
Note: used only in Hawaii, Mid-Atlantic States, and Northwest.
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addresses
addresses (print style)
In general, follow Associated Press Stylebook. General AP guidelines, as well as exceptions, are outlined here.
Abbreviations:
In full addresses, abbreviate Ave., Blvd., and St. only.
393 E. Walnut St.
In general, spell out all other street descriptors (alley, court, drive, road, terrace, way, etc.)
Exception: In directory listings or other materials in which space is very limited, you can abbreviate the following location descriptors as indicated
below:
Apt.
Aly.
Bldg.
Cyn.
Cir.
Ct.
Expwy.
Fwy.
Hwy.
Pkwy.
Rd.
Ste.
Terr.
Way (do not abbreviate)
Fl.
When part of a formal street name without a number, spell out and capitalize:
Madison Avenue, Sunset Boulevard
When referring to more than one street, spell out but do not capitalize street descriptors:
between Burnside and Yamhill streets
Capitalize secondary address descriptors such as Building, Floor, and Suite.
When a suite number or other secondary address descriptor appears on the same line as the street address, separate it from the street address
with a comma. Drop the comma if the suite number is on a separate line.
500 NE Multnomah St., Suite 100
500 NE Multnomah St.
Suite 100
Use the two-letter post office abbreviation for states only when indicating a mailing address with ZIP codes.
393 E. Walnut St.
Pasadena, CA 91188
Numbers:
For numbered streets, follow standard AP numbers style.
4785 N. First St.
45 10th St.
Ordinals: Use ordinals in addresses (1st Floor), except when referring to the proper name of a department or building (First Floor Pharmacy).
Punctuation and spacing:
Do not use periods in directional abbreviations of more than one letter in addresses.
19500 SE Stark St.
110 Irving St. NW
Single-letter directional abbreviations in addresses take periods.
6847 N. Chestnut St.
No space between "P." and "O." in P.O. Box.
For business-reply mail addresses, U.S. Postal Service guidelines prohibit use of periods in all abbreviations.
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addresses (Web style)
In general, follow Associated Press Stylebook. General AP guidelines, as well as exceptions, are outlined here.
To enhance readability, use the standard block format, aligned to the left.
Doernbecher Children's Hospital
Oregon Health Sciences University
3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road
Portland, OR 97201
If you must list an address within a paragraph, use a sentence structure and separate the components of the address with a comma. No comma
between the state and ZIP code.
You can find medical services for children in the Portland area at Doernbecher Children's Hospital, Oregon Health Sciences University, 3181 SW
Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97201.
Abbreviations:
In full addresses, abbreviate Ave., Blvd., and St. only.
393 E. Walnut St.
In general, spell out all other street descriptors (alley, court, drive, road, terrace, way, etc.)
Exception: In directory listings or other materials in which space is very limited, you can abbreviate the following location descriptors as indicated
below:
Apt.
Aly.
Bldg.
Cyn.
Cir.
Ct.
Expwy.
Fwy.
Hwy.
Pkwy.
Rd.
Ste.
Terr.
Way (do not abbreviate)
Fl.
When part of a formal street name without a number, spell out and capitalize:
Madison Avenue, Sunset Boulevard
When referring to more than one street, spell out but do not capitalize street descriptors:
between Burnside and Yamhill streets
Capitalize secondary address descriptors such as Building, Floor, and Suite.
When a suite number or other secondary address descriptor appears on the same line as the street address, separate it from the street address
with a comma. Drop the comma if the suite number is on a separate line.
500 NE Multnomah St., Suite 100
500 NE Multnomah St.
Suite 100
Use the two-letter post office abbreviation for states only when indicating a mailing address with ZIP codes.
393 E. Walnut St.
Pasadena, CA 91188
Numbers:
For numbered streets, follow standard AP numbers style.
4785 N. First St.
45 10th St.
Ordinals: Use ordinals in addresses (1st Floor), except when referring to the proper name of a department or building (First Floor Pharmacy).
Punctuation and spacing:
Do not use periods in directional abbreviations of more than one letter in addresses.
19500 SE Stark St.
110 Irving St. NW
6847 N. Chestnut St.
No space between "P." and "O." in P.O. Box.
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advance directives
advance directives
Not advanced
Statements executed by a person, while of sound mind, as to his or her wishes about the use of medical intervention in the event of the loss of
personal decision-making ability. Advance directives is an umbrella term for all types of health care instructions, old and new, which may include
advance health care directive, durable power of attorney for health care, natural death act declaration, living wills, and verbal instructions.
Document titles vary by state.
All states and the District of Columbia have laws that permit individuals to sign documents stating their wishes about health care decisions when
they cannot speak for themselves. The specifics of these laws vary, but the basic principle of complying with the person's wishes is the same
everywhere.
See also Patient Self-Determination Act.
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advice nurse
advice nurse
An advice nurse is a registered nurse who is specially trained to help assess physical symptoms and provide advice over the phone, when
medically appropriate.
Always lowercase.
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adviser
adviser
Not advisor.
Exception: Use Advisor in name of KP's Web-based interactive tool Health Plan Advisor on kp.org.
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affect, effect
affect/effect
Affect, as a verb, means "to influence" or "to put on a pretense of."
The cost of the health plan will affect my decision; He affects an indifferent manner, but I know he really cares.
Do not use impact as a verb to mean affect.
Affect, as a noun, shouldn't be used except as a term in psychology to describe an emotional reaction associated with an experience.
Effect, as a verb, means "to cause."
Bernard Tyson will effect many changes at Kaiser Permanente.
Effect, as a noun, means "result."
The birth of their child had a profound effect on their lifestyle.
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affiliated community physicians
affiliated community physicians
Lowercase. Do not use in Southern Colorado. For Southern Colorado, use community providers.
Affordable Care Act
Affordable Care Act
The Affordable Care Act is the most widely recognized name for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, and should be used on first
reference. Use the full name of the act when context and clarity necessitate.
ACA is acceptable on second reference.
When not specifically referring to the act, it is acceptable to refer to the law generically (i.e., "health care reform," "new health care legislation,"
"health care law," etc.).
"Obamacare" is an informal term often used in a political context or setting. Avoid unless quoting someone. If the the term is essential, write
something with quotes around the word. For instance:
He spoke of the Affordable Care Act, which he referred to as "Obamacare."
African-American (n., adj.)
African-American (n., adj.)
Do not use as a blanket descriptor for black people, because many are not African-American, i.e., people of African descent born in the United
States. Unless you can be reasonably certain that the population you are writing about comprises only African-Americans, or individuals describe
themselves as such, use black.
Always capitalize and hyphenate.
The survey focused on 320 African-Americans.The risk factor is higher for African-American males.
See also black and ethnicity, nationality, and race.
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after hours (adv.), after-hours (adj.)
after hours (adv.), after-hours (adj.)
You can get urgent care after hours.
After-hours urgent care is available in some locations.
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ages
ages
Use numerals for all ages, except when the sentence begins with the age.
A 4-year-old boy ran in the race. Four-year-old boys are too young to run in the race.
Use hyphens for ages expressed as adjectives preceding a noun or as substitutes for a noun.
A 5-year-old boy won the race. The race is for 5-year-olds. The girl is 9 years old.
Decades are spelled without an apostrophe.
a woman in her 30s
When indicating a range of ages, the adjective "aged" or "ages" is not necessary.
women 50 to 75, not women aged 50 to 75
When indicating a specific, defined limit in age, the adjective "age" is not necessary.
women 50 and older, not women age 50 and older
In print copy, when indicating a range of ages in a chart or table format, use an en dash in place of to.
women 50–75, not women 50 to 75
In Web copy, when indicating a range of ages, even in a chart or table format, do not use an en dash (–) or hyphen in place of to due to
accessibility requirements.
women 50 to 70, not women 50–70
Do not use numerals for inanimate objects.
See also numbers.
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AIDS
AIDS
Acronym for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. AIDS is a disease caused by infection with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), a virus that
attacks the immune system. A person infected with HIV does not necessarily have AIDS. The term AIDS is applied only to the most advanced
stages of HIV infection.
He tested positive for HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus that causes AIDS.
HIV-positive, never HIV+.
Never HIV virus, as this is redundant.
The acronyms AIDS (not Aids) and HIV are acceptable in the first reference.
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although, though
although/though
Either use is OK.
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American Association of Health Plans
American Association of Health Plans
Do not use.
See America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP).
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American Express
American Express
American Express no longer requires the use of a registration mark with its name.
American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations
(AFL-CIO)
American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO)
Labor federation resulting from the 1955 merger of the two labor union organizations, whose mission is to speak for labor unions, the labor
movement, and American workers on issues affecting workers and the workplace. It is not a collective-bargaining organization.
AFL-CIO is acceptable on first reference.
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American Medical Association (AMA)
American Medical Association (AMA)
A voluntary trade association of practicing physicians that develops and promotes standards in medical practice, research, and education.
Spell out first reference; acronym OK for subsequent references.
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American Nurses Association (ANA)
American Nurses Association (ANA)
A full-service professional organization representing the nation's 2.6 million registered nurses through its 54 constituent state associations and 10
organizational affiliate members. ANA advances the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting the economic
and general welfare of nurses in the workplace, projecting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and lobbying Congress and regulatory agencies
on health care issues affecting nurses and the public.
Spell out first reference; acronym OK for subsequent references.
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American Specialty Health, Inc. (ASH)
American Specialty Health, Inc. (ASH)
Company with which Kaiser Permanente contracts to provide members access to discounts for chiropractic, acupuncture, and massage therapy,
and to provide preferred rates at select fitness clubs.
Spell out on first reference. Use ASH on second and subsequent references.
See also ChooseHealthy™.
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America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP)
America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP)
A national organization that represents and serves hospitals, health care networks, and their patients and communities. Formerly known as
American Association of Health Plans.
Spell out first reference; acronym OK for subsequent references.
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among, between
among, between
Between is used to express a relationship between two persons or things; among implies more than two.
The funds were divided between the corporation and the foundation.The funds were divided among the corporation, the foundation, and
designated individuals.
When the relationship involves two groups, the correct word is between.
Negotiations continued between the network and the committees of the three candidates.
Between is also correct when more than two things relate on a one-to-one basis.
The Secretary of State played a key role in negotiating a treaty between Germany, Great Britain, and France. (The treaty is between Germany
and Great Britain; it is also between Germany and France, and France and Great Britain.)
As with all prepositions, any pronouns that follow these words must be in the objective case.
among us, between him and her, between you and me
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ampersand
ampersand
Use the ampersand (&) in place of and sparingly.
Exceptions are:
when it is part of a company's formal name:
AT&T, Procter & Gamble, Oregon Health & Science University
in Web copy, for space considerations (such as, in drop-down menus)
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a.m., p.m.
a.m., p.m.
See time.
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and, or
and/or
Avoid whenever possible.
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apostrophe
apostrophe
Use the smart/curved apostrophe in printed materials. Use the straight apostrophe for website copy.
For usage, see dates, do's and don'ts, possessives.
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app
app
Short for application. Acceptable on first reference when referring to a program that runs on mobile devices.
appointments
appointments
When talking about our online appointment feature, be aware that the terminology of request appointments and schedule appointments varies
from region to region. Consult the wording currently available on the site.
If the wording must accommodate multiple regions, use request rather than schedule.
Request, view, and cancel routine appointments
Acceptable depending on region: Schedule, view, and cancel appointments
Asian-American (n., adj.)
Asian-American (n., adj.)
Always capitalize and hyphenate.
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assistant physician in chief
assistant physician in chief
Lowercase the medical specialty or subspecialty the physician is in charge of:
Brian Rubinstein, MD, chief of pediatric head and neck surgery at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.
Dave Newhouse, MD, GSAA, assistant physician in chief for marketing and diversity.
If the physician is in charge of a department, capitalize the name of the department.
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assure
assure
See ensure, insure.
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asterisk *
asterisk (print style)
Use asterisks sparingly. Parenthetical explanations, or brief explanations in the running text, are often preferable to using asterisks because they
provide the information inline, so readers do not have to search for the explanations located elsewhere.
However, when the explanatory information is long or complex, asterisks can be useful. Here are some guidelines:
Locate the asterisk at the end of the sentence whenever possible. On those occasions when the explanatory information relates to only a
portion of the sentence and not the entire sentence, it is OK to locate the asterisk within the sentence next to the relevant phrase or
clause.
This benefit is available to all members.*
The benefits materials (available to some members,* and all employees) are found online.
Always place the asterisk after punctuation (such as a period, comma, semicolon, question mark, or exclamation point), rather than
before it. Exceptions include the em-dash (---), in which case the asterisk should come first.
The asterisk explanation should always appear at the bottom of the same page as the asterisk. Generally, asterisks should hang outside
a flush-left edge. There is no space between the asterisk and the copy. Use a hanging indent when asterisk copy is longer than one line.
In text:
Request routine appointments and order prescription refills online.*
In footnote:
*Some services not available in all areas. Please contact Member Services for more information.
See also footnotes.
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asterisk (Web style)
Use asterisks sparingly. Parenthetical explanations, or brief explanations in the running text, are often preferable to using asterisks because they
provide the information inline, so readers do not have to search for the explanations located elsewhere.
However, when the explanatory information is long or complex, asterisks can be useful. Here are some guidelines:
Locate the asterisk at the end of the sentence whenever possible. On those occasions when the explanatory information relates to only a
portion of the sentence and not the entire sentence, it is OK to locate the asterisk within the sentence next to the relevant phrase or
clause.
This benefit is available to all members.*
The benefits materials (available to some members,* and all employees) are found online.
Always place the asterisk after punctuation (such as a period, comma, semicolon, question mark, or exclamation point), rather than
before it. Exceptions include the em-dash (---), in which the asterisk should come first.
The asterisk explanation should always appear at the bottom of the same page as the asterisk. Generally, asterisks should hang outside
a flush-left edge. There is no space between the asterisk and the copy. Use a hanging indent when asterisk copy is longer than one line.
In text:
Request routine appointments and order prescription refills online.*
In footnote:
*Some services not available in all areas. Please contact Member Services for more information.
Link the asterisk so that the user can click it to see the footnote.
Do not use asterisks to identify links to PDFs. Instead, use the diamond symbol. For more information about PDFs, see kp.org Web
Standards.
See also footnotes.
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asthma
asthma
Use asthma flare-up, not asthma attack.
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asthmatic
asthmatic
Do not use. Use person with asthma.
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attention deficit disorder (ADD)
attention deficit disorder (ADD)
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) encompasses attention deficit disorder (ADD) and ADD without hyperactivity. ADD is considered
older terminology and is not used clinically.
No hyphens.
Spell out first reference; acronym OK for subsequent references.
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attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic condition most commonly diagnosed in children and adolescents. The symptoms vary
and include behavioral problems such as inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and academic underachievement. ADHD encompasses attention
deficit disorder (ADD) and ADD without hyperactivity.
No hyphens.
Spell out first reference; acronym OK for subsequent references.
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Avivia Health From Kaiser Permanente
Avivia Health From Kaiser Permanente
Provides the same health and productivity management services as Healthy Solutions to employers and community health plans in states where
KP is not available. The program offers health coaches, health information, health tools, and a health assessment to provide care services for
people at every stage of health---from active "health seekers" to those with behavioral risk factors and those with advanced chronic conditions.
Formerly Kaiser Permanente Healthy Solutions, the name was changed to Avivia Health From Kaiser Permanente in April 2007 to describe only
the stand-alone product that is sold to medium and large groups for their employees outside Kaiser Permanente regions, as well as community
health plans. For details, see aviviahealth.com.
Note initial cap F on From.
Use full name on first reference; Avivia Health is acceptable on subsequent references.
See Kaiser Permanente Healthy Solutions
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B
B
back up (v.), backup (n., adj.)
because, since
behavioral health care services
below
benefits
benefit summary, Benefit Summary
best-practices guidelines (n.)
bimonthly
black
blood glucose (n., adj.)
blood pressure
blood sugar (n., adj.)
board admissible
board certified, board-certified (adj.)
board eligible
board of directors, Board of Directors
body mass index (BMI)
boldface
bone marrow (n., adj.)
brackets and parentheses
brand names
breastfed, breastfeed
breast milk
brokers
bulleted text
bullets
back up (v.), backup (n., adj.)
because, since
behavioral health care services
below
benefit summary, Benefit Summary
benefits
best-practices guidelines (n.)
bimonthly
black
blood glucose (n., adj.)
blood pressure
blood sugar (n., adj.)
board admissible
board certified, board-certified (adj.)
board eligible
board of directors, Board of Directors
body mass index (BMI)
boldface
bone marrow (n., adj.)
brackets and parentheses
brand names
breastfed, breastfeed
breast milk
brokers
bulleted text
bullets
back up (v.), backup (n., adj.)
back up (v.), backup (n., adj.)
John will back up Teresa as the lead on the project.
John is the backup on the project.
John is the backup project lead.
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because, since
because/since
Use because to show a cause-effect relationship.
She walked 30 minutes every day because it was good for her health.
Use since to show a period of time.
They've been friends since the first grade.
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behavioral health care services
behavioral health care services
Umbrella term used to describe services provided by our Psychiatry, Mental Health, Behavioral Health, Addiction Medicine, and Chemical
Dependency Services Departments.
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below
below
See above, below.
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benefit summary, Benefit Summary
benefit summary, Benefit Summary
Initial cap only when used as actual title of printed document. Note singular benefit.
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benefits
benefits
Usually plural in form when pertaining to health plan or insurance coverage.
benefits package, benefits coverage, health plan benefits, benefits manager.
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best-practices guidelines (n.)
best-practices guidelines (n.)
Note plural practices.
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bimonthly
bimonthly
Avoid using because readers will not know if you mean once every two months or twice a month.
Use once every two months or twice a month.
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black
black
Always preferred over African-American unless specific people describe themselves as African-American or you are talking about a specific
population.
See also African-American, Caucasian.
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blood glucose (n., adj.)
blood glucose (n., adj.)
No hyphen when used as a noun or an adjective.
The patient should have his blood glucose (or blood sugar) tested.
A blood glucose monitor was used to determine his blood sugar level.
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blood pressure
blood pressure
Use a slash between the two numbers. You don't need to include mmHg.
My blood pressure went from 140/110 to 115/70.
For Web content, consider repeating the blood pressure reading in parentheses. This can make it easier for visually impaired users employing
screen readers, which read all website copy out loud, to understand the information when it's spelled out exactly as most doctors say it.
A high blood pressure reading is between 160/100 (160 over 100).
blood sugar (n., adj.)
blood sugar (n., adj.)
No hyphen when used as a noun or an adjective.
The patient should have his blood glucose (or blood sugar) tested.
A blood glucose monitor was used to determine his blood sugar level.
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board admissible
board admissible
See board eligible.
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board certified, board-certified (adj.)
board certified, board-certified (adj.)
Board-certified physicians are physicians who have completed years of training in their specialty, such as cardiology or obstetrics, and then
passed the required certification test.
Hyphenate only when preceding a noun.
Our board-certified physicians are evaluated annually.
Our physicians are board certified.
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board eligible
board eligible
Board-eligible physicians have been approved by their specialty board to sit for the board-certification examination.
Avoid this term in member and consumer communications because it is not used by those outside the medical profession and could be
misconstrued (i.e., a member could think a board-eligible physician is actually board-certified).
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board of directors, Board of Directors
board of directors, Board of Directors
Lowercase when used generically. Capitalize only when citing the full, formal name.
The board of directors will meet next Monday.
The Permanente Medical Group Board of Directors will meet next Monday.
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body mass index (BMI)
body mass index (BMI)
Lowercase, no hyphen. Spell out in first reference. BMI is acceptable on subsequent references.
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boldface
boldface (print style)
When copy is set in boldface, any punctuation that directly precedes or follows it (quotation marks, parentheses, commas, periods, etc.) should
also be boldface.
Note: Copayments may be different for Medicare members.
Exception: Do not boldface punctuation marks immediately following a boldface Web address.
Order your prescriptions online at kp.org.
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boldface (Web style)
Boldface should be used sparingly. However, it may be used for urgent messages or to identify a question on "frequently asked questions" (FAQ)
pages.
When copy is set in boldface, any punctuation that directly precedes or follows it (quotation marks, parentheses, commas, periods, etc.) should
also be boldface.
Note: Copayments may be different for Medicare members.
Links
Links that stand alone may be bolded for emphasis. Do not use boldface for links that appear within text.
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bone marrow (n., adj.)
bone marrow (n., adj.)
Do not hyphenate when used as a noun or as an adjective preceding a noun.
The donor has healthy bone marrow.
He received a bone marrow transplant.
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brackets and parentheses
brackets and parentheses
Parentheses are preferable to brackets in body copy.
Use brackets, when necessary, to demarcate copy within parentheses.
However, for better reader comprehension, try to avoid this complicated construction and attempt a rewrite whenever possible.
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brand names
brand names
Capitalize brand names; lowercase generic names. Webster's Collegiate Dictionary lists generic names and some brand names.
Brand name: Advil
Generic name: ibuprofen
Kaiser Permanente does not endorse brand-name products, although it is sometimes useful to cite them. When citing brand names, use the
following statement:
Kaiser Permanente does not endorse the medications or products mentioned. Any trade names listed are for easy identification only.
Trademark and service mark symbols are not required with non----Kaiser Permanente brand names unless required in contractual agreements
with specific companies. Please see individual product name entries for guidance.
See also trademarks, service marks, HealthMedia.
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breastfed, breastfeed
breastfed, breastfeed
One word.
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breast milk
breast milk
Two words.
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brokers
brokers
Lowercase.
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bulleted text
bulleted text
See lists.
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bullets
Bullets
See main style guide entry for lists (bulleted)
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C
C
California (regions)
capitalization
capitation
captions
caregiver
care management
Care Management Institute (CMI)
CarePay®
Caucasian
cellphone
center of excellence, Center of Excellence
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
certified nurse-midwife (CNM)
certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA)
cesarean section (C-section), cesarean birth
check in (v.), check-in (n. and adj.)
checkup (n., adj.), check up (v.)
chickenpox
chi gong
child care (n., adj.)
ChooseHealthy™
chronic condition, chronic disease
city
city names
click here
client
clinic
clinical assistant
clinical practice guidelines, Clinical Practice Guidelines
clinician
coinsurance
colon
Colorado (region)
comma
community providers
Complete Care
compose, comprise
comprehensive care
congestive heart failure
Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA)
consumer-directed health care (CDHC)
Consumer Reports magazine
continually, continuously
continues on, continued from
copayment
copyright notice
Corporate or corporate America
cost share (n.), cost sharing (n.), cost-sharing (adj.)
county
co-worker
credentials, certifications
CT scan
Custom Care
customer
California (regions)
California (regions)
Preferred use of health plan names
Kaiser Permanente in California
Kaiser Permanente Northern California
Kaiser Permanente Southern California
Abbreviations for internal communications only
KP
KPNC
KPSC
Legal names
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc.
Kaiser Foundation Hospitals
Areas of service for commercial plans
Northern California: San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, Stockton, Fresno, and Modesto
Southern California: Major metropolitan areas from Bakersfield to San Diego
Medical groups
Southern California Permanente Medical Group
The Permanente Medical Group, Inc. (always capitalize The)
See California Regions under KP Regions, Health Plans and Medical Groups.
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capitalization
capitalization
Generally, limit use of capitalization to proper names and acronyms. Formal titles of regions, departments, committees, and programs should be
capitalized.
Right: Pediatrics Department
Wrong: pediatrics department
Do not capitalize the names of diseases, such as arthritis, emphysema, leukemia, anthrax, and pneumonia, unless the disease is known by the
name of the person identified with it (i.e., Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease).
Do not capitalize contracts or Evidence of Coverage terminology, such as group, member, or service agreement, when using that terminology in
other communications.
Do not use all caps or small caps for emphasis (unless required by legal); use italics or boldface. On the Web, boldface is preferred over italics.
Table headings: Use initial capitalization, not title capitalization, in table headings.
With punctuation
When punctuation, such as a slash ( / ), is used to offer choices or to separate alternatives (usually representing the words and/or or or),
lowercase the word that appears after the slash. This does not apply to department names.
Right:
Group/company name
Allergy/Immunology Department
Wrong:
Agency/Company name
Allergy/immunology department
See also specific categories, e.g., academic degrees, addresses, board of directors, brand names, department names, diseases, health
plan, titles.
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capitation
capitation
A stipulated dollar amount established to cover the cost of specified health care delivered to a person.
Avoid using this term unless the context requires it and it is clearly explained.
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captions
captions
All captions in one document should be either fragments (no period at the end) or complete sentences (with a period at the end).
Sally Smith poses with her award-winning pumpkin.
Sally Smith and pumpkin
If a caption has more than one phrase or sentence, use periods.
From left: Sally, Susie, and Sukey.Back row, from left: Bob and Bill.
Verb tense also should be consistent in captions. Present tense is preferred, except when the subject would render present tense odd.
Dr. Heidsieck practices at Salmon Creek Medical Office. (Present tense for action that is happening right now, but may or may not have happened
in the past, and may not happen in the future.)
Joyce King was a participant in the Starring Healthy Babies Program. (Past tense for actions that happened in the past, but that aren't true now,
such as this example of a caption accompanying a picture of mother and newborn, obviously no longer a participant in the at-risk pregnancy
program.)
Henry Austin has been a Kaiser Permanente member since 1994. (Present perfect tense for action that began in the past, is happening in the
present, but may not continue in the future.)
Pat Smith ceremonially begins work on Orchards Medical Office, which will be completed in two years. (Present progressive tense for action that
is happening now and will continue into the future.)
All numbers within captions are set in figures (even those from one to nine that are normally spelled out).
Dr. Nicholson has practiced at Kaiser Permanente for the past 8 years.
Terms such as top, bottom, left, right, above, and below are italicized.
Above left: George Hopkins, MD; right, Mary Smith, MD; below left, Janet Keig, RN; right, Frank Hill
Dr. Jones, left, and Dr. Stevens formally open the new pediatrics wing
Captions are more useful if they contain information relating to text, instead of merely labeling what is in the photograph.
Acceptable: Dr. Lee Dykstra
Better: Dr. Lee Dykstra was voted Outstanding Physician of the Year by his peers at Kaiser Permanente.
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caregiver
caregiver
One word.
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care management
care management
Lowercase. Coordinated health care for specific member populations, such as people with diabetes or asthma, that focuses on aggressive
prevention and health maintenance strategies designed specifically for that population. Also referred to as disease management.
Avoid using this term for member or consumer audiences, as it can sound clinical and institutional.
See also Kaiser Permanente Complete Care.
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Care Management Institute (CMI)
Care Management Institute (CMI)
The Care Management Institute, a partnership between the Permanente Medical Groups and Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, synthesizes
knowledge on the best clinical practices to develop integrated care management programs. It serves as a gathering point for coordinated learning
and the study of evidence-based approaches to superior clinical performance. Created in 1997, the Care Management Institute provides Kaiser
Permanente with resources and capabilities to ensure delivery of the highest quality and safest patient-centered care possible.
Spell out first reference; acronym OK for subsequent references.
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CarePay®
CarePay®
Former brand name of financial components of Kaiser Permanente's suite of consumer-directed health care products.
The CarePay name is no longer in use.
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Caucasian
Caucasian
Always capitalize.
Use Caucasian when identifying a population in a medical or other research study, or other similar reference. It is always capitalized because it is
derived from a geographic region, Caucasus.
Use white when identifying ethnicity generally, just as you would use black.
Right: In general, Caucasian men have heart disease at rates lower than for other ethnic groups.
Right: Both black and white staff and physicians attended the workshop
See also white
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cellphone
cellphone
Use preferred terms mobile phone, smartphone, or mobile device (depending on device capabilities).
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center of excellence, Center of Excellence
center of excellence, Center of Excellence
Initial-capped only when referring to a specific Kaiser Permanente facility.
The sickle cell program at our West Los Angeles Medical Center has been designated a center of excellence.
The Sickle Cell Center of Excellence at West Los Angeles Medical Center is excellent.
Kaiser Permanente has both external and internal centers of excellence that provide specialized care, including transplants, for members who
need procedures not performed within Kaiser Permanente. These centers of excellence are located at premier medical centers that are known
nationally for their expertise in particular clinical areas. Successful outcomes are predictably high, due to the volume of procedures performed and
the experience of the clinicians.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The U.S. Public Health Service's national agency for control of infectious and other preventable diseases. The CDC works with state health
departments to provide specialized services that the states are unable to maintain on an everyday basis. Formerly called Centers for Disease
Control.
Considered a singular entity and takes a singular verb.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is located in Atlanta.
Spell out first reference; acronym OK for subsequent references.
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Federal agency under the Department of Health and Human Services that administers Medicare and oversees states' administration of Medicaid.
Formerly known as the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA).
Spell out first reference; acronym OK for subsequent references.
CMS takes a singular, not a plural verb form.
Right: CMS oversees the Medicare program.
Wrong: CMS oversee the Medicare program.
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certified nurse-midwife (CNM)
certified nurse-midwife (CNM)
See nurse-midwife (NM).
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certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA)
certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA)
A registered nurse who has completed additional course work in anesthesia and graduated from a nurse anesthesia educational program
accredited by the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) and the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthetists Educational
Programs or its predecessor. Working in conjunction with a qualified physician, the CRNA administers anesthetics during surgical operations,
childbirth, and other medical and dental procedures.
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cesarean section (C-section), cesarean birth
cesarean section (C-section), cesarean birth
Use cesarean section on first reference. C-section may be used thereafter, with the C capitalized.
Cesarean birth is preferred in health education materials.
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check in (v.), check-in (n. and adj.)
check in, check-in
Two words with no hyphen when used as a verb.
Check in at the front desk when you first arrive for your appointment.
Hyphenate when used as a noun or adjective.
His check-in on the Foursquare app was seen by his friends. (noun)
His check-in time was moved forward by an hour. (adjective)
checkup (n., adj.), check up (v.)
checkup (n., adj.), check up (v.)
One word, no hyphen, when used as a noun or adjective.
She's due for her well-baby checkup.
Two words when used as a verb.
Your physician will check up on you after your surgery.
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chickenpox
chickenpox
One word.
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chi gong
chi gong
Lowercase. An ancient self-healing art form that focuses on the repetitive practice of simple movements.
Also called qi gong, chi gung, and chi kung.
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child care (n., adj.)
child care (n., adj.)
Two words, no hyphen, in all cases.
The company provides child care.
The company offers a child care program.
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ChooseHealthy™
ChooseHealthy™
One word. Formerly HealthyRoads. Use trademark symbol on first reference.
A complementary health program offered to Kaiser Permanente members through the American Specialty Health (ASH) network. Members can
get discounts on care by chiropractors, acupuncturists, and massage therapists, as well as health-related products from the ChooseHealthy
website. Members also can receive preferred rates at to ASH's national network of fitness clubs.
See American Specialty Health, Inc. (ASH).
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chronic condition, chronic disease
chronic condition, chronic disease
Avoid using these terms in member/consumer communications, as they can sound clinical and institutional. Instead, use ongoing condition.
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city
city
Capitalize city only when it is part of the official name of a city, organization, or political body.
The Los Angeles City Council, Salt Lake City, the city of Portland
Capitalize widely recognized names for sections of a city.
Lower East Side, East Los Angeles, Old Pasadena
See also geographic terms.
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city names
city names
Major United States cities can stand alone in copy without a state identifier if the population of each city, the population of its metropolitan region,
the frequency of the city's appearance in the news, the uniqueness of its name, and experience has shown the name to be almost synonymous
with the state where it is located.
Refer to AP Style's "dateline" entry for specific cities.
Exception to AP style: Washington, D.C. should not be identified as "Washington." It may be referred to as "D.C." upon second reference.
See also Washington, D.C. and District of Columbia.
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click here
Avoid using this phrase as a link. Because Web users tend to scan for links, try to make the link meaningful on its own. Meaningful links are also
important for accessibility reasons.
Right: Learn about Kaiser Permanente's roots in California.
Wrong: Click here to learn about Kaiser Permanente's history.
client
client
In national publications, do not use client to refer to Kaiser Permanente members because it implies a business relationship rather than a health
care relationship.
See also customer, employer, member, purchaser.
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clinic
clinic
This term can have negative connotations for some audiences, so avoid using it to describe a Kaiser Permanente facility unless it is part of the
proper name of a specific unit or facility. Instead, use the generic medical facility, medical center, or medical office as appropriate for your region,
or the full name of the facility (Carlsbad Medical Offices).
Exception: In Hawaii, clinic preferred for freestanding outpatient facilities.
See also medical office.
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clinical assistant
clinical assistant
Term for medical assistant in the Mid-Atlantic States region.
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clinical practice guidelines, Clinical Practice Guidelines
clinical practice guidelines, Clinical Practice Guidelines
Do not italicize. Capitalize if referring to specific Kaiser Permanente guidelines; lowercase when used generically.
Our clinical practice guidelines
Southern California Clinical Practice Guidelines
clinician
clinician
Can be used to refer to a physician or other health care professional.
See also doctor, physician, practitioner, provider.
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coinsurance
coinsurance
Not co-insurance.
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colon
colon
Use a colon to introduce a list or a series. However, do not use a colon to separate a verb or preposition from its object, or if the sentence reads
as grammatically correct without a colon.
Right: The speakers will be heard in this order: Dr. Sears, Dr. Colburn, Mr. Jackson.
Wrong: Tonight we will hear: Dr. Sears, Dr. Colburn, and Mr. Jackson.
When a complete sentence follows the colon, the initial word should be capitalized. When a fragment follows, it should be lowercased.
Our company has this motto: The customer is always right.
This is our company's greatest concern: our customer.
Exception: In headlines, the initial word following a colon may be capitalized.
Kaiser Permanente: A tradition of quality care
A colon at the end of a phrase introducing a list is acceptable, even if that phrase is not a full sentence, such as in the following example:
Benefits of joining Kaiser Permanente include:
See main style-guide entry for lists (bulleted).
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Colorado (region)
Colorado (region)
Preferred use of health plan name
Kaiser Permanente Colorado
Legal name
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Colorado
Areas of service for commercial plans
Denver, Boulder, Longmont, Colorado Springs and Pueblo
Medical group
Colorado Permanente Medical Group, P.C.
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comma
comma
In a series listing three or more elements, use a comma before the conjunction joining the last two elements. (Kaiser Permanente departs from
Associated Press style by preferring the serial comma.)
Residents have four-week rotations in orthopedics, physical medicine, and surgery.
Side effects may include headache, nausea, or dizziness.
Use a comma between the surname and initials designating a professional title.
Penny Wood, RN; Frank E. Murray, MD; Donna Smith, CPNP
Use a comma before and after the name of a state.
His records were mailed from our Fairfax, Virginia, office.
Exception: When writing a media-facing communication, follow AP Style and omit the serial comma in simple lists.
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community providers
community providers
Lowercase. Never use Kaiser Permanente before this term, as in Kaiser Permanente community providers, due to legal liability.
Complete Care
Complete Care
See Kaiser Permanente Complete Care.
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compose, comprise
compose, comprise
Compose means to create or put together. It may be correctly used in either the active or passive voice.
He composed a song. The medical group is composed of 2,000 physicians.
Comprise means to contain, to include all, or to embrace. Always use in the active voice.
Right: More than 2,000 physicians comprise the medical group.
Wrong: The medical group is comprised of 2,000 physicians.
To determine if you are using compose and comprise correctly, use the following guide:
The whole is composed of the many. The many comprise the whole.
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comprehensive care
comprehensive care
Do not use this term as a blanket statement for all care provided by Kaiser Permanente. Comprehensive care includes a broad range of
necessary medical services that have proven effective for diagnosing and treating certain diseases. It does not include experimental,
complementary, or alternative care methods.
However, you may use it when discussing certain disease paths.
Kaiser Permanente offers comprehensive care for women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Do not substitute benefits for care in comprehensive care.
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congestive heart failure
congestive heart failure
Use heart failure in health education materials.
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Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA)
Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA)
Federal law that permits certain people who lose eligibility under a group health plan to continue that coverage for a limited time without lapse.
Spell out first reference; acronym OK for subsequent references.
Cal-COBRA is a California state law that complements COBRA. Note the hyphen.
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consumer-directed health care (CDHC)
consumer-directed health care (CDHC)
Not consumer-driven health care.
A range of health care products that generally offer higher deductibles coupled with tax-advantaged financial tools such as health savings or
health reimbursement arrangement accounts. Members can use these tools to pay deductibles and authorized medical expenses.
Do not use this term for member or prospective member audiences because it is an industry term most people are not familiar with. Acceptable
for employer and broker audiences; acronym acceptable on subsequent references. Using the acronym on all subsequent references, however,
can be "jargony" and distracting. Consider using the full phrase on first reference in major sections of longer documents.
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Consumer Reports magazine
Consumer Reports magazine
Do not refer by name to Consumer Reports, Consumers Union (the magazine's publisher), "Consumer Reports Online," or the Consumers Union
website.
When referencing content from articles and studies published in Consumer Reports, refer to the source as America's leading consumer magazine.
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continually, continuously
continually/continuously
Continually means repeatedly with breaks in between: Sheila has to wind her alarm clock continually to keep it running continuously.
Continuously means without interruption, in an unbroken stream: A continuous stretch of windy road lay before them.
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continues on, continued from
continues on, continued from (print style)
See jump heads.
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continues on, continued from (Web style)
Avoid using continues on... or continued from... in Web text. If content on a particular page is long, and would be better served on multiple pages,
divide the content into topics and create a link to the additional text.
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copayment
copayment
The abbreviation copay is acceptable in all references, but the full word copayment is preferred on first reference.
For online communications, copay is used for space considerations and on second reference.
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copyright notice
copyright notice
Use the following notice in publications written and published by Kaiser Permanente (including PDFs published online), changing the year and the
health plan name as needed.
©2009 Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc.
Do not use ©2009 Kaiser Permanente.
Do not put a Kaiser Permanente copyright notice on materials that were wholly created by a non-Kaiser Permanente entity. If a publication
incorporates both Kaiser Permanente material and material created by another party, permission should be obtained from and credit given to the
non-Kaiser Permanente author.
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Corporate or corporate America
corporate/Corporate America
Both forms are correct, depending on the writer's intentions. In the majoriy of instances, "corporate" should be lower case, as is the case with
most adjectives modifying a proper noun.
This policy has yet to find favor within organized labor or corporate America.
However, in a few instances the phrase is used as a personification. Then it should be "Corporate."
This policy has yet to find favor within Big Oil or Corporate America.
cost share (n.), cost sharing (n.), cost-sharing (adj.)
cost share (n.), cost sharing (n.), cost-sharing (adj.)
Reserve this terminology for business and employer/broker audiences.
For member and consumer audiences, use the relevant term copay or coinsurance if discussing specific cost share.
When referencing cost sharing in general, use a less businesslike term, such as your share of the cost.
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county
county
Capitalize county only when it is part of the official name of a county or organization.
Orange County, the county of Hennepin, the County Commission
Lowercase the plural.
Westchester and Rockland counties.
See also geographic terms.
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co-worker
co-worker
Hyphenate.
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credentials, certifications
credentials, certifications
See academic degrees, titles of persons.
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CT scan
CT scan
Computed tomography scan. Formerly CAT scan. Abbreviation may be used without spelling out in first reference.
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Custom Care
Custom Care
This name is no longer used for Kaiser Permanente's suite of consumer-directed health care products.
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customer
customer
In national publications, do not use customer to refer to Kaiser Permanente members, as it implies a business relationship rather than a health
care relationship.
See also client, employer, member, purchaser.
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D
D
dash
dates
day care
days
deaf
deductible
degrees, academic
degrees, temperature
department names
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
DHMO
diabetes
diagnostic imaging, radiology
die of
dietitian
dimensions
diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP and Tdap) vaccines
directions
disabilities
disc, disk, diskette
discount, discount programs
disease management
diseases
District of Columbia
division
do's and don'ts
doctor
doctor appointment(s), doctor visit(s), doctor's office
doctor of optometry, optometrist (OD)
doctor of osteopathy, osteopath (DO)
doctor of pharmacy (PharmD)
doctor of philosophy (PhD)
doctor of psychology (PsyD)
dollar amounts
Down syndrome
drug encyclopedia
drugs
dues
durable medical equipment (DME)
durable power of attorney for health care
dash
dash (print style)
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dash (Web style)
See also hyphen.
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Dash test2
dash (print style)
em dash --An em dash is used to designate an interruption or break in a thought or phrase, such as an aside or an interjection. Use a space on either side of
the dash.
Will he — can he — obtain the necessary signatures?
An em dash is also used to introduce a digression or an explanation for emphasis.
The physician spent much time explaining the operation — an operation that would, he hoped, put an end to the pain.
Do not use two hyphens (--) in place of an em dash.
en dash -Use the en dash to connect continuing or inclusive numbers, such as dates, times, or reference numbers. No spaces around the en dash.
May-June 2010; 10 a.m.2 p.m.; pages 38-45
Use the en dash to join prefixes to open compound nouns (two words that are considered a unit).
non--Kaiser Permanente hospital
A hyphen is smaller than an en dash; they should not be used interchangeably.
dates
dates
Do not use an apostrophe between a decade and the s.
Right: 1950s
Wrong: 1950's
Use figures and an initial apostrophe when the century is omitted.
Right: The '60s
Wrong: The 60s, the 60's
Do not use -st, -nd, -rd, or -th with dates.
Right: June 3, 1982
Wrong: June 3rd, 1982
A comma separates the day from the year and the year from the rest of the sentence.
The minutes were from the April 4, 1998, meeting.
When a month and year appear alone, no comma is needed.
April 1998
In running text, spell out months and days.
Right: They got married on Tuesday, January 4.
Wrong: They got married on Tues., Jan. 4.
In Web copy, do not use a dash to indicate a span of time. For accessibility reasons, we are required instead to use to or through.
Wrong: May 5–10
Right: May 5 to 10
Use nd, th only when the numeral precedes the month. Do not use superscript.
Right: The 24th of September
Right: September 24
If your version of Microsoft Word automatically superscripts nd, rd, and th, make sure your AutoCorrect preferences are not set to "replace
ordinals with superscript." Go to Tools>AutoCorrect>AutoFormat As You Type.
See also months.
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day care
day care
Two words, no hyphen, in all cases.
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days
Do not abbreviate days of the week in text, unless necessary for space considerations (as in tables).
Right: Friday, Sunday
Wrong: F, Sun.
In Web copy, when signifying a range with days of the week, use through and spell out the days.
The clinic is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time.
deaf
deaf
Generally used for people who are totally without hearing.
Hard of hearing, not hearing impaired, is the correct term for people who have a limited ability to hear.
See also disabilities, TTY.
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deductible
deductible
The amount an insured person pays for covered services within a calendar year before an insurance carrier provides those services at a
copayment or coinsurance.
Back to D
degrees, academic
degrees, academic
See academic degrees.
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degrees, temperature
degrees, temperature
See temperature.
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department names
department names
Capitalize the formal names of departments.
Member Services Department, Podiatry Department, Pediatrics and Podiatry Departments, Department of Internal Medicine
When referring to a medical specialty, however, lowercase the term:
He is board certified in podiatry.
When referring to department names in general, lowercase.
The psychiatry departments at our medical centers.
Capitalize the names of departments when referencing titles (lowercase titles):
Dave Briar, director, Product Development
See also medical specialties.
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Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Government agency that provides medical services, assistance with housing in the form of home loans, and education benefits to veterans.
Formerly known as the Veterans Administration.
No apostrophe. Spell out first reference; acronym OK for subsequent references.
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DHMO
DHMO
Kaiser Permanente's deductible HMO product line. Do not use DHMO with member or prospective member audiences; instead use our deductible
products.
Acceptable for use with external business audiences: Use Deductible HMO as first reference and DHMO in second and subsequent references.
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diabetes
diabetes
Lowercase, Arabic numerals.
Right: type 1 and type 2 diabetes
Wrong: Type I and Type II diabetes
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diagnostic imaging, radiology
diagnostic imaging, radiology
Radiology refers to noninvasive studies of the body using radiation, such as X-ray and CT.
Diagnostic imaging is a broader term that includes newer modalities that don't use radiation, such as MRI and ultrasound.
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die of
die of
Not die from.
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dietitian
dietitian
Not dietician.
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dimensions
dimensions
See measurements.
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diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP and Tdap) vaccines
diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP/Tdap) vaccines
The DTaP vaccine is used to immunize children up to age 7 against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. Tdap is a slightly different version of the
vaccine and is for adolescents, teenagers, and adults 10 years and older.
The DTaP vaccine is a new version of the DTP vaccine (which is no longer in use in the United States) and is less likely to cause some of the
immediate side effects that could occur after a DTP vaccine.
NOTE: “DTaP” and “Tdap” with upper- and lower-case variations are correct; Tdap vaccine should be spelled out as "tetanus, diphtheria, and
pertussis" vaccine.
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directions
directions
See geographic terms.
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disabilities
disabilities
Use "person-first" language and avoid using adjectives when describing a person or people with a disability.
Right: We offer TTY services for members who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired. The ramp is for people with disabilities. He has a
disability.
Wrong: We offer TTY services for deaf members. We offer TTY services for the deaf. She is diabetic. He is disabled.
These are examples of appropriate ways to describe people with disabilities:
• person with a disability (not disabled people or the disabled)
• people who are physically impaired
• members who are blind
• people with AIDS (not AIDS victims)
• people with a developmental disability (not challenged or retarded)
• persons with diabetes (not diabetics or persons suffering from diabetes)
Do not use these terms when referring to people with disabilities:
• crippled
• lame
• retarded
• deaf and dumb
• wheelchair-bound
• suffering from
• afflicted with
• stricken with
• victim of
For more detailed information on writing about people with disabilities, refer to the National Organization on Disability at nod.org.
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disc, disk, diskette
disc, disk, diskette
Use the preferred spelling disk for most situations.
Herniated disk, intervertebral disk, hard disk, fixed disk, disk drive, magnetic disk storage device
Use the spelling disc only for the following: compact disc, disc brake, disc jockey, laserdisc, and videodisc.
Use the word diskette only when referring to floppy diskette (it is not synonymous with disk).
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discount, discount programs
discount, discount programs
The Department of Managed Health Care, our California regulator of health plans under the Knox-Keene Act, claims that using discount to
describe member programs could be considered an unfair enticement for nonmembers to join Kaiser Permanente. Do not use discount to
describe gym memberships, optical services, acupuncture, massage, etc.
Online "My health manager" features and HealthMedia programs are not considered discount member programs.
disease management
disease management
See care management.
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diseases
diseases
Do not capitalize the names of diseases, such as arthritis, emphysema, leukemia, anthrax, and pneumonia, unless the disease is known by the
name of the person identified with it (i.e., Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease).
When a disease is known by the name of a person identified with it, capitalize only the individual's name. Do not use the individual's name alone.
Right: She was diagnosed with Tourette's syndrome. Parkinson's disease is a disorder of the brain.
Wrong: Early diagnosis and treatment can help with the symptoms of Alzheimer's.
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District of Columbia
District of Columbia
Abbreviate as D.C. with periods when used in conjunction with Washington.
Right: The meeting was held in Washington, D.C.
Right: Kaiser Permanente has facilities in nine states and the District of Columbia.
See also Washington, D.C.
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division
division
Kaiser Permanente no longer refers to specific geographical areas of the Program as divisions.
See region.
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doctor
doctor
Physician is generally the preferred term. Doctor can be used instead of physician if copy has made clear that you're talking about a doctor of
medicine (MD) or osteopathy (OD) and not a chiropractor or PhD in another discipline.
Doctor is preferred when needed to accurately reflect verbiage of certain offerings, such as "Email your doctor's office."
See also clinician, health care professional, medical professional, physician, practitioner, provider.
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doctor appointment(s), doctor visit(s), doctor's office
doctor appointment(s), doctor visit(s), doctor's office
Not doctor's appointment or doctor's visit. These are colloquial and in common use, but grammatically incorrect.
Although doctor appointment and doctor visit are grammatically correct, they can read awkwardly. Recast the sentence whenever possible to
avoid this construction.
But doctor's office is correct because it is a possessive (the office of the doctor).
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doctor of optometry, optometrist (OD)
doctor of optometry, optometrist (OD)
Person trained and licensed to examine and test the eyes and to treat visual defects by prescribing corrective lenses and other optical aids.
See also ophthalmologist.
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doctor of osteopathy, osteopath (DO)
doctor of osteopathy, osteopath (DO)
Licensed physicians who diagnose and treat medical conditions, prescribe drugs, and perform surgery. Like medical doctors, osteopaths have a
four-year undergraduate degree with an emphasis on science courses, and complete four years of basic medical education, an internship, and
possibly a residency in a specialty area of medicine.
In addition, osteopaths receive extra training in the musculoskeletal system and place a greater emphasis on understanding the relationship
between the organs, muscles, nerves, tissues, bones (such as those that surround the spine), and tendons, than on traditional medical training.
Osteopaths, like medical doctors, must also pass state licensing examinations.
Osteopaths practice a "whole person" approach to medicine and focus on preventive health care.
See also osteopathy.
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doctor of pharmacy (PharmD)
doctor of pharmacy (PharmD)
Person who has completed a six-year course of study at a university-level school of pharmacy and is licensed to prepare, preserve, compound,
and dispense medical drugs.
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doctor of philosophy (PhD)
doctor of philosophy (PhD)
Degree granted to someone who has undertaken original research in a special subject field in the sciences or humanities, passed the required
examinations, and prepared and successfully defended a thesis based on original research that makes a significant contribution to knowledge in
the field.
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doctor of psychology (PsyD)
doctor of psychology (PsyD)
Doctorate degree in psychology that focuses more on clinical practice than research.
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dollar amounts
dollar amounts
See money.
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do's and don'ts
do's and don'ts
Use apostrophes in both words.
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Down syndrome
Down syndrome
Chromosomal disorder first reported in 1866 by Dr. J. Langdon Down.
Not Down's syndrome or mongolism.
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drug encyclopedia
drug encyclopedia
When referring to the drug encyclopedia feature on kaiserpermanente.org, lowercase except when it is the first word in a sentence or heading, in
which case use sentence style, with Drug capitalized. Although the drug encyclopedia is not owned by Kaiser Permanente, it is acceptable to call
it our drug encyclopedia, but not Kaiser Permanente drug encyclopedia.
drugs
drugs
Drugs or medications are the preferred terms, although medicines may be used if the words drugs or medications are repeated several times
close together in text.
Avoid using the word kill when referring to drug actions. Use halt or suppress instead.
Right: The drug did not suppress the virus.
Wrong: The drug did not kill the virus.
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dues
dues
Do not use for any audience when referring to members' payments for coverage or employers' payments to Kaiser Permanente. Research
indicates this term is perceived as contrived and misleading.
See also premiums, rates.
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durable medical equipment (DME)
durable medical equipment (DME)
Equipment that can stand repeated use, is primarily and customarily used to serve a medical purpose during illness or injury, and is appropriate
for use at home. Examples include hospital beds, wheelchairs, and oxygen equipment.
Spell out first reference; acronym OK for subsequent references.
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durable power of attorney for health care
durable power of attorney for health care
See advance directives.
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E
E
ee.g.
each other, one another
ECG, EKG (electrocardiography, electrocardiogram)
ECHO (echocardiography)
Educational Theatre Program
effect
either
elder care
electronic health record (EHR)
electronic medical record
ellipsis ( ... )
email (n., v.)
email my doctor, email your doctor's office
em dash
emergency
Emergency Department
emergency medical technician (EMT)
employer
en dash
end-stage renal disease (ESRD)
ensure, insure, assure
enterprisewide
epidemiology
esthetician
etc.
ethnicity, nationality, and race
euphemisms
eValue8 ™
evidence-based medicine
evidence of coverage (EOC), Evidence of Coverage (EOC)
excellent
exclamation point
explanation of benefits (EOB)
extension or ext.
extranet
eye care
eyeglasses
eyewear
ee-
Prefix meaning electronic.
Hyphenate in most instances: e-newsletter, e-commerce; do not hyphenate email.
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each other, one another
each other, one another
Two people look at each other. More than two people look at one another.
The two sisters help each other. We interns help one another.
Either phrase may be used when the number is indefinite.
We help each other. We help one another.
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ECG, EKG (electrocardiography, electrocardiogram)
ECG, EKG (electrocardiography, electrocardiogram)
Device for recording changes in the electrical energy produced by the action of heart muscles. Used to diagnose abnormal cardiac rhythm and
myocardial damage.
Spell out on first reference; acronym OK on subsequent uses. Both forms acceptable.
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ECHO (echocardiography)
ECHO (echocardiography, electrocardiogram)
Ultrasound image of the structure of the heart. Used to detect structural abnormalities of the heart wall, valves, and blood vessels.
Spell out first reference; acronym OK for subsequent references.
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Educational Theatre Program
Educational Theatre Program
Theatre is spelled with an re when part of the program name.
When theater is used generically, it is spelled with an er.
Kaiser Permanente’s Educational Theatre Programs brings free theatrical programs to schools and communities.
The play was performed at a local community theater.
In the Southern California Region, the program’s official name is Educational Theatre.
effect
effect
See affect/effect.
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e.g.
e.g.
Exempli gratia, meaning "for example." Avoid using in external communications, if possible. Use for example instead. Comma follows.
The vet specializes in small animals (e.g., cats, birds, and small dogs).The vet specializes in small animals; for example, cats, birds, and small
dogs.
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either
either
Often used inappropriately for both or each.
Wrong: There were flowers on either side of the path.
Right: There were flowers on each side of the path.
Right: There were flowers on both sides of the path.
Right: You can plant flowers on either side of the path.
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elder care
elder care
Two words.
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electronic health record (EHR)
electronic health record (EHR)
An electronic patient history; Kaiser Permanente HealthConnect® is one example. Electronic health record is the most inclusive term,
encompassing both the electronic medical record (referencing the clinical record) and the personal health record (referencing the patient-facing
record).
When referencing a member's record, use electronic health record. When referring to Kaiser Permanente HealthConnect, use electronic health
record system. Do not initial cap; do not use periods in the acronym.
Example:
She joined Kaiser Permanente because of their electronic health record (EHR) system.
Your team has access to your electronic health record when receiving care at Kaiser Permanente facilities.
See also Kaiser Permanente HealthConnect®
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electronic medical record
electronic medical record (EMR)
An electronic patient history. Electronic medical record refers to the clinical patient record used by caregivers. Kaiser Permanente
HealthConnect® should be referred to as an electronic health record, because it is made up of both an electronic medical record (referencing the
clinical record) and a personal health record (referencing the patient-facing record).
Lowercase in a sentence; do not use periods in the acronym.
Example: Kaiser Permanente was one of the first health systems to use an electronic medical record (EMR).
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ellipsis ( ... )
ellipsis ( ... )
An ellipsis is a row of three dots that indicates an omission of words within a sentence or between sentences. It can also be used to indicate a
pause for emphasis. Also, use a terminal period with the ellipsis when you are ending a sentence. If you are using the ellipses at the end of a
sentence for a trailing thought, do not use a period.
Note: When using an ellipsis, insert spaces on either side of the ellipsis.
Trailing thoughts (do not use a period):
They said the elements included ... a variety of attributes.
And now, announcing a breakthrough in savings ...
Ending a sentence (use a period):
It was said that the ends justified the means. ... Our resources limited the results.
"According to the IRS instructions, the limitations on lines 5 and 11 apply to the taxpayer. ... If you have more than one business, you may
allocate an expense deduction."
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email (n., v.)
email (n., v.)
Lowercase; no hyphen. Do not italicize, underline, or capitalize any part of email addresses in text. For easy reference in text, single email
addresses may be bolded or colorized if it does not create a visual distraction on the page.
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email my doctor, email your doctor's office
email my doctor, email your doctor's office
No hyphen in email. Exact wording varies by region; check kaiserpermanente.org for current usage examples.
em dash
em dash
See dash.
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emergency
emergency
Do not use emergent care.
The definition of what constitutes an emergency and the guidelines for communicating this may vary from one Kaiser Permanente region to
another; therefore, be sure you are defining the term correctly for your particular audience.
Avoid phrases like We provide emergency care. Use We provide coverage for emergency treatment. When possible, add See your plan
documents for details and limitations.
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Emergency Department
Emergency Department
Use Emergency Department, not emergency room or ER.
Do not use the acronym (ED) in external publications; spell it out. "Emergency room" should appear only in instances, such as advertorials, where
the patient voice is used (since most consumers do not naturally employ the term "emergency department").
Formal names of departments are capitalized. When referring to department names in general, lowercase.
See also department names.
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emergency medical technician (EMT)
emergency medical technician (EMT)
Specially trained medical technician licensed to provide basic emergency services before and during transportation to a hospital.
Spell out first reference; acronym OK for subsequent references.
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employer
employer
Used to describe companies that purchase Kaiser Permanente health plans for their employees.
Do not use purchaser externally because that term refers to how KP sees employers, not how they see themselves.
See also purchaser.
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en dash
en dash (print style)
See dash.
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en dash (Web style)
Do not use en dashes on kp.org.
See dash.
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end-stage renal disease (ESRD)
end-stage renal disease (ESRD)
Advanced kidney disease or renal impairment, which is almost always irreversible. People with ESRD require dialysis or kidney transplantation to
survive.
Spell out first reference; acronym OK for subsequent references.
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ensure, insure, assure
ensure, insure, assure
Avoid these terms, since they may imply a legal guarantee. Depending on the context, use allow, provide, strive to provide, designed to promote,
or promotes.
If you must use these terms, use them as follows:
Use ensure to mean "guarantee" or "make sure."
We took steps to ensure the accuracy of the document.
Use insure for references to insurance.
The policy insures his life.
Use assure for removing doubt and informing positively.
He assured me that he would be on time.
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enterprisewide
enterprisewide
Do not use to describe Kaiser Permanente. Preferred term is Programwide (for internal use only).
See Programwide.
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epidemiology
epidemiology
Study of how disease is distributed in populations and of the factors that influence or determine this distribution.
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esthetician
esthetician
Not aesthetician.
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etc.
etc.
Should be set off by commas. Use sparingly.
It had all the marks of a true city: crime, smog, traffic, etc., but no 24-hour coffee shop was in sight.
Do not use etc. in a list of examples when you are also using such as, because it is redundant.
Right: painkillers such as ibuprofen and aspirin
Wrong: painkillers such as ibuprofen, aspirin, etc.
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ethnicity, nationality, and race
ethnicity, nationality, and race
Ethnicities, nationalities, and races are capitalized when they refer to specific racial, linguistic, religious, and geographic designations, such as
African-American, Arab, Asian, Caucasian, Jewish, Latino, and Native American.
However, lowercase terms such as white or black.
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euphemisms
euphemisms
"Soft" or unobjectionable terms used in place of a more direct or possibly objectionable term. Avoid using euphemisms in most cases.
died, not passed away
overweight or obese, not chubby, portly, or plump
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eValue8 ™
eValue8 ™
An assessment tool of the National Business Coalition on Health (NBCH) that provides the leading evidence-based request-for-information tool for
comparing health plan performance. Standardized performance reports are prepared for HMO/POS plans as well as for PPO plans and networks.
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evidence-based medicine
evidence-based medicine
Conscientious, explicit, and judicious use of current best evidence in making clinical decisions about the care of individual patients. Avoid using
this term in member/consumer communications. Instead, use medicine based on current research or similar terminology.
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evidence of coverage (EOC), Evidence of Coverage (EOC)
evidence of coverage (EOC), Evidence of Coverage (EOC)
Document containing information that Kaiser Permanente is required by law to provide to members who have enrolled in our health plan. It is the
legal "evidence" of what coverage, services, and benefits have been contracted.
Spell out first reference; acronym OK for subsequent references. Capitalize and italicize when referring to a particular document.
Exception: In Hawaii, the evidence of coverage document for non-Medicare members is called the Member Handbook.
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excellent
excellent
Use care this term in describing Kaiser Permanente's quality of care or physicians, or avoid it altogether. Legal restrictions on such claims and
assertions vary by KP region.
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exclamation point
exclamation point
Use sparingly.
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explanation of benefits (EOB)
Explanation of Benefits (EOB)
Written document sent to health plan members after a claim has been processed, showing the dates of service, the provider, the services
performed, and the provider's fees. Also shows how much the health plan paid the provider, the charges not covered, and any additional amount
the member may owe.
Spell out first reference; use initial caps because it is the proper name of a document. Acronym OK for subsequent references.
The member received the Explanation of Benefits in the mail.
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extension or ext.
extension, ext.
Lowercase.
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extranet
extranet
Extension of an organization's intranet that gives authorized outsiders (for example, customers, suppliers, or business partners) controlled access
to parts of the intranet.
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eye care
Two words.
eyeglasses
One word.
eyewear
One word.
F
F
facility
facility names
family practitioner
FAQ
farmers market
farther, further
fax (n., v.)
FDA
Federal, federal
Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB)
federally qualified
fee-for-service reimbursement
fewer, less
first aid kit
flier
follow up (v.), follow-up (n., adj.)
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
foot care (n., adj.)
footnotes
formulary (drug)
fractions
free
front-line, front line
facility
facility
Lowercase.
See also medical center, medical office.
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facility names
facility names
See clinic, medical center, medical office.
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family practitioner
family practitioner
Primary care physician or general practitioner who has completed a three-year residency and cares for patients of all ages with a variety of
medical conditions. Also known as a family practice physician or family medicine physician.
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FAQ
FAQ
Short for frequently asked questions. Do not use acronym. Preferred term is Q&A.
See Q&A.
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farmers market
farmers market
No apostrophe.
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farther, further
farther, further
Farther refers to physical distance.
He walked farther into the cave.
Further refers to metaphorical distance, an extension of time or degree.
She chose not to pursue the matter further.
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fax (n., v.)
fax (n., v.)
Acceptable as a short version of facsimile or facsimile machine. Lowercase.
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FDA
FDA
See Food and Drug Administration.
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Federal, federal
Federal, federal
Capitalize when part of the formal name of a corporation or government organization.
Federal Express, the Federal Trade Commission
Capitalize when referring to the federal government as an employer group.
These special services are available to Federal employees.
Lowercase when used as an adjective to distinguish from a state, county, city, town, or private entity.
The federal government banned assault weapons.
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Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB)
Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB)
A wide range of health plan options provided to Federal employees, including point-of-service, HMO, and fee-for-service.
Spell out first reference; acronym OK for subsequent references.
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federally qualified
federally qualified
Important legal mandate:
Use nonprofit, federally qualified health plan when describing Kaiser Permanente's status of being both nonprofit and federally qualified.
Right: Kaiser Permanente is a nonprofit, federally qualified health plan that has contracted with the federal government to provide or arrange all
your covered Medicare services.
Wrong: Kaiser Permanente is a federally qualified health plan.
Legal consultation is needed when you see the following:
a different usage of federally qualified than what you see just above
federally qualified products used to describe Medicare products
See also nonprofit
fee-for-service reimbursement
fee-for-service reimbursement
Traditional health care payment system that provides physicians and other health care providers with a payment for services provided. Compare
with capitation.
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fewer, less
fewer, less
In general, use fewer for individuals (items or people), less for bulk or quantity.
Right: Fewer than 10 applicants called. (individuals)
Right: I had less than $50 in my pocket. (an amount)
Right: I had fewer than 50 one-dollar bills in my pocket. (individual items)
Wrong: The trend is toward more machines and less people. (People in this sense refers to individuals.)
Wrong: She was fewer than 60 years old. (Years in this sense refers to a period of time, not individual years.)
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first aid kit
first aid kit
No hyphen, because "first aid" is a widely recognized term.
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flier
flier, flyer
Per AP, flier is the preferred term for an aviator or a handbill. Flyer is the proper name of some trains and buses: The Western Flyer.
follow up (v.), follow-up (n., adj.)
follow up (v.), follow-up (n., adj.)
Two words. Hyphenated only when used as a noun or adjective.
She will follow up with you tomorrow.
This is a follow-up to a previous report.
You'll be scheduled for a follow-up appointment after your surgery.
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Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Food and Drug Administration, not Federal Drug Administration.
U.S. government agency established to maintain and protect the public health; the nation's oldest consumer-protection agency.
Spell out first reference; acronym OK for subsequent references.
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foot care (n., adj.)
foot care (n., adj.)
Two words; no hyphen.
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footnotes
footnotes (print style)
Avoid using footnotes whenever possible so that readers will not have to search for the explanation. Parenthetical explanations, or brief
explanations in the running text, are preferred.
Footnotes may be indicated with numbers or symbols. Always place the footnote number or symbol after punctuation (such as a period, comma,
semicolon, question mark, or exclamation point), rather than before it. Exceptions include the em-dash (---), in which case the footnote should
come first.
If you are using symbols, and there is more than one footnote on a page, use the following symbol sequence:
*†‡§
Footnotes should begin and continue for at least two lines on the page where the footnote is originally noted before continuing to the next page.
See also asterisk, references.
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footnotes (Web style)
Avoid using footnotes so that readers will not have to search for the explanation. Parenthetical explanations, or brief explanations in the running
text, are preferred.
Footnotes should be indicated with symbols. If there is more than one footnote on a page, use the following symbol sequence:
*
†
‡
**
Numerals should be used for footnotes only in special circumstances or when required by legal or regulatory.
Always place the footnote number or symbol after punctuation (such as a period, comma, semicolon, question mark, or exclamation point), rather
than before it. Exceptions include the em-dash (---), in which case the footnote should come first.
See also asterisk, references.
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formulary (drug)
formulary (drug)
Brand name and generic medications that Kaiser Permanente physicians and pharmacists have determined to be the safest, most appropriate,
and most cost-effective treatments for our members. Formularies may differ from one Kaiser Permanente region to another.
For Web content, use the term formulary (list of covered drugs) instead of covered drugs alone or formulary alone.
Right: See our formulary (list of covered drugs) to find out which medications are covered in your prescription drug benefit.
Wrong: See our drug formulary to find out which medications are covered in your prescription drug benefit.
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fractions
fractions
In running text, spell out numbers representing a value less than one, using hyphens between the words: one-half, two-thirds, four-fifths,
seven-sixteenths.
Convert fractions to decimals when you can do so within two decimal places and without creating inconsistency with other fractions in the same
material:
2.75, not 2¾
But
1, not 1.625
If precision is critical, such as in financial or scientific content, use either decimals or fractions, whichever form most accurately expresses the
amount.
For whole numbers plus fractions, use figures. Use stacking characters whenever possible.
1¼, 2¾
If it’s not possible to use stacking characters, use a full space between the whole number and the fraction. Do not use a hyphen.
5 13/16, 2 5/8
See also recipes
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free
free
Do not use when referring to copayments or supplemental charges. Preferred term is no charge. Some Kaiser Permanente regions have
restrictions on the use of the word free to describe any services or features associated with a health plan. To avoid this issue, the preferred term
is no charge.
Hyphenate when used as second part of compound modifier regardless of placement in sentence if needed to avoid ambiguity.
Baby and Me Smoke-Free, not Baby and Me Smoke Free.
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front-line, front line
front-line, front line
Use a hyphen for the adjective; no hyphen for the noun.
She is a front-line employee.
Employees on the front line spend the most time with members.
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G
G
Garfield, Sidney R.
gatekeeper
general practitioner
geographic terms
go-live (adj.), go live (v.)
grantmaking
Group Health Cooperative
group model, group-model (n., adj.)
group-model HMO
group practice (n.), group-practice (adj.)
Garfield, Sidney R.
Garfield, Sidney R.
Physician cofounder (with Henry J. Kaiser) of Kaiser Permanente. Always include the middle initial and "MD" when using his full name.
First reference: Sidney R. Garfield, MD
Subsequent references: Dr. Garfield
gatekeeper
gatekeeper
Because of its negative connotation, avoid this word in relation to Kaiser Permanente.
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general practitioner
general practitioner
See family practitioner.
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geographic terms
geographic terms
Capitalize common nouns when they form an integral part of a proper name; lowercase when they stand alone.
the Philippine Islands, the islands; the Mississippi River, the river
Always lowercase when referring to compass directions.
Drive three miles north on Quincy Road. The restaurant is on the west side of the street.
Capitalize only when regarded as geographic regions/entities and accepted as proper nouns.
The North was victorious over the South in the Civil War. A storm system that developed in the Midwest will bring showers to the East Coast.
See also addresses, city, county, state.
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go-live (adj.), go live (v.)
go-live (adj.), go live (v.)
The pilot project's go-live date is July 4.
The medical center will go live with KP HealthConnect next month.
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grantmaking
Use as one word. Do not use a hyphen.
Also called "philanthropy," this term is used to describe the granting of money to nonprofit organizations by foundations and corporations.
Grantgiving is a related term that is also acceptable for use and is spelled as one word.
Group Health Cooperative
Group Health Cooperative
Seattle-based, consumer-governed, nonprofit health care system that is a Kaiser Permanente affiliate. An agreement between Kaiser Permanente
and Group Health allows Kaiser Permanente members to receive care at Group Health facilities in Washington and North Idaho when they are
traveling in those areas. We do not have an agreement with the Group Health located in Wisconsin.
Use Group Health Cooperative and note geographical location on first reference; may be shortened to Group Health on subsequent references.
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group model, group-model (n., adj.)
group model, group-model (n., adj.)
Always hyphenate when modifying a noun.
group-model HMO
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group-model HMO
group-model HMO
HMO that contracts with one or more large, multispecialty physician groups and hospitals to provide health care services to the HMO's members.
Kaiser Permanente is a group-model HMO.
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group practice (n.), group-practice (adj.)
group practice (n.), group-practice (adj.)
Association of physicians or other health care professionals, working as partners, or partners and employees, and sharing premises and
resources to provide health care services.
Always hyphenate when modifying a noun.
Many of the Permanente Medical Groups are multispecialty group practices.
The partners developed their group-practice guidelines.
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H
H
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
handicapped
hard of hearing
hatha yoga
Hawaiian, local
headlines, subheads
health care (n., adj.)
Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA)
health care professional
health care provider
health care reform
health care team
HealthConnect
health encyclopedia
healthful
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)
health insurance purchasing cooperative (HIPC)
health maintenance organization (HMO)
HealthMedia®
Health Medical Record number*
HealthPartners
health plan
health plan formulary guidelines
health record number
health reimbursement arrangement (HRA)
health risk (n.), health-risk (adj.)
health savings account (HSA)
Healthwise® Handbook
HealthWorks by Kaiser Permanente
healthy
healthy lifestyle programs
Healthy Living
Healthyroads
Healthy Solutions
hearing-impaired
HEDIS® (Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set)
hematology, oncology
he or she, him or her
high blood pressure
high deductible health plan, High Deductible Health Plan (n.)
high quality, high-quality care
Hispanic
HIV
HMO, HMOs
holidays
home health care
home page
hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
hospice
hospitalist
hotspot
human papillomavirus (HPV)
hyphen
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
Highly contagious bacterium that causes meningitis, pneumonia, and other serious diseases. Before a vaccine was developed, Hib was the most
frequent cause of life-threatening infection in children under 5 years of age.
Spell out first reference, Haemophilus always capped; abbreviation OK in subsequent references.
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handicapped
handicapped
See disabilities.
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hard of hearing
hard of hearing
Hard of hearing, not hearing impaired, is the correct term for people who have a limited ability to hear.
See also deaf.
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hatha yoga
hatha yoga
There are a number of different types of yoga. In Kaiser Permanente materials, the term refers to low-impact yoga that helps to regulate breathing
with exercises consisting of postures and stretches intended to sustain healthy bodily functioning and induce emotional calmness.
Lowercase.
See also yoga
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Hawaiian, local
Hawaiian, local
Hawaiian is used to refer to the indigenous people of Hawaii and is not used to describe people who live in Hawaii.
Local is used to refer to anyone who lives in Hawaii (including indigenous people of Hawaii).
When writing for members within Hawaii, refer to Hawaii residents as locals. You could also say Hawaii residents, depending on the context.
When writing for members outside Hawaii, refer to Hawaii residents as locals. You could also say Hawaii residents, depending on the context.
Regardless of audience, always refer to the indigenous people of Hawaii as Hawaiians.
There is a high incidence for diabetes in Hawaii for certain ethnic groups, such as Japanese, Hawaiian, etc.
headlines, subheads
headlines and subheads (print style)
Several different styles — initial cap, sentence case, all caps, and lowercase — can be used in headlines and subheads. Sentence style is
preferred for most uses; press releases and some other PR communications use initial cap.
Sentence case style (cap only the first word in the headline and any proper noun)
New Kaiser Permanente website for brokers makes doing business easier
Initial cap style (cap the first letter of each word, except for articles, conjunctions, and prepositions of fewer than four letters)
New Kaiser Permanente Website for Brokers Makes Doing Business Easier
All caps style (cap every letter)
NEW KAISER PERMANENTE WEBSITE FOR BROKERS MAKES DOING BUSINESS EASIER
Lowercase style (no words are capped)
Use only when there are no proper nouns in the headline or subhead.
Wrong: new kaiser permanente website for brokers makes doing business easier
The preferred headline and subhead style for Kaiser Permanente newsletters and magazines is sentence case. In other communications,
however, another style may be used as long as the result is well-designed, readable, and consistent throughout the communication.
Do not use periods in headlines and subhead, even if they form a complete sentence. If a headline is composed of two or more sentences,
however, punctuate appropriately. Other punctuation, such as question marks and exclamation points, should be used as needed.
Enjoy guilt-free eating
Want help? Call today.
In headlines, set all numbers in figures.
7 tips to beat colds and flu
Avoid splitting Kaiser Permanente into two lines, if possible.
Right: Kaiser Permanente
Wrong: Kaiser
Permanente
Avoid splitting a preposition from its object.
Right:The National Guide
for Kaiser Permanente
Wrong:The National Guide for
Kaiser Permanente
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headlines and subheads (Web style)
Always use sentence style headlines on kaiserpermanente.org. Use sentence style headlines by capitalizing only the first word and any proper
nouns in all headlines and subheads.
Whooping cough: Protect your family by getting vaccinated
For internal Web communications vehicles, such as the KP Vine intranet and KP Link, use title style.
Lab Uses Colorful Method to Reduce Number of Rejected Specimens
Delete periods, dashes, and colons at the ends of headlines and subheads whenever possible.
It is acceptable, however, to use periods if a headline or subhead comprises two or more sentences. Question marks are acceptable.
Want help? Call today.
Use this style for headlines and subheads that contain colons within the text.
Smoking cessation: the basics
In headlines and subheads, set all numbers in figures.
7 tips to beat colds and flu
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health care (n., adj.)
health care (n., adj.)
Two words, no hyphen, in all cases.
Exception: When healthcare is spelled as one word in a proper name.
Last month, Modern Healthcare magazine featured an article about Kaiser Permanente.
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Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA)
Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA)
Do not use.
See Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) .
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health care professional
health care professional
This term can include physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurse-midwives, pharmacists, etc.
Note: This term does not include physicians, who should generally be referred to separately.
physicians and other health care professionals.
See also clinician, medical professional, practitioner.
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health care provider
health care provider
See provider.
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health care reform
health care reform
See Affordable Care Act.
health care team
health care team
Health care team is preferred over medical team as it more fully describes the continuum of care at Kaiser Permanente, the variety of
professionals that provide that care, and our focus on health and prevention.
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HealthConnect
HealthConnect
See Kaiser Permanente HealthConnect*®*
.
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health encyclopedia
health encyclopedia
When referring to the health encyclopedia feature on kaiserpermanente.org, lowercase except when it is the first word in a sentence or heading,
in which case use sentence style, with Health capitalized. Although the health encyclopedia is not owned by Kaiser Permanente, it is acceptable
to call it our health encyclopedia but not Kaiser Permanente health encyclopedia.
healthful
healthful
Conducive to good health. OK to use interchangeably with healthy.
See also healthy.
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Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)
Law that requires standardization of electronic patient health, administrative, and financial data; unique health identifiers for individuals,
employers, health plans, and health care providers; and security standards to protect the confidentiality and integrity of individually identifiable
health information, past, present, or future.
Spell out first reference; acronym OK for subsequent references.
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health insurance purchasing cooperative (HIPC)
health insurance purchasing cooperative (HIPC)
Large group of employers and individuals who join together to purchase health coverage collectively. Theoretically, by combining their purchasing
power, small businesses and individuals are able to purchase coverage at a lower cost and more would be able to afford health coverage, thus
reducing the number of uninsured. Also called health insurance purchasing group, health plan purchasing cooperative, and health insurance
purchasing corporation.
Spell out first reference; acronym OK for subsequent references.
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health maintenance organization (HMO)
health maintenance organization (HMO)
Entity that arranges for or provides health services to its members for a fixed, prepaid premium.
Do not use HMO to describe Kaiser Permanente as an organization. We are a health care organization that offers HMO plans.
Acceptable to use HMO on first reference.
No apostrophe for plural.
HMOs, not HMO's.
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HealthMedia®
HealthMedia®
HealthMedia brand name:
Don’t use this brand name in copy unless accompanied by the specific program names or in reference to “HealthMedia solutions.”
Don’t use the possessive form and do not pluralize HealthMedia.
Do not use Inc. after HealthMedia, as it is now only a brand. It is no longer a corporate entity.
In materials discussing multiple HealthMedia programs, the name HealthMedia is only required once, in introductory copy. Individual product
names can then be used in their short forms (Balance, Care for Pain, Relax, etc.).
In materials promoting single programs, HealthMedia is required only on first reference (except in the case of Total Health Assessment; never
include HealthMedia).
When using the proper name "Total Health Assessment" or generic term "healthy lifestyle programs" in reference to HealthMedia programs, it is
not necessary to mention HealthMedia.
Product names:
If a program name is used in a headline without HealthMedia, the full name of the program must be included in the body copy (except in the case
of Total Health Assessment, which never carries the HealthMedia name).
Products currently offered by Kaiser Permanente (note placement of ™ and ®):
HealthMedia® Balance®
HealthMedia® Breathe®
HealthMedia® Care® for Diabetes
HealthMedia® Care® for Pain
HealthMedia® Care® for Your Back
HealthMedia® Care® for Your Health
HealthMedia® Nourish®
HealthMedia® Overcoming™ Depression
HealthMedia® Overcoming™ Insomnia
HealthMedia® Relax®
Total Health Assessment
In materials discussing multiple HealthMedia programs, individual product names can be used in their short forms (Balance, Care for Pain, Relax,
etc.) without a trademark or registration symbol, as long as HealthMedia ® has been used in the headline or is featured prominently in
introductory copy.
Trademark and registration symbols:
Use registration symbol ® (after HealthMedia) and trademark ™ or registration symbol ® (relating to the product names that have them) on first
and most prominent use of name for each product. Subsequent references do not take either symbol. Note that ™ is used only with the
Overcoming programs.
Do not use either ® or ™ with shortened product names.
See also healthy lifestyle programs.
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Health Medical Record number*
Health/Medical Record number
*Note: Due to technical limitations, the slash does not appear in the link title. It should read: Health/Medical Record number.
On kp.org we use one phrase for all regions: Health/Medical Record number. Capitalize health, medical, and record.
Do not abbreviate to MR#.
See also health record number, medical record number.
HealthPartners
HealthPartners
No space and capital P.
Kaiser Permanente contracts with HealthPartners to provide 10,000 Steps®, an online walking program.
For 10,000 Steps, use the registered trademark at first reference in the copy; subsequent references don't require the registered trademark.
Also, whenever we mention 10,000 Steps, the following disclaimer must be included:
10,000 Steps® is a registered trademark of HealthPartners, Inc.
health plan
health plan
Health maintenance organization, preferred provider organization, insured plan, self-funded plan, or other entity that covers health care services.
Capitalize when part of the official name of a Kaiser Permanente health plan.
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc.; Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Northwest
Capitalize when used as an abbreviation for Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. in contracts, EOCs, and other legal documents.
Health Plan
Lowercase when standing alone or referring to more than one Kaiser Permanente health plan.
She didn't know which health plan to choose; Kaiser Permanente offers a variety of health plans.
See also Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc.
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health plan formulary guidelines
health plan formulary guidelines
See formulary.
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health record number
health record number
Alternate term for medical record number in Colorado, Georgia, and the Northwest.
On kp.org use Health/Medical Record number. Note the capitalizations.
See also medical record number, Health/Medical Record number.
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health reimbursement arrangement (HRA)
health reimbursement arrangement (HRA)
An IRS-regulated, employer-sponsored reimbursement arrangement that allows employees to receive tax-free reimbursement for eligible
out-of-pocket health expenses. Contributions made to an HRA are 100 percent employer funded, and are free of federal, state, and FICA taxes.
The A in HRA stands for arrangement, not account. When discussing the actual financial account, include account: The funds in your HRA
account are managed by Bank of America.
Formerly Kaiser Permanente Custom Care HealthBuilder.
The current names of our HRA plans:
Kaiser Permanente HMO Plan with HRA.
HRA.
Kaiser Permanente Point-of-Service (POS) Plan with HRA.
Kaiser Permanente PPO Plan with
Use full name on first reference; drop Kaiser Permanente on subsequent uses.
For detailed information, see @hpi at hpi.kp.org.
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health risk (n.), health-risk (adj.)
health risk (n.), health-risk (adj.)
Assess your health risks online at kp.org.
Take an online health-risk assessment on kp.org.
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health savings account (HSA)
health savings account (HSA)
A tax-exempt savings account established in conjunction with a qualified High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), to pay for qualified medical
expenses. Formerly Kaiser Permanente Custom Care Health Investor.
The current names for our HSA plans:
Kaiser Permanente HSA-Qualified Deductible HMO Plan
Kaiser Permanente HSA-Qualified Point-of-Service (POS) Plan
Kaiser Permanente HSA-Qualified PPO Plan
Use full name on first reference; drop Kaiser Pemanente on subsequent uses.
For detailed information, see @hpi at hpi.kp.org.
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Healthwise® Handbook
Healthwise® Handbook
See Kaiser Permanente Healthwise® Handbook.
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HealthWorks by Kaiser Permanente
HealthWorks by Kaiser Permanente
Note no space and capital W.
A fee-for-service program that provides employer-specific health promotion programs to improve employee health. Is available to employer's
employees, even if they are not Kaiser Permanente members. May include worksite services, online programs (selected HealthMedia programs),
and incentive programs (total health assessment and exercise rewards programs).
Use HealthWorks by Kaiser Permanente in materials for member or consumer/prospective member audiences. OK to use HealthWorks alone on
second and subsequent references in copy. In graphics, use the endorsed brand (HealthWorks) logo treatment, because not all employees
receiving the program are Kaiser Permanente members. See the Brand Identity intranet site for graphic guidelines.
HealthWorks is not a Kaiser Permanente trademark, so no trademark symbol is used.
Usage note: Naming is different for employer/broker audiences. For details, see Kaiser Permanente HealthWorks.
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healthy
healthy
Possessing good health. OK to use interchangeably with healthful.
A healthy diet; a healthful diet
See also healthful.
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healthy lifestyle programs
healthy lifestyle programs
General term for the HealthMedia programs available to Kaiser Permanente members on kp.org. It is not a proper name, so do not initial cap. Do
not say our healthy lifestyle programs because we did not develop and do not own them; we've simply contracted with HealthMedia to provide
them to our members. It is not necessary to include HealthMedia when using this general term.
See HealthMedia.
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Healthy Living
Healthy Living
This is the umbrella name for health education services and refers to a broad spectrum of offerings from classes to online information and
do-it-yourself programs. The department remains Health Education.
Use Healthy Living classes when discussing health education programs in some detail, especially to convey the different kinds of offerings
mentioned in the paragraph above. But if it's just an isolated or brief bullet point, health classes should be used.
Right: Find a health class at a facility near you.
Right: From classes to online information and tools, find a Healthy Living resource that's right for you.
Healthyroads
Healthyroads
This name is no longer used.
See ChooseHealthy.
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Healthy Solutions
Healthy Solutions
See Kaiser Permanente Healthy Solutions.
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hearing-impaired
hearing-impaired
Do not use.
See hard of hearing, deaf.
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HEDIS® (Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set)
HEDIS® (Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set)
Standardized reporting system designed to help employers evaluate health plans. HEDIS annually measures quality of care — focusing on
outcomes — and creates a database of comparative performance measures.
Use acronym on first reference, followed by the full name, then acronym only on subsequent references.
HEDIS® (Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set) is a standardized reporting system.
Apply the ® in the first and last reference in the document. Use the following footnote on the bottom of the page on which the registered
trademark first appears:
HEDIS® is a registered trademark of the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).
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hematology, oncology
hematology/oncology
Two specialities that work in conjunction with each other (similar to obstetrics/gynecology).
Capitalize both terms only when used as a department name.
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he or she, him or her
he or she, him or her
To avoid these awkward constructions, recast the sentence in second person, if possible.
Right: You can choose your own personal physician.
Wrong: A member can choose his or her own personal physician.
Wrong: A member can choose his own personal physician.
Right: Your physician can help you choose the treatment that's right for you.
Wrong: He or she can help you choose the treatment that's right for you.
Never use a singular noun (member) with a plural pronoun (their).
Wrong: A member can choose their own personal physician.
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high blood pressure
high blood pressure
Preferred term. Avoid using hypertension.
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high deductible health plan, High Deductible Health Plan (n.)
high deductible health plan, High Deductible Health Plan (n.)
Not hyphenated. As an industry term, it is initial capped (High Deductible Health Plan or HDHP on subsequent references), so employer and
broker materials may use this treatment. For member and prospective member audiences, only use if needed for definition or other explanatory
purposes — avoid if possible.
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high quality, high-quality care
high quality, high-quality care
OK to use when describing the care provided by Kaiser Permanente, except in the Mid-Atlantic States.
See also modifiers, superlatives.
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Hispanic
Hispanic
See Latino/Latina.
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HIV
HIV
Acronym for human immunodeficiency virus. OK to use acronym on first reference.
See also AIDS.
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HMO, HMOs
HMO, HMOs
No apostrophe for plural.
See also health maintenance organization (HMO).
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holidays
holidays
Always capitalize.
New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, Presidents' Day, Easter, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, Cinco de Mayo, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur,
Christmas.
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home health care
home health care
Care provided at home for the frail elderly; people with disabilities; and people with acute, chronic, or terminal illnesses.
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home page
home page
Two words, lowercase.
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hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Spell out first reference; acronym OK for subsequent references. Not hyphenated. Hormone therapy (HT) may also be used.
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hospice
hospice
Facility or comprehensive, multidisciplinary program for terminally ill people, usually providing counseling and health care services that give
comfort to the dying patient and the family. Hospice programs focus on helping the patient and family through death and dying rather than
prolonging life with additional medical intervention.
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hospitalist
hospitalist
Physician, usually trained in internal medicine or family practice, who specializes in the care of hospitalized patients.
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hotspot
hotspot
One word when used to indicate public locations where people can utilize wireless Internet access. Available in some Kaiser Permanente
facilities.
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human papillomavirus (HPV)
human papillomavirus (HPV)
Spell out first reference; OK to use acronym in subsequent references. Do not use papillomavirus alone.
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hyphen
hyphen
The broad rule is that when a multiword adjective comes before the noun it modifies, hyphenate it. When it comes after the word it modifies, don't
hyphenate it:
The campus is smoke free.
People seem to appreciate a smoke-free environment.
The exception is with compound adjectives formed with an ---ly adverb. These are never hyphenated: the hardly known actor, the newly married
couple.
Use a hyphen to avoid creating a word with a different meaning than the one intended.
They used multi-ply cord (to avoid multiply cord). They needed to re-create the experiment from the ground up.
All self words are hyphenated.
self-care for minor injuries
Some compounds that are widely recognized as a unit do not require a hyphen when used as an adjective preceding a noun.
Examples:
blood glucose monitor blood sugar level
hormone replacement therapy
body mass index
peak flow meter
bone marrow transplant
child care costs
sickle cell disease skin care products
first aid kit
health care organization
urgent care services
suspensive hyphen:
Use to show that one element in a phrase is connected with a later one in the same phrase. Suspensive hyphens are used to avoid repetition.
He cut the sticks into 3-, 5-, and 9-inch lengths.
Avoid whenever possible by recasting the sentence.
He cut the sticks into lengths that were 3, 5, and 9 inches long.
In Web copy:
Use a hyphen in place of en dashes.
Use the word to (in the sense of "through") instead of a hyphen in body copy.
The physicians will attend the seminar from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Thursday.
Use the word to (not the hyphen) to connect continuing or inclusive numbers, such as dates, times, or reference numbers.
May to June 1995; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; pp. 38 to 45
For more information on hyphens, see the Associated Press Stylebook section on punctuation and The Chicago Manual of Style.
See also prefixes and specific words, such as out-of-area.
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I
I
i.e.
ID card
IM
immunizations
impact (n.)
Inc.
indefinite articles
indemnity
independent practice association (IPA)
Individual Plan
individual practice association (IPA)
in-network, In-Network, out-of-network, Out-of-Network
inpatient, outpatient
insurance
insure
intensive care unit (ICU)
internal medicine
Internet
interpreter vs. translator
interregional
intranet
intrauterine device (IUD)
intravenous (IV)
in vitro
in vitro fertilization (IVF)
IPA
IPA-model HMO
IT
italics
its, it's
i.e.
i.e.
Id est, meaning "that is" or "in other words." Avoid in external communications if possible; use that is instead with appropriate punctuation before
(comma, semicolon, or em dash), followed by a comma.
The survey was sent only to African Americans; that is, people of African descent born in the United States.
The survey was sent only to African Americans, i.e., people of African descent born in the United States.
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ID card
ID card
No periods.
See Kaiser Permanente identification card.
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IM
IM
Acronym for instant message; sometimes used as a verb (IM'ing, IM'ed). Acceptable on second reference for instant messaging.
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immunizations
immunizations
Preferred over shots, although shots may be acceptable in certain situations, depending on tone and reading level. Vaccination is also
acceptable.
When referring to online immunization records, be sure not to state that a patient's full immunization history is online. Implying that older records
are available may put Kaiser Permanente out of compliance with state regulatory agencies.
Preferred: Sign on to review your recent immunizations.
Acceptable: Sign on to review your immunizations.
Wrong: Sign on to view all your immunizations.
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impact (n.)
impact (n.)
Use only as a noun. Although impact is sometimes used as a verb in casual conversation, it is widely viewed as jargon and should be avoided in
written communications. When using impact as a noun, do not make plural impacts. Use effects instead.
Do not use as a verb. Use affect instead.
Right: We don't know how it will affect the results.
Wrong: We don't know how it will impact the results.
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Inc.
Inc.
Include Inc. if the company uses it as part of its corporate name. Include commas on either side of Inc.
In running text, OK to use Inc. on first reference only.
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc., is proud to announce …
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indefinite articles
indefinite articles
See a, an, abbreviations and acronyms.
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indemnity
indemnity
Traditional claims-based insurance plan involving coinsurance and deductibles. Typically, the cost is split 80-20 between the insurance company
and the insured.
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independent practice association (IPA)
independent practice association (IPA)
See individual practice association (IPA).
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Individual Plan
Individual Plan
See Kaiser Permanente Individual Plan.
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individual practice association (IPA)
individual practice association (IPA)
Group of physicians in private practice who provide health care services for a variety of health plans in return for a negotiated fee.
Spell out first reference; acronym OK for subsequent references.
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in-network, In-Network, out-of-network, Out-of-Network
in-network, In-Network, out-of-network, Out-of-Network
Capitalize and hyphenate only when referring to a Kaiser Permanente network for non-HMO products through Kaiser Permanente Insurance
Company (KPIC), such as point-of-service products. Depending on the region, In-Plan and Out-of-Plan are also acceptable.
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inpatient, outpatient
inpatient, outpatient
Some audiences may not understand these terms. Consider substituting a descriptive phrase for inpatient, such as when you stay in the hospital.
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insurance
insurance
Avoid the use of this term, if possible, because it has very negative connotations with consumers.
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insure
insure
See ensure, insure, assure.
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intensive care unit (ICU)
intensive care unit (ICU)
Lowercase. Spell out first reference; acronym OK for subsequent references.
Exception: In Hawaii, use critical care unit (CCU).
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internal medicine
internal medicine
Medical specialty that focuses on nonsurgical treatment of diseases of the internal organs in adults 18 and older.
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Internet
Internet
Electronic communications network that connects computer networks and organizational computer facilities around the world.
Capitalize.
See also Web.
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interpreter vs. translator
interpreter vs. translator
An interpreter is a person who translates orally for parties conversing in different languages. Interpreters are sometimes available to members in
some Kaiser Permanente facilities, either in person or through telephone interpretation services.
A translator turns information (generally in written form) from one language to another.
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interregional
One word, no hyphen.
intranet
intranet
Network that restricts access to a limited group of people, such as employees of a company. Kaiser Permanente's intranet is http://kpnet.kp.org.
Lowercase.
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intrauterine device (IUD)
intrauterine device (IUD)
Spell out first reference; acronym OK for subsequent references.
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intravenous (IV)
intravenous (IV)
Spell out first reference; acronym OK for subsequent references.
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in vitro
in vitro
No hyphens. Never abbreviate to IV; it is too easily confused with intravenous.
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in vitro fertilization (IVF)
in vitro fertilization (IVF)
No hyphens. Spell out first reference; acronym OK in subsequent references.
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IPA
IPA
See individual practice association (IPA).
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IPA-model HMO
IPA-model HMO
HMO that contracts with individual practice associations.
See individual practice association (IPA).
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IT
See Kaiser Permanente Information Technology.
italics
print style
The titles of all publications are set in italics when referred to in text.
Kaiser Permanente Healthwise® Handbook, Partners in Health, Health Care Perspectives, Your Guidebook to Kaiser Permanente Services,
Member News, Evidence of Coverage
Italicize words and terms singled out as words themselves within text.
Pouring and poring have different meanings.
Italicize foreign words or phrases unless they have been accepted in general usage and are found in Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary,
11th edition (e.g., de facto, alma mater, per diem).
However, if a foreign word or phrase would not be easily understood by your audience, translate it into English.
In print, italicize or bold, rather than underline, words for emphasis.
Web style
Do not use italics in Web copy. They often render poorly and are difficult for users to read.
Use boldface instead for emphasis, but sparingly because of its prominence in labels, buttons, links, etc.
Do not italicize foreign words or phrases or titles of works and publications.
its, it's
its, it's
Its is the possessive pronoun: Kaiser Permanente and its members.
It's is the contraction of it is: It's the infant's first sensation.
Check for correctness: If you can substitute it is, then you use it's. If not, use its.
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J
J
jargon
job titles
Joint Commission
Jr.
jump heads
jargon
jargon
Avoid jargon in communications unless the audience is familiar with it and uses it. Examples of jargon include:
at-risk women
care management
double-blind study
early intervention
evidence-based medicine
leveraging
managed care
modality
partner (as a verb)
reciprocity
revenue
standardized protocols
strategic focus
strategies for allocating services
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job titles
job titles
See titles.
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Joint Commission
Joint Commission
Formerly the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). Independent, not-for-profit organization that functions as
the main accrediting body for hospitals and other provider facilities.
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Jr.
Jr.
Do not set off by commas. Always capitalize when used after a surname.
John Smith Jr. was promoted to vice president.
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jump heads
jump heads
When copy continues on a following page, the jump head is in the present tense, set within parentheses, lowercase, and italicized.
(continues on next page)
(continues on page 2)
When copy continues from a preceding page, the jump head is in the past tense, set within parentheses, lowercase, and italicized.
(continued)
(continued from page 2)
When copy continues from an unnumbered front page or cover, use front page, not front cover or page 1.
(continued from front page)
For a one-page, double-sided document, the jump heads are set within parentheses, lowercase, and italicized. The following wording would be
appropriate:
(continues on back)
(continued from front)
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K
K
Kaiser
Kaiser, Henry J.
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. (Health Plan)
Kaiser Foundation Hospitals
Kaiser Foundation Hospitals and Health Plan
Kaiser Group Health
Kaiser On-the-Job®
Kaiser Permanente
kaiserpermanente.org, kp.org
Kaiser Permanente Child Health Plan
Kaiser Permanente Community Benefit
Kaiser Permanente Complete Care
Kaiser Permanente Custom Care
Kaiser Permanente Custom Care HealthBuilder (HRA)
Kaiser Permanente Custom Care HealthInvestor (HSA)
Kaiser Permanente for Individuals and Families
Kaiser Permanente HealthConnect®
Kaiser Permanente Healthphone
Kaiser Permanente Healthwise® Handbook
Kaiser Permanente HealthWorks
Kaiser Permanente Healthy Solutions
Kaiser Permanente identification card
Kaiser Permanente Individual Plan
Kaiser Permanente Information Technology
Kaiser Permanente Insurance Company (KPIC)
Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program
Kaiser Permanente Personal Advantage
Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage
KP
KP HealthConnect
Kaiser
Kaiser
Do not use Kaiser alone in communications because it may be confused with other organizations, such as The Kaiser Family Foundation or
Kaiser Electronics, that have nothing to do with Kaiser Permanente. Use our full name, Kaiser Permanente.
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Kaiser, Henry J.
Kaiser, Henry J.
Cofounder (with Sidney R. Garfield) of Kaiser Permanente. Always use the middle initial when using his full name.
First reference: Henry J. Kaiser
Subsequent references: Kaiser
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. (Health Plan)
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. (Health Plan)
Nonprofit, public benefit corporation that enrolls members, collects dues, and contracts with the Permanente Medical Groups, Kaiser Foundation
Hospitals, and affiliated providers to provide health care to members.
Health Plan is acceptable on second reference when referring specifically to a Kaiser Foundation Health Plan in contracts, EOCs, and other legal
documents.
Note: The Kaiser Permanente brand name is easily recognizable by our members and other audiences and has a considerable amount of positive
brand equity. It's also friendlier and less "corporate" sounding. In addition, Kaiser Permanente is inclusive of the Permanente Medical Groups.
These are all reasons you should use our brand name in communications, rather than our more formal, corporate names, such as Kaiser
Foundation Health Plan, Inc. or Kaiser Foundation Hospitals. Use the corporate names only when required for legal or regulatory reasons, and in
corporate titles, such as "Bernard J. Tyson, Chief Executive Officer of Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc., and Kaiser Foundation Hospitals."
(Note Bernard Tyson will not become Chairman until January 2014.)
When referring to both entities, Kaiser Foundation Hospitals and Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc., together, refer to as Kaiser Foundation
Hospitals and Health Plan. (Note order of Hospitals and Health Plan.) For internal uses, the acronym KFH/HP is acceptable upon subsequent
reference. The acronym should not be used for external documents. As noted above, particularly for external uses, the brand name Kaiser
Permanente is preferable and more reader friendly.
See also Kaiser Foundation Hospitals and Health Plan.
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Kaiser Foundation Hospitals
Kaiser Foundation Hospitals
Nonprofit, public benefit organization that owns community hospitals and outpatient facilities and provides or arranges hospital services for Kaiser
Permanente members. It is an entity distinct from Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc.
When referring to Kaiser Foundation Hospitals and Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc., together, use Kaiser Foundation Hospitals and Health
Plan. (Note order of Hospitals and Health Plan.) For internal uses, the acronym KFH/HP is acceptable upon subsequent reference. The acronym
should not be used for external documents. Particularly for external uses, the brand name Kaiser Permanente is preferable and more reader
friendly.
See also Kaiser Foundation Hospitals and Health Plan.
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Kaiser Foundation Hospitals and Health Plan
Kaiser Foundation Hospitals and Health Plan
Can be used when referring to the two entities of Kaiser Foundation Hospitals and Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc.
Note that Hospitals appears first in this construction.
Please see Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc., Kaiser Foundation Hospitals
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Kaiser Group Health
Kaiser Group Health
Do not use.
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Kaiser On-the-Job®
Kaiser On-the-Job®
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Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is our brand/trade name and a federally registered trademark for the cooperative endeavor among Kaiser Foundation Health
Plans, Kaiser Foundation Hospitals, The Permanente Federation, and the Permanente Medical Groups.
Use Kaiser Permanente in external communications, rather than Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc., whenever possible. Never use Kaiser alone
or abbreviate to KP in external communications. (KP is OK for internal communications only.)
Exceptions:
When a member is quoted as saying Kaiser (rather than Kaiser Permanente), leave the quote as is.
When posting an article from an outside source that says Kaiser (rather than Kaiser Permanente), leave the article as is.
When a physician or any Kaiser Permanente employee is quoted as saying Kaiser, change the quote so that it reads Kaiser Permanente.
Kaiser Permanente can be referred to as a nonprofit health plan, nonprofit organization, or nonprofit program. However, when using the terms
nonprofit organization or nonprofit program, the communication must include the following definition of Kaiser Permanente's three-part
organizational structure, including the for-profit/nonprofit status of each part. This definition can be provided in body copy, a footnote, or an entry
in a glossary or in an EOC definitions section. Regional names may be substituted for Programwide generic names, if necessary.
Kaiser Permanente is composed of the nonprofit Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, the nonprofit Kaiser Foundation Hospitals, and the for-profit
Permanente Medical Groups.
Avoid breaking Kaiser Permanente onto two lines whenever possible.
Note: Kaiser Permanente is preferred in external communications because corporate names, such as Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc., Kaiser
Foundation Hospitals or Permanente Medical Groups, may confuse external audiences. Also, Kaiser Permanente is inclusive of the Permanente
Medical Groups.
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Kaiser Permanente Child Health Plan
Kaiser Permanente Child Health Plan
Health care and dental coverage for children from birth through age 18 who are not eligible for Medi-Cal or Healthy Families coverage because of
income or immigration status, or who are not eligible for employer-paid health coverage.
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Kaiser Permanente Community Benefit
Kaiser Permanente Community Benefit
Not Benefits.
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Kaiser Permanente Complete Care
Kaiser Permanente Complete Care
Name for Kaiser Permanente's disease management programs, for programs/activities whose primary focus is disease/condition management
(not prevention). Replaces Care Management and Population Care Management. Include Kaiser Permanente in headlines and on first reference
of umbrella name Kaiser Permanente Complete Care, as well as for first reference of each program name. This naming is not yet used in all
Kaiser Permanente Regions.
Current programs:
Kaiser Permanente Complete Care for Asthma
Kaiser Permanente Complete Care for Cardiovascular Disease
Kaiser Permanente Complete Care for Chronic Pain
Kaiser Permanente Complete Care for Diabetes
Kaiser Permanente Complete Care for Depression
Kaiser Permanente Complete Care for HIV/AIDS
Kaiser Permanente Complete Care for Weight Management
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Kaiser Permanente Custom Care
Kaiser Permanente Custom Care
This name is no longer used for Kaiser Permanente's suite of consumer-directed health care products.
See health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) and health savings account (HSA).
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Kaiser Permanente Custom Care HealthBuilder (HRA)
Kaiser Permanente Custom Care HealthBuilder (HRA)
This name is no longer used for our HRA plans.
See health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).
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Kaiser Permanente Custom Care HealthInvestor (HSA)
Kaiser Permanente Custom Care HealthInvestor (HSA)
This name is no longer used for our HSA plans.
See health savings account (HSA).
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Kaiser Permanente for Individuals and Families
Kaiser Permanente for Individuals and Families
Kaiser Permanente's direct pay plans for individuals and families. Formerly known as Kaiser Permanente Personal Advantage and Kaiser
Permanente Individual Plan. Plan names vary by region and benefit level. Use full name on first reference; KPIF is acceptable on subsequent
uses.
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Kaiser Permanente HealthConnect®
Kaiser Permanente HealthConnect®
Note no space and capital C.
Kaiser Permanente HealthConnect ® features are available to members on kp.org as My Health Manager. Availability of functionality varies by
region.
On first reference, use Kaiser Permanente HealthConnect®; KP HealthConnect OK on subsequent references. Kaiser Permanente or KP should
always be part of the name; do not shorten to HealthConnect or use KPHC in internal or external communications.
For member/consumer audiences: Do not use this term. Instead, focus on the benefits members receive from the features of the system. If
needed, use term electronic health record system.
For business/employer/broker and internal audiences: OK to use this term. On first reference, spell out completely and include the trademark
symbol. Second and all subsequent references: KP HealthConnect
For more details, see the KP HealthConnect Toolkit in the "Templates" section of the Brand Center, or visit @hpi at hpi.kp.org.
See also My Health Manager, My health manager, electronic health record (EHR).
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Kaiser Permanente Healthphone
Kaiser Permanente Healthphone
Do not use. The service was discontinued effective January 1, 2008.
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Kaiser Permanente Healthwise® Handbook
Kaiser Permanente Healthwise® Handbook
Do not reference in any materials. Kaiser Permanente no longer has a contract with Healthwise, Inc. to publish the printed book.
Kaiser Permanente HealthWorks
Kaiser Permanente HealthWorks
A fee-for-service program that provides employer-specific health promotion programs to improve employee health. Is available to employer's
employees, even if they are not Kaiser Permanente members. May include worksite services, online programs (selected HealthMedia programs),
and incentive programs (total health assessment and exercise rewards programs).
Note no space and capital W.
Use this name in materials for employer/broker audiences only (For consumer/prospective member audiences, use HealthWorks by Kaiser
Permanente.)
OK to use HealthWorks alone on second and subsequent references in copy. In graphics, use the regular Kaiser Permanente masterbrand
signature (logo) without thrive logo treatment.
HealthWorks is not a Kaiser Permanente trademark, so no trademark symbol is used.
Usage note: Naming is different for member and consumer/prospective member audiences. For details, see HealthWorks by Kaiser
Permanente.
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Kaiser Permanente Healthy Solutions
Kaiser Permanente Healthy Solutions
A coordinated suite of services offering health coaches, health information, health tools, and a health assessment. Designed for nonmembers in
Kaiser Permanente regions. Kaiser Permanente Healthy Solutions provides health care services for people at every stage of health—from active
"health seekers" to those with behavioral risk factors and those with advanced chronic conditions. Available in Georgia and Colorado regions, as
well as to PPO members in all regions.
This name is not interchangeable with Avivia Health from Kaiser Permanente.
Use full name on first reference; Healthy Solutions is acceptable on subsequent references.
See Avivia Health from Kaiser Permanente.
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Kaiser Permanente identification card
Kaiser Permanente identification card
Spell out on first reference if space allows; otherwise, Kaiser Permanente ID card is acceptable on all references. Either member ID card or ID
card is also acceptable for subsequent references.
Do not use Health Plan ID card.
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Kaiser Permanente Individual Plan
Kaiser Permanente Individual Plan
Do not use.
See Kaiser Permanente for Individuals and Families.
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Kaiser Permanente Information Technology
IT is short for "information technology." If referring to the discipline rather than the KP organization, spell out and lowercase.
Internally, when referring to the organization, use IT in all instances. Exception: Avoid if this will cause confusion in context. In that case, use
Kaiser Permanente IT on first use and IT subsequently.
Externally, use Kaiser Permanente IT or, if needed, Kaiser Permanente Information Technology. Never use "KP IT."
If you need to use the KP acronym (for example, on an organizational chart), use KP IT with a space, not "KP-IT."
Kaiser Permanente Insurance Company (KPIC)
Kaiser Permanente Insurance Company (KPIC)
A California corporation and licensed disability insurance company that issues and services policies of insurance covering the non-HMO
component of the Kaiser Permanente point-of-service, PPO, and out-of-area products and other types of complementary insurance products.
KPIC is a subsidiary of Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc., and the Permanente Medical Groups.
Spell out first reference; acronym OK, but not preferred, for subsequent references. Acronym OK in legal disclaimers and listing of KPIC
Customer Service phone numbers.
Do not use registered trademark symbol (®).
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Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program
Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program
The term "Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program" is a term used to describe the integrated delivery system composed of the
Kaiser Foundation Health Plans, Kaiser Foundation Hospitals, and the eight Permanente Medical Groups. It is not a legal entity in itself,
and should not be used as such. However, it is an acceptable term to use in describing the integrated nature of the operations of the legal
entities that provide integrated care, which is a competitive advantage. Do not use for external audiences.
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Kaiser Permanente Personal Advantage
Kaiser Permanente Personal Advantage
Do not use.
See Kaiser Permanente for Individuals and Families.
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Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage
Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage
Name used in many regions for Kaiser Permanente's plans for Medicare members.
Because we do not own the trademark for Senior Advantage, we must use the full name Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage in brochure titles
and in the first prominent reference on each page or spread; otherwise, it's OK to abbreviate to Senior Advantage.
See also Medicare.
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KP
KP
Do not abbreviate Kaiser Permanente to KP in external communications. This is how we refer to ourselves internally, but it is not what our
external audiences call us. Abbreviations of company names, such as FedEx, must be awarded by external audiences and this generally requires
an organization to spend considerable marketing dollars to bring about.
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KP HealthConnect
KP HealthConnect
See Kaiser Permanente HealthConnect.
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kaiserpermanente.org, kp.org
kaiserpermanente.org, kp.org
Always lowercase.
It is acceptable to use kp.org instead of kaiserpermanente.org as long as it would be clear to the reader what the kp stands for. That is, as long as
our logo or full company name is somewhere near kp.org.
Shortcut URLs are lowercase.
kp.org/thrive
Do not use www. in Kaiser Permanente Web addresses.
Kaiser Permanente Web addresses always end in .org, which designates nonprofit status, never .com or .net.
See also Web address, website.
L
L
Labor Management Partnership (LMP)
lab tests
Latino, Hispanic
lay, lie
layoff (n.), lay off (v.)
length of stay (n.)
licensed clinical social worker (LCSW)
licensed practical nurse (LPN)
licensed vocational nurse (LVN)
list, listing
lists (bulleted)
lists (numbered)
living will
logo (signature)
low fat (n.), low-fat (adj.)
Labor Management Partnership (LMP)
Labor Management Partnership (LMP)
Agreement between Kaiser Permanente and the Coalition of AFL-CIO Unions to bring a new level of labor involvement to Kaiser Permanente's
day-to-day operations. Physicians, management, and labor are working together in all areas of our organization to meet shared goals of service
excellence. Formerly National Labor-Management Partnership.
Use acronym in internal communications only.
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lab tests
lab tests
This is an acceptable abbreviation and may be used in place of laboratory tests.
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Latino, Hispanic
Latino, Hispanic
In general, use Latino. Latina is used when referring only to a woman. Use Latino when referring to both men and women. Always initial capped.
Use Hispanic if it is the personal preference of the subject or part of a formal name, or if citing a study or data that uses that term, such as from
the Census or the CDC.
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lay, lie
lay, lie
To lay means to put something down or to place something somewhere.
To lie means to recline, to rest, or to remain in a reclining position.
Lay usually takes a direct object—a person can lay bricks, lay blame, or lay a book on a table.
Lie, however, can never take an object—one cannot "lie" something, but a person or object can lie in a reclining position.
Present or Future
lay (to place)
lie (to recline)
Past
laid
lay
Past Participle
laid
lain
Present Participle
laying
lying
Present or future tenses
I will lay the book on the table. The prosecutor lays the blame on her.He lies on the beach all day. The shoes lie on the floor.
Past tense
Yesterday I laid the book on the table. The prosecutor laid the blame on her.He lay on the beach all day. The shoes lay on the floor.
Past perfect tense (using past participle)
Before I left the house, I had laid the book on the table.Before she realized what was happening, the prosecutor had laid the blame on her.Before
he started working, he had lain on the beach every day for a month.Before he finally picked them up, the shoes had lain on the floor all week.
Present perfect tense (using present participle)
I am laying the book on the table. The prosecutor is laying the blame on him.He is lying on the beach. The shoes are lying on the floor.
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layoff (n.), lay off (v.)
layoff (n.), lay off (v.)
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length of stay (n.)
length of stay (n.)
The length of stay averages 24 hours.
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licensed clinical social worker (LCSW)
licensed clinical social worker (LCSW)
Social worker who assesses the family, environmental, and social factors that can have an impact on a person's illness.
See also medical social worker.
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licensed practical nurse (LPN)
licensed practical nurse (LPN)
Nurse who works under the direction of registered nurses and physicians and is licensed to provide basic nursing care requiring technical
knowledge and practical skills.
See also licensed vocational nurse.
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licensed vocational nurse (LVN)
licensed vocational nurse (LVN)
Term for licensed practical nurses in California and Texas.
See also licensed practical nurse (LPN).
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list, listing
list, listing
A phone book is a list of names, each of which is a listing.
For a list of our facilities, go to kaiserpermanente.org.
There are 240 listings in the Pediatrics Department phone book.
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lists (bulleted)
lists (bulleted) (print style)
You can use whichever style you prefer. You may use different styles within one document if needed, but be consistent within each list. Punctuate
consistently within each style, and use a hanging indent when a bulleted item is longer than one line. Use parallel structure for all points within a
list (e.g., each point begins with an action verb, or each point functions as a noun in a series, etc.).
Style A
All bulleted items begin with an initial cap and end with a period, even if they are not complete sentences. It is acceptable to eliminate the period if
all items consist of just one or two words.
Prevent injuries and accidents by taking the following steps:
• Use seat belts, safety seats, and helmets.
• Install and check smoke detectors at least once a year to be sure the batteries are working.
• Lock up guns and keep ammunition separate.
Style B
All bulleted items begin with a lowercase letter and end with no period, even if they are complete sentences.
Your child should receive the following immunizations:
• hepatitis B (HBV), three shots total
• polio vaccine (OPV or IPV), three doses total
• measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), one shot total
Style C
The list and the copy that precedes it are punctuated as one complete sentence.
If we deny your claim, we will send you a written decision that will include
• the specific reasons why we denied your claim,
• the Plan provisions on which we based our denial, and
• information on your right to have a denial reconsidered.
A colon at the end of a phrase introducing a list is acceptable, even if that phrase is not a full sentence, such as in the following example:
Benefits of joining Kaiser Permanente include:
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lists (bulleted) (Web style)
With sentence fragments
If all items in the list are fragments, each should begin with a lowercase letter, and there should be no ending periods, commas, or semicolons.
Our HMO product offers:
low outpatient and prescription copayments
covered hospitalization at no charge, depending on the benefit plan chose
a full range of preventive care services
With full sentences
If one of the items is a full sentence, then make all the items into full sentences so that all can have ending periods. Ending punctuation should be
a period, not a semicolon or comma.
Here's the place to learn everything you need to know about getting care as a Kaiser Permanente member.
Get information about our services, our facilities, and how to receive care when traveling.
Learn about choosing a personal physician and receiving care from a specialist.
Find out how easy it is to make appointments, refill prescriptions, and much more.
Bulleted items should be short (maximum of 10 to 12 words).
A colon at the end of a phrase introducing a list is acceptable, even if that phrase is not a full sentence, such as in the following example:
Benefits of joining Kaiser Permanente include:
Bulleted lists are preferred over numbered lists. Use numbered lists only when listing a sequence of actions.
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lists (numbered)
lists (numbered)
Use numbered lists only when listing a sequence of actions.
In a vertical list with numbers, use periods after the numbers.
To get your new number:
1. Call AT&T.
2. Talk to an operator.
3. Ask for a new number.
Vertical lists with numbers are preferred for readability over numbered lists within a paragraph. However, if space is limited and you need to use a
numbered list within a paragraph, use parentheses around the numbers, without periods.
To get your new number, (1) call AT&T, (2) talk to an operator, and (3) ask for a new number.
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living will
living will
Do not use; this term is legally obsolete.
See advance directives.
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logo (signature)
logo (signature)
Do not use the Kaiser Permanente signature (logo and logotype) in place of the words Kaiser Permanente in copy. Complete guidelines for use of
the signature are included in the Kaiser Permanente Graphic Standards Guidelines at http://brand-identity.kp.org.
Right: Welcome to Kaiser Permanente.
Wrong: Welcome to
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low fat (n.), low-fat (adj.)
low fat (n.), low-fat (adj.)
Hyphenate only when preceding noun.
We encourage you to eat low-fat foods.
Dairy foods are generally not low fat.
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M
M
magnetic resonance imaging, MRI
managed care (n.), managed-care (adj.)
man power, man-hours
MasterCard
maximum allowable charge
MD, PhD, PharmD, etc.
measurements (dimensions)
Medicaid
Medi-Cal
medical assistant
medical center, Medical Center
medical office, Medical Office
medical office building
medical professional
medical record number
medical school
medical social worker
medical specialties
medical team
Medicare
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Part A and Part B, Medicare Parts A and B
Medicare Part D
medications
member
member identification number
member rate
Member Services
mind-body
mobile device
mobile health vehicle
mobile phone
modifiers
money
months
more than, over
most, many, some
mottoes and slogans
MRI
mucus (n.), mucous (adj.)
multidisciplinary
multimillion
multispecialty
My Health Manager, My health manager
magnetic resonance imaging, MRI
magnetic resonance imaging, MRI
OK to use the acronym in all references when indicating the procedure. Make sure the term is spelled out and explained if needed, depending on
the context of the document.
Right: They ran an MRI to determine the source of the problem.
Wrong: They ran a magnetic resonance imaging to determine the source of the problem.
Spell out on first reference and use acronym on subsequent references when indicating the technique.
Right: They used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine the source of the problem. MRI technology is a noninvasive procedure...etc.,
etc.
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managed care (n.), managed-care (adj.)
managed care (n.), managed-care (adj.)
This term applies to the integration of health care delivery and financing. It includes arrangements with providers to supply health care services to
members, criteria for the selection of health care providers, significant financial incentives for members to use providers in the plan, and formal
programs to monitor the amount of care and quality of services.
Avoid using in member and consumer communications as you would with all health insurance jargon.
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man power, man-hours
man power, man-hours
Use staff or another synonym to avoid this noninclusive language.
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MasterCard
MasterCard
One word, cap C. MasterCard no longer requires the use of a registration mark with its name.
.
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maximum allowable charge
maximum allowable charge
allowable, not allowed
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MD, PhD, PharmD, etc.
MD, PhD, PharmD, etc.
No periods.
See academic degrees, titles.
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measurements (dimensions)
measurements (dimensions) (print style)
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If Microsoft Word automatically changes these marks to "smart" marks, go to Tools>AutoCorrect>AutoFormat As You Type, and uncheck
"Straight quotes with smart quotes."
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measurements (dimensions) (Web style)
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If Microsoft Word automatically changes these marks to "smart" marks, go to Tools>AutoCorrect>AutoFormat As You Type, and uncheck
"Straight quotes with smart quotes."
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Medicaid
Medicaid
Federal program, administered and operated individually by participating state and territorial governments, that provides medical benefits to
eligible low-income persons. The federal and state governments share the program's costs.
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Medi-Cal
Medi-Cal
California version of Medicaid.
See also Medicaid.
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medical assistant
medical assistant
A medical assistant performs routine administrative and clinical tasks in an ambulatory (medical office) setting. Many have received formal training
at a vocational school or community college. Certified medical assistants have passed an examination by the American Association of Medical
Assistants. Also known as clinical assistant.
Do not confuse with a physician assistant, who has advanced training and examines, diagnoses, and treats patients under the direct supervision
of a physician.
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medical center, Medical Center
medical center, Medical Center
Depending on the region, Kaiser Permanente medical centers can be campuses with hospitals and medical offices, freestanding hospitals, or
freestanding medical offices (inpatient or outpatient). In publications with a national scope, use medical facility.
Lowercase when used generically.
Go to the nearest medical center. Our medical center is two miles away.
Capitalize when part of an official facility name. Include Kaiser Permanente on first reference unless it is obvious from the content that you're
referring to a Kaiser Permanente facility or it would be redundant (e.g., Kaiser Permanente's Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center).
First reference: Kaiser Permanente Woodland Hills Medical Center
Second reference: our Woodland Hills Medical Center
Not: Our Kaiser Permanente Woodland Hills Medical Center (Combining our and Kaiser Permanente is redundant and awkward).
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medical office, Medical Office
medical office, Medical Office
Kaiser Permanente medical offices usually offer primary care, laboratory, X-ray, and pharmacy services, but this may vary from office to office.
Some medical offices may also provide only specialized outpatient services, such as eye care. Specific terminology may vary regionally. In
publications with a national scope, use medical facility.
Lowercase in generic references.
We have several Kaiser Permanente medical offices in the Denver area.
Capitalize when part of an official name.
The Kaiser Permanente Thousand Oaks Medical Offices are located . . .
Use the singular medical office unless the plural is part of the proper name.
Our medical office staff will assist you, Carlsbad Medical Offices
Important note: When a medical office, medical center, or department is moving, closing, opening, etc., the legal department requires facility
materials to say that such changes are scheduled to happen rather than saying that they will happen. This is to protect Kaiser Permanente from
legal liability if the facility change does not stay on schedule.
See also clinic.
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medical office building
medical office building
Redundant; avoid using.
See medical office.
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medical professional
medical professional
Health care professional is preferred over medical professional as it more fully describes the continuum of care provided by Kaiser Permanente
and our focus on health and preventive care.
See health care professional.
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medical record number
medical record number
Unique number assigned to each Kaiser Permanente member. Members keep the same medical record number, even if they disenroll and
re-enroll or change Kaiser Permanente plans. Members' medical record numbers can be found on their Kaiser Permanente ID card. Called health
record number in Colorado, Georgia, and the Northwest.
Do not capitalize or abbreviate to MR# in external communications.
In national publications, use health/medical record number.
On kp.org, use Health/Medical Record number. Note the capitalization.
See also health record number, Health/Medical Record number.
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medical school
medical school
Lowercase generic references.
She completed medical school last year.
Capitalize specific institutions.
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
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medical social worker
medical social worker
Social workers who help patients and their families or caregivers with the adjustment that often follows illness. These services are provided in a
medical office, hospital, or the patient's home, under a physician's orders.
See also licensed clinical social worker (LCSW).
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medical specialties
medical specialties
Lowercase the names of medical specialties.
He is board certified in podiatry and internal medicine.
Also lowercase when using the medical specialty as an adjective.
The new medical offices provide internal medicine, obstetrics-gynecology, and pediatrics services.
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medical team
medical team
Health care team is preferred over medical team because it more fully describes the continuum of care provided by Kaiser Permanente, the
variety of professionals that provide that care, and our focus on health and prevention.
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Medicare
Medicare
Federal health insurance program for people 65 and older, people of any age with end-stage renal disease (permanent kidney failure treated with
dialysis or a transplant), and certain people with disabilities who are under 65. Medicare is managed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
Services (CMS), which is part of the Department of Health and Human Services.
Medicare has two parts: Part A (hospital insurance) helps pay for necessary medical care and services furnished by Medicare-certified hospitals,
skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and hospices. Part B (medical insurance) helps pay for physician services, outpatient hospital
services (including emergency room visits), ambulance transportation, diagnostic tests, laboratory services, some preventive care like
mammography and Pap tests, outpatient therapy services, durable medical equipment and supplies, and a variety of other health services.
Medicare marketing guidelines are available at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/ManagedCareMarketing/.
Consumer information on Medicare is available at medicare.gov.
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Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage is the new name (effective 2004) for Medicare + Choice plans offered by private health plans to Medicare eligibles. Kaiser
Permanente Senior Advantage is a Medicare Advantage plan.
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Medicare Part A and Part B, Medicare Parts A and B
Medicare Part A and Part B, Medicare Parts A and B
Either form is acceptable, although CMS uses the first form.
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Medicare Part D
Medicare Part D
A government-sponsored prescription drug plan that went into effect January 1, 2006. Its official name is the CMS Group Retiree Drug Subsidy
(Option), but Medicare Part D is preferred.
medications
medications
Medications or drugs are preferred over medicines, although medicines may be used if the words medications or drugs are repeated several
times close together in text.
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member
member
Subscriber or dependent who is enrolled in Kaiser Permanente and pays membership dues.
Not capitalized in general references.
Always use this term to describe Kaiser Permanente subscribers and dependents. Do not use customer. Do not refer to members as patients,
except in a medical context.
See also patient.
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member identification number
member identification number
Do not use.
See medical record number, Kaiser Permanente identification card.
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member rate
member rate
Price members pay for a drug that is not covered under their prescription drug benefit or that is provided on a coinsurance basis (e.g., 50 percent
cost sharing).
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Member Services
Member Services
Each Kaiser Permanente Region uses different terminology for the customer/member service department. In national communications, use
Member Services.
On kp.org, use Member Services whenever possible. The cost of regionalizing every mention of Member Services is prohibitive, especially for
online forms.
For styling by region see KP Regions, Health Plans, and Medical Groups.
mind-body
mind-body (adj.)
Hyphenate. Not mind/body.
mind-body connection
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mobile device
mobile device
A compact, portable electronic device that is not used as a phone but does have Internet connectivity and texting capability (example: iPad).
mobile health vehicle
mobile health vehicle
Fully equipped medical office on wheels that goes directly to work sites, communities, or events to deliver medical care.
Lowercase.
mobile phone
mobile phone
A portable electronic device used primarily for making and receiving telephone calls.
Mobile phones cannot be assumed to have Internet capability, though most have text messaging capabilities.
For devices with additional capabilities, see preferred terms smartphone or mobile device.
modifiers
modifiers
When describing Kaiser Permanente's offerings in member and marketing communications, avoid modifiers that are vague or difficult to
substantiate.
Some terms to avoid, or to use with caution, include the following:
all
full
complete
comprehensive
best
finest
greatest
the most
best quality
lowest cost
at no extra cost
inexpensive
generous
liberal
unlimited
just
merely
only
as high as
minimum
maximum
See also absolutes, comprehensive care, superlatives.
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money
money
Always use figures. Do not use the ¢ symbol.
Articles bought for $6 were sold for $6.75.In a very short time, gold prices rose from $35 an ounce to $375 an ounce.15 cents (not 15¢); $50 (not
50 dollars)
Do not use zeros in even dollar amounts.
$10 (not $10.00)
For very large round sums, express in units of millions or billions.
$1.5 million
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months
months
Capitalize the names of months in all uses.
When a month is used with a specific date, you may abbreviate only Jan., Feb., Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov. and Dec.
Spell out when using alone, or with a year alone.
When a phrase lists only a month and a year, do not separate the year with commas. When a phrase refers to a month, day and year, set off the
year with commas.
EXAMPLES: January 1972 was a cold month.
Jan. 2 was the coldest day of the month.
His birthday is May 8. Feb. 14, 1987, was the target date.
She testified that it was Friday, Dec. 3, when the accident occurred.
In tabular material, use these three-letter forms without a period: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec.
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more than, over
more than, over
More than is the correct phrase to use when referring to countable things (as in for more than 50 years). However, over may be used for brevity in
a headline or in the text of an advertisement.
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most, many, some
most/many/some
When describing a general amount or number (example: most physicians, many facilities, some people), use the following guidelines to determine
which adjective is most accurate.
Most: 51 percent or greater
Many: approximately 30–50 percent
Some: less than 30 percent
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mottoes and slogans
mottoes and slogans
Use quotation marks and capitalize the first word, even if the motto is not a complete sentence.
Everyone is familiar with the saying "No pain, no gain."
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MRI
MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging or MRI is acceptable on first reference and in all uses.
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mucus (n.), mucous (adj.)
mucus (n.), mucous (adj.)
a discharge of mucus
the mucous membrane
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multidisciplinary
multidisciplinary
One word.
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multimillion
multimillion
One word.
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multispecialty
multispecialty
One word.
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My Health Manager, My health manager
My Health Manager (print style)
Member section of kp.org in which members can email their doctor's office, request routine appointments, order prescription refills, view parts of
their medical record, and more. Functionality varies by region. Is provided by the KP HealthConnect system, but we don't mention the
HealthConnect name with member and consumer/prospective member audiences.
Initial cap, no italics.
My Health Manager is a great benefit for members.
See also Kaiser Permanente HealthConnect.
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My health manager (Web style)
Label for a group of core member tools and features on kp.org available to members only.
My health manager (initial capital "M" only, no italics) is the correct styling for Web pages, emails, e-newsletters.
Consider recasting a sentence — particularly in e-newsletters, landing pages, and emails — so that this label appears at beginning rather than in
middle, where the capital "M" could look like a mistake or read awkwardly.
My health manager gives you a bundle of time-saving tools that make caring for your health more convenient. You can
email your doctor's office
view test results
request, cancel, or view upcoming appointments
change your member profile
See also Kaiser Permanente HealthConnect.
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N
N
names
National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
nationality
National Labor-Management Partnership
Native American (n.), Native-American (adj.)
neonatal
network-model HMO
No.
nonemergency
nonfat (n., adj.)
non-formulary
non–Kaiser Permanente
nonmember
non-participating provider
non-Plan facility, non-Plan physician, non-Plan provider
nonprofit
nonurgent
not-for-profit
not only . . . but also
numbers
nurse-midwife (NM), certified nurse-midwife (CNM)
nurse practitioner (NP)
nursing assistant (NA)
names
names
First reference: Pamela Smith, Fred Jones
Second reference: Smith, Jones or Pamela, Fred (in informal communications)
Exception: When writing about people with the same surname, such as a husband and wife or brother and sister, use full names or "John Smith
and his son, James," with "James" used in subsequent references to the son.
See also academic degrees, titles.
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National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)
National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)
Use full name on first reference. Use NCQA on subsequent references.
The National Committee for Quality Assurance is best known for its work in assessing and reporting on the quality of the nation's managed care
plans through its accreditation and performance measurement programs. These programs produce information that consumers and employers
can use to make more informed decisions about their health care.NCQA uses a standardized data reporting system, HEDIS® (Health Plan
Employer Data and Information Set), to measure health plan quality.
For more information on referencing NCQA in communications, go to www.ncqa.org.
See also Health Plan Employer Data and Information Set (HEDIS®).
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National Institutes of Health (NIH)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Agency within the Department of Health and Human Services that is the principal biomedical research arm of the federal government. NIH
consists of the National Library of Medicine, numerous separate institutes and centers, and various regions that provide centralized support
services for the individual institutes.
Information on NIH institutes and centers can be found at nih.gov.
Considered a singular entity, NIH takes a singular verb.
The National Institutes of Health is located in Bethesda, Maryland.
Spell out first reference; acronym OK for subsequent references.
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National Labor-Management Partnership
National Labor-Management Partnership
Do not use.
See Labor Management Partnership (LMP).
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nationality
nationality
See ethnicity, nationality, and race
Native American (n.), Native-American (adj.)
Native American (n.), Native-American (adj.)
Capitalize both words. Refers to an American Indian, not to any native-born American.
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neonatal
neonatal
One word.
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network-model HMO
network-model HMO
HMO that contracts with two or more independent group practices and/or individual practice associations (IPAs).
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No.
No.
Do not use as the abbreviation for number in Web text, as screen readers interpret this as the word no (as in yes or no).
Right: The number one choice for living well.
Wrong: His No. 1 choice for college is Yale.
Wrong: We are #1.
nonemergency
nonemergency
No hyphen.
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nonfat (n., adj.)
nonfat (n., adj.)
No hyphen
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non-formulary
non-formulary
Note hyphen.
non–Kaiser Permanente
non–Kaiser Permanente
In print, use an en dash, not a hyphen.
On the Web, use a hyphen. (We don't have the ability to do en dashes on kp.org.)
See also dash.
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nonmember
nonmember
Not "non-member."
non-participating provider
non-participating provider
Note hyphen.
non-Plan facility, non-Plan physician, non-Plan provider
non-Plan facility, non-Plan physician, non-Plan provider
Non-Plan in general indicates facilities, physicians, or providers that are not part of the Kaiser Permanente health care system.
In external communications, avoid using non-Plan whenever possible to minimize confusion. For example, use outside of Kaiser Permanente
rather than non-Plan.
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nonprofit
nonprofit
One word, no hyphen.
Nonprofit is a legally defined term that refers to Kaiser Permanente Health Plan's tax-exempt organizational status with the IRS.
Not-for-profit is a broader term that doesn't necessarily include entities with tax-exempt status.
We refer to ourselves as nonprofit in order to reinforce that legal definition with the IRS and other regulatory agencies. Keeping our tax-exempt
status is a very high priority for Legal, since having that status revoked would be a financial burden for Kaiser Permanente.
See Kaiser Permanente for information on how to use nonprofit when talking about Kaiser Permanente.
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nonurgent
nonurgent
Not non-urgent.
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not-for-profit
not-for-profit
Do not use.
See nonprofit.
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not only . . . but also
not only . . . but also
No comma before but also.
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numbers
numbers (print style)
Generally, spell out numbers from one through nine. Use figures for 10 and above. Use commas for numbers 1,000 and higher.
Help is available 24 hours a day.There are three physicians in the Dermatology Department.There are 2,500 entries in the database.
For press releases, follow AP style.
There are three physicians in the Dermatology Department, 11 in the Cardiology Department, and 14 in the Oncology Department, for a total of 28
physicians in the three departments.
Otherwise, do not mix spelled-out numbers and figures in the same sentence for numbers in the same category.
Care is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
There are 3 physicians in the Dermatology Department, 11 in the Cardiology Department, and 14 in the Oncology Department, for a total of 28
physicians in the three departments.
Always use figures for dates, ages, dimensions, percentages, chapter and page numbers, money, mathematical computations, and time. Also use
figures for sections, volumes, and parts (e.g., Healthy Pregnancy, Part 3).
In general, use figures for all numbers in headlines.
General Motors identifies 6 benchmark health plans
Figures should not begin a sentence. Although AP allows the use of figures when beginning a sentence with a year (1976 was America's
Bicentennial), we recommend rewriting the sentence to avoid such a construction.
Always use commas with figures in the thousands or above.
1,200 or 30,000
Avoid using Roman numerals.
Ordinals: Spell out first through ninth when they indicate sequence or location. Use figures for 10th and above. Do not superscript ordinals.
She was first in line. It was their 50th anniversary.
Percents: See percent entry.
Range: Use the word to or an en dash to indicate a range. Do not use a hyphen.
50–75 years old; 50 to 75 years old
Rankings: Symbol and digit OK; when spelling out, lowercase.
His sense of humor was the #1 reason I fell in love with him.
His sense of humor was the number one reason I fell in love with him.
See also addresses, ages, dates, fractions, measurements, money, percent, temperature, time.
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numbers (Web style)
Generally, use figures for all numbers (timelines, quantities, ages, dates, measurements).
Note: This is a break with AP and print conventions. It accommodates the "skimming" style users adopt when reading Web copy, and also
makes text more readable when viewed on mobile devices.
Help is available 24 hours a day.
There are 3 physicians in the Dermatology department.
Care is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Numbers should only be spelled out if they are used in a way not relative to timelines, quantities, ages, dates, or measurements. In
general, spell out "one" when referring to individuals, ideas, or abstractions.
Right: It is a one-of-a-kind facility.
Wrong: It is a 1-of-a-kind facility.
Right: A survey found that 1 out of 10 physicians recommend the procedure.
Wrong: A survey found that one out of 10 physicians recommend the procedure.
Other correct examples:
You get all this in just one plan!
You'll get 4 one-on-one sessions.
Choose this one, that one, or a combination of the two.
Never allow yourself to think, "One won't hurt."
Lost 10 pounds? That deserves a high-five.
Spell out "zero" in body copy, so as not to confuse it with the letter "O," or rewrite to avoid.
Right: There have been zero infections so far this year. Again, there have been no infections.
Wrong: There have been 0 infections.
Use the Arabic numeral in front of "million" or "billion."
The donation totaled more than 1 million dollars.
Figures should not be used at the beginning of a sentence. If possible, the sentence should be rewritten to avoid having the figure start the
sentence. Only if this is not possible and the number has to be at the beginning of the sentence should the number be spelled out.
Always use commas with figures in the thousands or above.
1,200 or 30,000
Avoid using Roman numerals.
Fractions
Use numerals and slashes to render amounts under 1.
3/4
2/3
5/16
For mixed numbers, render with a whole number followed by a space, followed by the fraction.
1 1/2
3 5/8
4 3/4
In charts and tables, use decimals. If the decimals are a mixture of tenths, hundredths, thousandths, etc., then make all the numbers
consistent with the one showing the most specificity.
Right:
1.75
2.00
1.50
Wrong:
1.75
2
1.5
Ordinals: Spell out first through ninth when they indicate sequence or location. Use figures for 10th and above. Do not superscript ordinals.
She was first in line. It was their 50th anniversary.
Range: Use the word "to" when indicating a range. Do not use a hyphen or en dash.
50 to 75 years old
Rankings: Symbol and digit are both acceptable; when spelling out, lowercase.
His sense of humor was the #1 reason I fell in love with him.
His sense of humor was the number one reason I fell in love with him.
See also addresses, ages, dates, fractions, measurements, money, percent, temperature, time.
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nurse-midwife (NM), certified nurse-midwife (CNM)
nurse-midwife (NM), certified nurse-midwife (CNM)
Registered nurse who has received additional training as a midwife and is licensed to deliver infants and provide antepartum and postpartum care
in accordance with the laws of the state where the nurse practices.
Certified nurse-midwives have also graduated from a program accredited by the American College of Nurse-Midwives and have passed a national
certification examination.
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nurse practitioner (NP)
nurse practitioner (NP)
Registered nurse who has completed advanced training and is qualified to assume some of the duties and responsibilities traditionally performed
by a physician, such as physical exams and diagnosing and treating illnesses, in accordance with the laws of the state where the nurse practices.
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nursing assistant (NA)
nursing assistant (NA)
Nonlicensed worker who assists nurses in a hospital by performing unspecialized services such as making beds or giving baths. Sometimes
called a medical assistant. NAs also work in hospices and nursing homes, and as home health aides.
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O
O
Obamacare
obese, obesity
obstetrics-gynecology, ob-gyn
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
occupational therapist (OT)
offline, online
OK
on call, on-call
online, offline
on screen (adv.), onscreen (adj.)
on-site, off-site
open enrollment (OE)
ophthalmologist
orthotics
osteopathy
outcome
out of area (n.), out-of-area (adj.)
out-of-pocket expenses
out-of-pocket limit, out-of-pocket maximum
over, more than
overweight
Obamacare
Obamacare
See Affordable Care Act.
Do not use unless quoting someone. If the term is essential, write something with quotes around the word. For instance:
He spoke of the Affordable Care Act, which he referred to as "Obamacare."
obese, obesity
obese (adj.), obesity (n.)
A clinical term describing a person whose body mass index (BMI) is significantly above normal. The actual BMI that determines obesity varies in
children, teens, and adults. Specific guidelines are provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at cdc.gov. Use the term obese or
obesity when referring to a specific clinical issue about weight. Use overweight in a general discussion on weight.
See also overweight.
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obstetrics-gynecology, ob-gyn
obstetrics-gynecology, ob-gyn
ob-gyn (hyphen, not a slash, with both the o and g lowercased) is the acceptable abbreviation for either obstetrician-gynecologist (the person) or
obstetrics-gynecology (the specialty).
You may see an obstetrician-gynecologist without a referral. You may see an ob-gyn without a referral.
Capitalize the O and G when part of a proper name.
The Ob-Gyn Department is located on the second floor.
Use full term on first reference, ob-gyn on subsequent references.
Not: OB-GYN (all caps)
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Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Federal agency responsible for developing and enforcing regulations regarding the safety and health of workers in the United States.
Use full name on first reference, OSHA on subsequent references.
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occupational therapist (OT)
occupational therapist (OT)
Person trained in or engaged in the practice of occupational therapy, which promotes rehabilitation and recovery through activity.
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offline, online
offline, online
No hyphen.
Please note: Lotus Notes will flag "online" and suggest "on-line," but KP style uses the closed version.
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OK
OK
No periods. OK'd, not okayed.
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on call, on-call
on call, on-call
Two words when used as a prepositional phrase; hyphenated when used as an adjective.
My on-call schedule tells me when I'm on call.
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online, offline
online, offline
No hyphen or suspended hyphen.
We offer both online and offline materials for our members.
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on screen (adv.), onscreen (adj.)
on screen (adv.), onscreen (adj.)
He proofread the copy on screen.
Follow the onscreen instructions.
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on-site, off-site
on-site, off-site
Hyphenated both as an adjective and adverb.
Kaiser Permanente offers on-site wellness programs.
Employees can take classes on-site.
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open enrollment (OE)
open enrollment (OE)
Period during which employees may enroll in a health plan, add dependents, or change their health plans, choosing from those offered by their
employer without restriction; that is, without evidence of insurability or a waiting period. Typically, open enrollment occurs once a year, in the fall,
and lasts for one month.
Never initial cap as a proper noun. Do not use acronym in external communications. In internal communications, acronym may be used in
subsequent references only.
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ophthalmologist
ophthalmologist
Physician trained and licensed to examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases of the eye. Not synonymous with optometrist.
See also doctor of optometry, optometrist (OD)
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orthotics
orthotics
Branch of mechanical and medical science that deals with the support and bracing of weak or ineffective bones, joints, or muscles.
Also, the devices used for this purpose.
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osteopathy
osteopathy
System of medicine based on the theory that disturbances in the musculoskeletal system affect other bodily parts, causing many disorders that
can be corrected by various manipulative techniques in conjunction with conventional medical, surgical, pharmacological, and other therapeutic
procedures.
See doctor of osteopathy (DO).
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outcome
outcome
Outcome is the result of the medical care provided and has traditionally denoted whether or not a patient benefited physically from treatment. In
recent years the terminology has expanded to include such outcomes as patient satisfaction and quality of life.
Do not use in member or consumer communications.
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out of area (n.), out-of-area (adj.)
out of area (adv.), out-of-area (adj.)
Merely a descriptive term; it is not capitalized unless part of an official Kaiser Permanente plan name. Do not use the acronym OOA for consumer
or member audiences.
Your out-of-area employees can have Kaiser Permanente coverage.
The Kaiser Permanente Out-of-Area Plan can cover your employees.
Your employees are covered even if they live out of area.
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out-of-pocket expenses
out-of-pocket expenses
Amount a member pays for covered health services, including copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Do not use acronym OOP for member
or consumer audiences unless absolutely necessary for space in benefit charts.
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out-of-pocket limit, out-of-pocket maximum
out-of-pocket limit, out-of-pocket maximum
Maximum amount of out-of-pocket expenses members will pay for certain services as designated by their evidence of coverage. Once this limit is
reached, benefits for the designated covered services are covered 100 percent during the rest of that calendar year. Do not use acronym OOP for
member or consumer audiences unless absolutely necessary for space in benefit charts.
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over, more than
over, more than
Although over is sometimes used for brevity in a headline or in the text of an advertisement, more than is the correct phrase when referring to
countable things (as in for more than 60 years).
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overweight
overweight
A nonclinical term meaning having more body weight than is considered normal or healthy for one's age or build. Use in general discussions
about weight.
See also obese, obesity.
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P
P
page
Pap test
paragraph formatting
paramedic
parentheses
patient
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
Patient Self-Determination Act
payer
peak flow meter
pediatric, pediatrics, Pediatrics Department
percent
Permanente Company, LLC
Permanente Dental Associates
Permanente Federation, LLC
Permanente Medical Group
Personal Advantage
personal care physician
personal health information
personal physician
personal practitioner
phone numbers
physiatry
physical exam, physical
physical therapist (PT)
physician
physician assistant (PA), physician assistant, certified (PA-C)
physician-designed, physician-led
physician in chief
pickup (n.), pick up (v.)
Pilates
Plan
Plan provider
point of service (n.), point-of-service (adj.)
possessives
postoperative, post-op
postpartum
practitioner
preauthorization
precertification
pre-existing
preferred provider organization (PPO)
prefixes
premiums
prenatal
preoperative, pre-op
prepositions
prescription
preventative
Prevent Heart Attacks and Strokes Everyday (PHASE)
preventive
preventive health care
primary care
primary care physician
principal (n., adj.), principle (n.)
Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)
Program
Program Offices
Programwide
prostate gland
prosthetics
protected health information (PHI)
provider
public health nurse (PHN)
punctuation and punctuation marks
punctuation spacing
purchaser
page
page (print style)
Do not capitalize in running text when referring reading to information elsewhere in a publication.
Please see department listings on page 8.
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page (Web style)
Use page when referring to a specific section of a computer screen or Web page. Avoid using screen, except to vary the wording in cases where
page becomes repetitious.
See the bottle image on the left side of the page.
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Pap test
Pap test
Test for cervical and uterine cancer named after George Papanicolaou, the physician who developed it.
Do not use Pap smear. Initial cap on Pap only.
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paragraph formatting
paragraph formatting
Style A (generally used in newsletters and magazines)
First paragraph following a headline, title, or subhead is not indented. Each subsequent paragraph is indented. No line of space between
paragraphs.
Style B (can be used in any type of collateral or on the Web)
Line of space between each paragraph. Copy is not indented following headlines, titles, or subheads or at the beginning of any paragraph.
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paramedic
paramedic
Specially trained medical technician licensed to provide a wide range of emergency services (such as defibrillation and intravenous administration
of drugs) before or during a patient's transportation to a hospital.
See also emergency medical technician (EMT).
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parentheses
parentheses
See brackets and parentheses.
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patient
patient
Member is preferred; however, patient may be acceptable when referring to a hospitalized member or nonmember, or when describing a
patient-physician or patient-clinician interaction.
See also member.
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Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
See Affordable Care Act.
Patient Self-Determination Act
Patient Self-Determination Act
Federal legislation passed in 1991 requiring HMOs, hospitals, and certain other providers to furnish adult patients with information concerning
their right to make decisions about their medical care.
See also advance directives.
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payer
payer
Not payor.
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peak flow meter
peak flow meter
No hyphen.
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pediatric, pediatrics, Pediatrics Department
pediatric, pediatrics, Pediatrics Department
Use pediatric (no s) as an adjective.
The Kaiser Permanente Fairfield Medical Offices offer pediatric services.
The name of the specialty is pediatrics (lowercase, with an s). It is a noun that is singular in form.
He specialized in pediatrics. Pediatrics is her specialty.
The name of the department is Pediatrics (capitalized, with an s).
After-hours appointments are available in Pediatrics. (Department is understood.)
The Pediatrics Department is on the first floor.
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percent
percent
Always use figures with percentages, except when beginning a sentence. Always spell out percent in text; use the % symbol in tabulations, tables,
and charts.
Do not repeat percent when stating a range.
Right: She says 2 to 4 percent will see the show again.
Wrong: She says 2 percent to 4 percent will see the show again.
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Permanente Company, LLC
Permanente Company, LLC
As of December 31, 2009, The Permanente Company, LLC has been merged into The Permanente Federation, LLC.
See also Permanente Federation
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Permanente Dental Associates
Permanente Dental Associates
Professional corporation of dentists in the Northwest Region that provides prepaid dental care.
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Permanente Medical Group
Permanente Medical Group
Either a partnership or a professional corporation of physicians. There is a Permanente Medical Group in each Kaiser Permanente region that
assumes the full responsibility for providing and arranging necessary medical care for Kaiser Permanente members.
OK to use Permanente physicians except in member and consumer communications, where Kaiser Permanente physician is preferred.
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Permanente Federation, LLC
Permanente Federation, LLC
Always include The and capitalize the T when using the full name The Permanente Federation.
OK to shorten to the Federation (lower-case t ) in subsequent mentions.
Group partnership, formed on January 6, 1997, to represent the national interests of the Permanente Medical Groups. Entrusted with carefully
proscribed, national decision-making authority for the regional Permanente Medical Groups. On behalf of the Permanente Medical Groups, serves
as the national partner with Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc., on Programwide initiatives.
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Personal Advantage
Personal Advantage
See Kaiser Permanente Personal Advantage.
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personal physician
personal physician
Preferred over primary care physician because it is friendlier.
If a member can choose a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician's assistant for primary care, use personal practitioner.
personal care physician
personal care physician
Preferred term is personal physician or primary care physician.
Do not abbreviate to PCP.
personal health information
personal health information
See protected health information.
personal practitioner
personal practitioner
Preferred term is personal physician or primary care physician.
Do not abbreviate to PCP.
phone numbers
phone numbers (print style)
Always include area codes in phone numbers. Digits should be separated with a hyphen, not parentheses, for consistency across KP
publications. Never use periods to separate numbers; it makes the phone number more difficult to read.
Vanity phone numbers
Take care in using "vanity" numbers, as they can cause confusion by forcing the reader to take the frustrating extra step of translating the letters
into numbers before calling.
If you do use a vanity number, make sure the actual full number immediately follows:
323-783-FIND (323-783-3463)
For easy reference in text, single phone numbers may be bolded or colorized if it does not create a visual distraction on the page.
Do not use 800 as a synonym for toll free (888, 877, and 866 are also toll free).
Right: We provide a toll-free number for your convenience.
Wrong: We provide an 800 number for your convenience.
Always use a "1" with toll-free phone numbers.
Right: Call 1-800-555-1212
Wrong: Call 877-555-1212 (toll free)
Wrong: Call our toll-free 800 number (redundant)
Do not hyphenate toll free when it follows the number.
When a phone number includes an option to select, either bold the entire entry, or bold just the phone number portion:
Right: 1-800-555-1234 (option 3)
Right: 1-800-555-1234 (option 3)
Wrong: 1-800-555-1234 (option 3)
When referring to the nationwide emergency number, 911, not 9-1-1, is preferred.
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phone numbers (Web style)
Always include area codes in phone numbers. Digits should be separated with a hyphen, not parentheses, for consistency across KP regions and
publications (some regions use 10-digit numbers). Never use periods to separate numbers; it makes the phone number more difficult to read.
When referring to the nationwide emergency number, 911, not 9-1-1, is preferred.
Vanity phone numbers
Take care in using "vanity" numbers, as they can cause confusion by forcing the reader to take the frustrating extra step of translating the letters
into numbers before calling.
If you do use a vanity number, make sure the actual full number immediately follows.
1-800-33-ASK ME (1-800-332-7563) (toll free)
323-85-PANIC (323-857-2642)
Toll-free numbers
Always include the long-distance access code "1" with toll-free numbers. Indicate in parentheses that 800 numbers are toll free.
Right: 1-800-332-7563 (toll free)
Wrong: 800-332-7563 (toll free)
Do not use 800 as a synonym for toll free (888, 877, and 866 are also toll free).
Right: We provide a toll-free number for your convenience.
Wrong: We provide an 800 number for your convenience.
At-a-glance phone formats
Regular phone numbers
503-123-4567
Toll-free numbers
1-800-223-3333 (toll free); 1-866-555-1212 (toll free)
TTY numbers
626-555-2345 (TTY for the hearing/speech impaired)
Toll-free, TTY numbers
1-800-555-6789 (toll-free TTY for the hearing/speech impaired)
physiatry
physiatry
Special branch of medicine specifically dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of physical disability. Physiatrists are doctors who are certified as
specialists in rehabilitation medicine by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
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physical exam, physical
physical exam
Use physical exam. Do not use short form physical as a noun.
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physical therapist (PT)
physical therapist (PT)
Medical professional who identifies and helps correct and alleviate a patient's acute or prolonged musculoskeletal or neurological dysfunction.
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physician
physician
Physician, rather than doctor, should be used if the medical context might not be clear and the reader could think you're talking about a
veterinarian, a PhD, or a dentist, to name a few. Doctor may be used when talking specifically about a medical doctor or doctor of osteopathy, and
in situations that call for variety or a more informal tone.
She saw her doctor for a checkup.
Al Weiland is a physician.
In text, use a physician's full name followed by his or her degree for the first reference. In subsequent mentions, place the courtesy title in front of
the last name. Use of the physician's name in a headline counts as first reference.
First reference: Sharon Greene, MD Subsequent references: Dr. Greene
When referring to physicians, avoid the term provider.
See also clinician, health care professional, medical professional, practitioner, provider.
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physician assistant (PA), physician assistant, certified (PA-C)
physician assistant (PA); physician assistant, certified (PA-C)
Medical professional licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision.
PAs conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventive health care, assist in surgery, and in
most states can write prescriptions.
PA-Cs have passed a national certification exam and meet continuing education and testing requirements to retain their certification.
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physician-designed, physician-led
physician-designed, physician-led
These terms can be useful in conveying the idea that, within the Kaiser Permanente model of care, physicians play a significant role in the
decision-making process. However, exercise caution when using these terms because members may associate them with an autocratic system in
which they are not allowed to participate.
Do not use these terms when referring to Kaiser Permanente as a whole or a Kaiser Permanente program that is not specifically designed or led
by physicians.
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physician in chief
physician in chief
Not physician in charge. No hyphens. Use initial caps only when title precedes a name.
Physician in Chief John Smith, MD, has been with Kaiser Permanente for 25 years.
John Smith, MD, physician in chief in Glendale, has been with Kaiser Permanente for 25 years.
pickup (n.), pick up (v.)
pickup (n.), pick up (v.)
You may pick up your prescriptions.
Your prescription will be ready for pickup at noon.
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Pilates
Pilates
A fitness program emphasizing flexibility and strength for the entire body. Created by Joseph Pilates. Always begin with uppercase P.
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Plan
Plan
Avoid substituting for Kaiser Permanente in external communications.
However, if Plan must legally be used to refer specifically to a Kaiser Foundation Health Plan (for example, in legal documents such as EOCs) , it
is capitalized.
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Plan provider
Plan provider
Generally, Plan provider includes the Permanente Medical Groups and Kaiser Foundation Hospitals, Kaiser Permanente pharmacies, and other
facilities that are part of the Kaiser Permanente program. Plan provider may also include hospitals, physicians, medical groups, pharmacies, or
other health care providers that are contracted by Kaiser Permanente to provide medical services to Kaiser Permanente members. Specific
definitions of Plan provider may vary from region to region.
See also Plan.
point of service (n.), point-of-service (adj.)
point of service (n.), point-of-service (adj.)
Type of HMO coverage that gives members the ability to choose, at the point of service, to receive care from an in-network HMO physician, a
preferred provider organization (PPO) physician, or, in some cases, any licensed physician. Typically, in-network care costs less than
out-of-network care, where members may pay deductibles and a percentage of the cost of care.
Hyphenate only when used as an adjective preceding a noun and capitalize only as official plan name.
With the Kaiser Permanente Point-of-Service Plan, you can receive care from Kaiser Permanente providers or PHCS Network providers.
Kaiser Permanente introduced its first point-of-service product in the late 1990s.
You can make your choice at the point of service.
Kaiser Permanente's point-of-service plan is called Added Choice® only in the Hawaii and Mid-Atlantic States Regions.
See Added Choice®.
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possessives
possessives
Follow The Associated Press Stylebook guidelines.
Note that proper names ending in s are followed only by an apostrophe, e.g., Gates'.
For the Web, use a straight apostrophe, not a "smart" or curly apostrophe. If Microsoft Word automatically changes these marks to "smart" marks,
go to Tools>AutoCorrect>AutoFormat As You Type, and uncheck "Straight quotes with smart quotes."
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postoperative, post-op
postoperative, post-op
The forms are interchangeable, although post-op is less formal.
Postoperative does not have a hyphen.
The patient's postoperative (or post-op) condition is excellent.
The patient was taken to post-op.
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postpartum
postpartum
One word, no hyphen.
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practitioner
practitioner
Can be used to refer to all clinicians (physicians and nonphysicians). Practitioners are usually required to be licensed as defined by law.
You may also refer to them as health care practitioners.
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preauthorization
preauthorization
No hyphen.
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precertification
precertification
No hyphen.
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pre-existing
pre-existing
Use hyphen.
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preferred provider organization (PPO)
preferred provider organization (PPO)
Network of physicians and hospitals that contracts with a health plan, generally at a discounted rate, to provide care to the plan's members.
Members of the plan who choose providers from the PPO usually receive better benefits at a lower cost than they would when choosing providers
outside the PPO.
Also used to describe health plans that allow members to see physicians in this type of network.
Spell out first reference; acronym OK for subsequent references.
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prefixes
prefixes
Follow Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 11th edition, and The Chicago Manual of Style, 15th edition, pages 307–308, rather than The
Associated Press Stylebook. Nearly all compounds formed with Latin prefixes (e.g., anti, bi, co, con, multi, post, pre, pro, re, semi) and prefixes
such as over and under are treated as one word, no hyphen. Exceptions are words that would otherwise be confusing or misleading (co-worker,
post-op, pre-existing, re-enroll).
See also hyphen.
premiums
premiums
Use premiums when communicating to members concerning payments. It can be used interchangeably with rates, as appropriate; however, use
one term consistently throughout a document or campaign to avoid confusing the reader.
See also dues, rates.
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prenatal
prenatal
One word.
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preoperative, pre-op
preoperative, pre-op
The forms are interchangeable, although pre-op is less formal.
Preoperative (or pre-op) procedures have been completed.
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prepositions
prepositions
It is acceptable to end a sentence with a preposition only if needed for conversational tone or for effect in marketing or advertising materials.
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prescription
prescription
Whenever possible, use order prescription refills online to describe our refill services available through My Health Manager. This language is more
precise than refill prescriptions online, which Legal has noted might imply members may be able to contact a pharmacist while placing an order for
a refill.
Prevent Heart Attacks and Strokes Everyday (PHASE)
Prevent Heart Attacks and Strokes Everyday
Note proper spelling of “everyday.”
preventative
preventative
Do not use. Use preventive.
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preventive
preventive
Not preventative.
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preventive health care
preventive health care
Not preventative. Health care (mostly primary care) that emphasizes prevention, early detection, and early treatment of disease. Preventive care
includes routine physical exams, immunizations, and wellness programs.
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primary care
primary care
General medical care provided by a medical professional — usually a physician or nurse practitioner in family practice or family medicine, internal
medicine, or pediatrics — who may refer patients to a specialist for further treatment.
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primary care physician
primary care physician
Preferred term is personal physician.
Lowercase, no hyphen. Primary care physicians may specialize in family practice, internal medicine, and pediatrics. In some areas,
obstetrics/gynecology is considered primary care.
Do not abbreviate to PCP.
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principal (n., adj.), principle (n.)
principal (n., adj.), principle (n.)
Principal and principle are often confused but have no meanings in common.
Principle usually refers to a standard, rule, or basic belief or truth.
The principles of democracy. Stick to your principles.
Principal as a noun usually refers to a person who holds a high position or plays an important role.
The principal suspended the student for a week.
Principal as an adjective has the sense of most important, consequential, or influential.
Sharon's principal concern was the health of her baby.
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Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)
Private Healthcare Systems/PHCS
Now simply called PHCS. Do not use full name on any references. Provider network with which Kaiser Permanente Insurance Company (KPIC)
has contracted to provide medical care for our point-of-service (POS) members in several regions.
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Program
Program
Shortened version of Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program. For internal use only. Always capitalize.
See Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program.
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Program Offices
Program Offices
Program Offices is used to refer to the national headquarters for Kaiser Permanente, located in Oakland, California.
Kaiser Permanente's national functions and national leadership team, including the CEO of Kaiser Foundation Hospitals and Health Plan, are
primarily located at Program Offices, though Program Offices staff can be found throughout the U.S.
This term should generally not be used in external communications.
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Programwide
Programwide
For internal use only; do not hyphenate. Used to describe action occurring nationally across the Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program. Do
not use Kaiserwide or Kaiser-wide.
The new database will be implemented Programwide.
See Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program.
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prostate gland
prostate gland
Not prostrate.
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prosthetics
prosthetics
Branch of medicine or surgery that deals with the production and application of artificial body parts.
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protected health information (PHI)
protected health information (PHI)
Any personally identifiable information, whether oral or recorded in any form or medium, that
is created or received by a user, owner, health plan, public health authority, employer, life insurer, school or university, or health care
clearinghouse
relates to the past, present, or future physical or mental health or condition of the individual; the provision of health care to the individual;
or the past, present, or future payment for the provision of health care to the individual
identifies the individual directly or provides a reasonable basis to believe that the information can be used to identify the individual
May also be referred to as personal health information. Protected health information is preferred.
provider
provider
Avoid in member and consumer communications when referring to physicians or other medical professionals, because this term has an
"institutional" feel.
Acceptable as an umbrella term to refer to any facility, organization, or medical professional (including physicians) that provides care.
See also clinician, doctor, health care professional, medical professional, physician, practitioner.
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public health nurse (PHN)
public health nurse (PHN)
Nurse employed by a hospital or social-service agency to perform public health services, such as visiting sick persons at home.
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punctuation and punctuation marks
punctuation and punctuation marks
See the Punctuation section of this wiki for specifics. For punctuation questions not covered in this Editorial Style Guide or answered by The
Associated Press Stylebook, including note and bibliographical forms, consult The Chicago Manual of Style.
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punctuation spacing
punctuation spacing
Use only one space after punctuation that completes a sentence. This two-space rule, used with typewriters, is no longer needed.
Use one space following a colon introducing a series.
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purchaser
purchaser
Do not use externally. The preferred terms for businesses or other organizations that purchase health care services from Kaiser Permanente are
employer, group, union, trust, or association.
See employer.
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Q
Q
Q&A
qi gong
quotation marks
Q&A
Q&A
Short form for questions and answers. Abbreviate and use an ampersand (&) symbol rather than and.
No space before and after the ampersand.
OK on first reference.
See also FAQ.
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qi gong
qi gong
An internal, meditative practice that uses slow movements and controlled breathing techniques to improve posture, balance, coordination,
endurance, flexibility, and general health.
Other spellings and transliterations of the original Chinese characters can be found.
Use qi gong in Kaiser Permanente materials.
See also tai chi.
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quotation marks
quotation marks
In general, break out quotes into a new paragraph.
In Web copy, use straight apostrophes and quotes.
Typography: Use smart/curved quotation marks in printed documents.
In Microsoft Word:
1. On the Tools menu, click AutoCorrect Options, and then click the AutoFormat As You Type tab.
2. Under Replace as you type, select or clear the "Straight quotes" with "smart quotes" check box.
Attribution
When quoting dialogue, introduce the attribution as soon as comfortably possible so readers know who is speaking:
Right: "Lexi's hair wasn't the right type for that treatment because it was too curly," said her mother, Lisa Stasser, a cosmetologist. "It just drove
Lexi crazy. Lexi found her own hair so boring so I gave her a few highlights and for a while, that was fine," she said.
Wrong: "Lexi's hair wasn't the right type for that treatment because it was too curly. It just drove Lexi crazy. Lexi found her own hair so boring so I
gave her a few highlights and for a while, that was fine," said her mother, Lisa Stasser, a cosmetologist.
When introducing a new speaker, introduce the attribution before beginning the quote:
Right: "We were delighted to receive fresh fruit on our plates," said new mom Penny Loafer. Her husband Lou called the new maternity menu
unexpected. "We are used to soggy eggs and toast," said the dad of five.
Wrong: "We really enjoyed receiving fresh fruit on our plates," said new mom Penny Loafer. "We are used to soggy eggs and toast," said her
husband Lou, the father of five.
foreign languages:
In Spanish and other foreign languages, the rules governing placement of quotation marks and other punctuation can vary. Do not change
punctuation in foreign languages without consulting a translator.
with commas and periods:
Commas and periods go inside the quotation marks.
"That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind," said Neil Armstrong.
A used car is sometimes called "pre-owned."
with colons and semicolons:
Colons and semicolons are placed outside the quotation marks.
Bring these things along for a "White Christmas": skis, boots, and snowshoes.
with exclamation points and question marks:
Exclamation points and question marks are placed either inside or outside the quotation marks, depending on the meaning to be conveyed.
Was it necessary to put up all those signs reading "No Trespassing"?
He posted a sign on the dashboard: "Are your seat belts fastened?"
quotes within quotes:
Quotes within quotes are set within single quotation marks.
Recalling the moment of her first child's birth, she whispered, "When the doctor said, 'Congratulations; it's a boy,' I knew my life had changed
forever, and I began to cry."
as a continuing part of a sentence:
A quotation used as a continuing part of a sentence begins with a lowercase letter, even if the original quotation is a complete sentence beginning
with a capital letter.
Like Hamlet, he feels that "the time is out of joint."
in consecutive paragraphs:
When a long quotation is split into two or more consecutive paragraphs, use quotation marks at the beginning of each paragraph; however, use
an end quote only after the last paragraph.
"Medicine is not as magical as we once thought. If someone takes the time to explain a problem or a treatment to us, we can usually make a
pretty good decision about what is best for us.
"Use your common sense to become a working partner with your doctors. The best medical tests, diagnosticians, and medical specialists are
not enough. Good medical care also requires your own common sense."
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R
R
race
radiology
raffle
rates
ratios
recipes
re-enroll
references
region, Region
regionwide
registered dietitian (RD)
registered nurse (RN)
represented, nonrepresented
respiratory care practitioner (RCP)
restrictive modifiers, nonrestrictive modifiers
RICE
room, Room
RSVP
Rx
race
race
See ethnicity, nationality, and race.
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radiology
radiology
See diagnostic imaging.
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raffle
raffle
Do not use. Instead, use free drawing for prizes. Do not use free door prizes unless everyone gets a door prize.
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rates
rates
Use rates when communicating to any audience. It can be used to mean members' payments for coverage, as well as employers' payments to
Kaiser Permanente.
Rates can be used interchangeably with premiums, as appropriate, in consumer and member materials; however, use one term consistently
throughout a document or campaign to avoid confusing the reader.
See also dues, premiums.
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ratios
ratios
Use figures and hyphens to form ratios.
The ratio was 2-to-1; a ratio of 2-to-1.
In print copy, the word to should be omitted and a colon used when the numbers precede the word ratio.
It was a 2:1 ratio.
In Web copy, the word to should always be used when writing ratios because of accessiblity issues.
The ratio was 2-to-1, It was a 2-to-1 ratio not It was a 2-1 ratio.
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recipes
recipes
Use figures for amounts, and spell out measurements such as cup, teaspoon, tablespoon, and ounces.
2/3 cup low-fat buttermilk
1 teaspoon baking soda
However, if space is limited, measurements may be abbreviated.
1 tbsp honey
Use fractional characters, not decimals, for whole numbers plus fractions.
1¼, not 1.25
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re-enroll
re-enroll
Hyphenated.
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references
references (print style)
For notes and bibliographies, follow The Chicago Manual of Style, 16th Edition.
periodicals:
1. M.H. Sager, "Efficacy of Acupuncture," JAMA, 1 April 1998, 22-28.
books:
2. Wendy Schlessel Harpham, When a Parent Has Cancer: A Guide to Caring for Your Children (New York: Harper Collins, 1997), 38.
Footnote numerals are placed outside the punctuation.
Recent research from Duke University supported the original findings.¹
When you are producing materials to be published by organizations outside Kaiser Permanente, such as a publishing house or a professional
association (e.g., American Medical Association or American Psychological Association), be sure to follow the style guide preferred by that
organization.
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references (Web style)
For notes and bibliographies, follow The Chicago Manual of Style, 16th Edition.
periodicals:
1. M.H. Sager, "Efficacy of Acupuncture," JAMA, 1 April 1998, 22 to 28.
books:
2. Wendy Schlessel Harpham, When a Parent Has Cancer: A Guide to Caring for Your Children (New York: Harper Collins, 1997), 38.
Footnote numerals are superscript and placed outside the punctuation. Link the superscript to the footnote at the bottom of the page.
Recent research from Duke University supported the original findings¹.
When you are producing materials to be published by organizations outside Kaiser Permanente, such as a publishing house or a professional
association (e.g., American Medical Association or American Psychological Association), be sure to follow the style guide preferred by that
organization.
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region, Region
region, Region
Operational areas for Kaiser Permanente health plans and Permanente medical groups.
The name Kaiser Permanente alone is sufficient for most communications needs. Attach the region name (e.g., Kaiser Permanente of Colorado)
only when you need to distinguish between regions.
Capitalize region when used as part of a particular Kaiser Permanente region's name. Lowercase when used generically.
Hawaii Region, the region
See the full list of Kaiser Permanente regional, health plan, and medical group information below.
California Regions information
Colorado Region information
Georgia Region information
Hawaii Region information
Mid-Atlantic States Region information
Northwest Region information
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regionwide
regionwide
No hyphen; always lowercase.
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registered dietitian (RD)
registered dietitian (RD)
Degreed medical professional specializing in food and nutrition who educates patients and administers medical nutrition therapy when prescribed
by a physician.
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registered nurse (RN)
registered nurse (RN)
Graduate of an approved school of nursing who is licensed to practice by state authority. Registered nurses evaluate patients' conditions and
prepare and implement treatment plans.
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represented, nonrepresented
represented, nonrepresented
Represented is acceptable when describing employees who are in a union. Only use when union affiliation is an important detail of the the story
or message.
Nonrepresented is acceptable in most communications when describing employees who are not represented by a union.
Represented and nonrepresented workers enjoyed the picnic.
However, consider recasting a sentence to provide clarity regarding union status.
Employees who are not in the union were just as interested in the union president's speech as their represented colleagues.
Do not use "unrepresented" to describe employees who are not in a union, except when it is required to be correct on a technical level, such as in
union communications.
respiratory care practitioner (RCP)
respiratory care practitioner (RCP)
Medical professional who, under the guidance of a physician, assesses, treats, and manages patients with breathing disorders.
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restrictive modifiers, nonrestrictive modifiers
restrictive modifiers, nonrestrictive modifiers
Restrictive modifiers, whether clause or phrase, limit or restrict the meaning of the nouns they apply to. When a restrictive modifier is removed
from a sentence, the meaning is altered. Restrictive clauses usually start with that or who.
Nonrestrictive modifiers provide additional information about the nouns they apply to. When a nonrestrictive modifier is removed from a sentence,
the meaning is not altered. Nonrestrictive clauses start with which or who and are always set off by commas.
restrictive:
The drive-through window that is located on the south side of the building is open seven days a week. (or, the drive-through window located . . . )
The meaning of drive-through window is restricted to one particular location, implying there may be another drive-through window at a different
location.
nonrestrictive:
The drive-through window, which is located on the south side of the building, is open seven days a week.
The clause provides additional information about the drive-through window. The implication is that there is only one window.
restrictive:
All Kaiser Permanente members who qualify for this special program should contact Member Services.
This sentence implies that only some members qualify.
nonrestrictive:
You will be scheduled to see the pulmonary specialist, who is qualified to treat your specific medical condition.
The clause after the comma is nonessential and simply adds more information.
Consult Words into Type, 3rd edition, for further guidance on restrictive and nonrestrictive modifiers and appositives.
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RICE
RICE
Acronym for rest, ice, compression, elevation. Used for management of soft-tissue stress or injury (sprains).
Spell out first reference; acronym OK for subsequent references.
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room, Room
room, Room
Capitalize room when it appears with a number.
The class will be held in Room 6.
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RSVP
RSVP
Abbreviation for the French phrase répondez s'il vous plaît, meaning "please reply." No periods.
Right: Please respond by June 1, 2004.
Wrong: Please RSVP (redundant)
Back to R
Rx
Rx
May be used instead of prescription when space is tight. Do not subscript.
Rx, not R.
Back to R
S
S
safer sex
SARS
screen
seasons
selfsemiannual
semicolon
Senior Advantage
service agreement
service area
service mark
sickle cell disease
sign in
sign on (v.)
signs and symbols (typographic)
since
single sign-on (n.)
skilled nursing facility (SNF)
skin care (n., adj.)
slash
smartphone
smoking-cessation (adj.)
smoking cessation (n.)
Social Security, Social Security Administration, Social Security number
spacing within copy blocks
specialties
staff-model HMO
state
state-of-the-art (adj.)
STD (sexually transmitted disease)
STI (sexually transmitted infection)
subheads
subscriber
suffixes
superlatives
symbols
system
screen
screen
See page.
safer sex
safer sex
Never safe sex.
Back to S
SARS
SARS
Severe, acute respiratory syndrome. Acronym OK on first reference.
Back to S
seasons
seasons
Lowercase, including derivatives such as springtime, unless part of a formal name.
spring, summer, fall, winter, Winter Olympic Games
Back to S
selfselfAlways hyphenate.
self-assured, self-care, self-government, self-defense
Back to S
semiannual
semiannual
Avoid using because readers may confuse semiannual (twice yearly) with biennial (every two years).
Use twice yearly or two times a year.
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semicolon
semicolon
When items within a series of three or more include internal punctuation, use semicolons for clarity.
Present were Thomas Jackson, a lawyer; Robert Smith, a director; Harold Abbott, a tax consultant; and John Trenton, a stockholder.
Use a semicolon to connect two related sentences when they are not connected by and, or, but, or another conjunction.
It was not the ideal time to be traveling; prices were escalating at an alarming rate.
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Senior Advantage
Senior Advantage
See Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage.
Back to S
service agreement
service agreement
Full contractual agreement between a health plan and an individual or group for the health plan to provide health care. May also be called a group
agreement or membership agreement, depending on the region and product.
Back to S
service area
service area
Specific geographic area within which a health plan enrolls and serves members. Not customer service area. Avoid where possible in member
and consumer communications.
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service mark
service mark
See trademarks/service marks, brand names.
Back to S
sickle cell disease
sickle cell disease
Not sickle cell anemia. No hyphen.
Back to S
sign in
sign in
See sign on.
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sign on (v.)
sign on (v.)
No hyphen. Sign on is preferred when referring to elements of kp.org where members need to enter a username and password to use features.
Sign on to take advantage of our special features for members.
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signs and symbols (typographic)
signs and symbols (typographic)
Generally, do not use signs and symbols in text. If you must use a symbol in text, use the word and then the symbol in parentheses.
Use the pound sign (#).
Signs and symbols are acceptable in charts if you provide a key.
See also brand names, copyright notice, percent, measurements (dimensions), trademarks, service marks.
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since
since
See because/since.
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single sign-on (n.)
single sign-on (n.)
Always use a hyphen with the noun.
Single sign-on (SSO) enables you to access a computer system with one user ID and password. Sign on to our website.
See sign on.
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skilled nursing facility (SNF)
skilled nursing facility (SNF)
State-licensed institution that provides round-the-clock skilled nursing care.
Spell out first reference; acronym OK for subsequent references.
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skin care (n., adj.)
skin care (n., adj.)
Two words, no hyphen.
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slash
slash
Also known as a stroke or virgule. Do not place a space on either side of a slash in body copy. A space may be added in display copy for
aesthetic reasons.
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smartphone
smartphone
One word. A mobile phone with enhanced data capabilities, such as Internet connectivity and GPS (examples: iPhone, Blackberry).
smoking-cessation (adj.)
smoking-cessation (adj.)
Smoking-cessation programs have been linked to lower rates of cancer.
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smoking cessation (n.)
smoking cessation (n.)
Smoking cessation is one of my new year's resolutions.
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Social Security, Social Security Administration, Social Security number
Social Security, Social Security Administration, Social Security number
Capitalize all references to the U.S. system.
The Social Security Administration proposed a new system. Here is your Social Security card.
Lowercase generic uses.
Is there a social security program in Sweden?
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spacing within copy blocks
spacing within copy blocks
Use one space (not two) between sentences and after colons.
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specialties
specialties
Medical specialties (never specialities), such as podiatry and cardiology, are not capitalized unless they refer to a particular department.
She studied psychiatry.
He had an appointment with his dermatologist.
The Urology Department at Kaiser Permanente Riverside Medical Center
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staff-model HMO
staff-model HMO
HMO whose physicians are salaried employees of the HMO.
See group-model HMO.
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state
state
Lowercase in all state of constructions.
The state of California, the states of Maine and Vermont
Lowercase when used simply as an adjective.
Usually, state law imposes these restrictions.
OK to use abbreviations (Calif., Ariz., etc.) accompanied by a city only when necessary for space considerations.
Exception: Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Ohio, Texas, and Utah are not abbreviated.
Use approved U.S. Postal Service state abbreviations in mailing addresses.
Note: Virginia is a commonwealth, not a state. The Commonwealth of Virginia.
Kentucky, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, in addition to Virginia, refer to themselves as "commonwealths." Officially, the U.S. government
considers them states. When referring to them generically, there's no need to make the distinction.
See also geographic terms.
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state-of-the-art (adj.)
state-of-the-art (adj.), state of the art (noun)
Restrictions on use of this term vary by region. Regardless, use of this term is discouraged from a brand perspective because it has little meaning
for the reader. Use hyphens for the adjective and no hyphens for the noun.
Our state-of-the-art electronic medical record is being rolled out region by region.
Our new facility is state of the art.
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STD (sexually transmitted disease)
STD (sexually transmitted disease)
STD is not a preferred term. The Kaiser Permanente preferred term is STI or sexually transmitted infection.
See STI or sexually transmitted infection.
STI (sexually transmitted infection)
STI (sexually transmitted infection)
STI or sexually transmitted infection is the Kaiser Permanente preferred term instead of STD or sexually transmitted disease.
The rationale for the difference is STI stands for "sexually transmitted infection" and it is more accurate than "disease" since many infections can
be transmitted without any symptoms or obvious disease.
Technically, "disease" implies that there would be symptoms or you would somehow be "sick" if you had a disease.
One could have an STI with or without symptoms, so it would always be correct to use this term.
See STD (sexually transmitted disease).
subheads
subheads
See headlines.
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subscriber
subscriber
For individual and family coverage, the subscriber is the primary account holder for a family account. For employer group coverage, the
subscriber is the covered employee.
suffixes
suffixes
See -wide.
Use suffixes only if immediately recognizable (e.g., MD, PhD, RN, MPH).
Note: Many people are not familiar with suffixes for academic titles.
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superlatives
superlatives
Avoid terms such as best, highest quality, and finest to describe Kaiser Permanente's offerings, as they are difficult to substantiate, may create
liability, and may not meet state or federal regulations.
See also modifiers, absolutes.
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symbols
symbols
See signs and symbols.
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system
system
Do not use when describing Kaiser Permanente.
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T
T
tai chi
telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD)
telehealth, telemedicine
telephone numbers
telepresence, TelePresence
television (TV)
temperature
tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap)
The Permanente Company, LLC
The Permanente Federation, LLC
Thrive
tie-line
time
time zones
titles
titles, academic
titles, classes
titles, jobs
titles, programs
titles, works and publications
toll-free, toll free
total health
Total Health Assessment
touch-tone phone
toward
trademarks, service marks
Traditional Plan
TTY
tai chi
tai chi
A series of simple, flowing movements, often combined with meditation. The movements are designed to reduce stress, circulate the energy of
the body, promote healing, and improve balance. Tai chi movements can be performed either very slowly or quickly.
Other spellings and transliterations of the original Chinese characters can be found.
Use tai chi in Kaiser Permanente materials.
Lowercase. No initial caps.
See also qi gong.
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telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD)
telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD)
Although this term is still prevalent, TTY is preferred.
See TTY.
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telehealth, telemedicine
telehealth, telemedicine
Not tele-medicine or tele-health. Delivering care and monitoring patient status via remote devices that feed data into a care management system.
Back to T
telephone numbers
telephone numbers
See phone numbers.
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telepresence, TelePresence
telepresence, TelePresence
A high definition, immersive videoconference technology. It allows a more personalized video conference experience for smaller meeting settings.
Participants generally attend from specially configured telepresence rooms.
Lowercase when used generically.
Some of our facilities are equipped with telepresence technology.
When referring to the Cisco technology, capitalize both the T and P.
The meeting room is equipped with Cisco TelePresence.
television (TV)
television (TV)
Acceptable to use acronym in all references. No periods.
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temperature
temperature
Use degrees in running text. Not necessary to add Fahrenheit, but acceptable to do so.
A temperature of 101 degrees; a 101-degree fever.
Use degree symbol (101º) in charts.
Use degree symbol and F in health education materials.
A temperature of 101ºF.
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tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap)
tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis
See diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP and Tdap) vaccines.
The Permanente Company, LLC
The Permanente Company, LLC
As of December 31, 2009, The Permanente Company, LLC has been merged into The Permanente Federation, LLC.
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The Permanente Federation, LLC
The Permanente Federation, LLC
Always include The and capitalize the T when using the full name The Permanente Federation.
OK to shorten to the Federation (lowercase t ) in subsequent mentions.
Group partnership, formed on January 6, 1997, to represent the national interests of the Permanente Medical Groups. Entrusted with carefully
proscribed, national decision-making authority for the regional Permanente Medical Groups. On behalf of the Permanente Medical Groups, serves
as the national partner with Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc., on Programwide initiatives.
See also The Permanente Federation intranet website.
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Thrive
Thrive
Uppercase when referencing the advertising campaign and lowercase for other uses.
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tie-line
tie-line
Hyphenated, lowercase.
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time
time
Lowercase a.m. and p.m., and use periods. If space is at a premium in a directory or chart, the periods may be omitted.
Do not spell out times such as half-past or quarter-past.
Right: The meeting began at 4:30 p.m.
Wrong: The meeting began at half-past four.
In text:
Times on the hour do not need :00.
He arrived for his interview at 9 a.m. (Not 9:00 a.m.)
Always use one regular space between the number and a.m. or p.m.
If the range of hours indicated is all a.m. or all p.m., do not repeat the a.m. or p.m.
9 to 11:30 a.m. (Not 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.)
In Web copy, when signifying a range of time within text do not use a hyphen. Instead use to.
Flu shots will be available at these times:
• Monday, May 18, 9 to 11 a.m.
• Tuesday, May 19, 10 a.m. to noon
• Wednesday, May 20, 2 to 4 p.m.
In print, it is preferable to use to, but an en dash may be used for space considerations.
9-11 a.m.
Use noon and midnight (not 12 p.m. and 12 a.m.), but not 12 noon or 12 midnight.
When referring to services available every day, around the clock:
Right: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Wrong: 24/7; 24-hours-a-day
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time zones
time zones
Spell out time zone names (see the chart below) on first reference, followed by the acronym in parentheses (if it will used for subsequent
references). Use the acronym alone for subsequent references. Do not use periods in the acronym.
Lowercase "time."
Do not refer to standard or daylight time (PST, PDT).
California
Pacific time (PT)
Colorado
Mountain time (MT)
District of Columbia
Eastern time (ET)
Georgia
Eastern time (ET)
Hawaii
Hawaii time (HT)
Maryland
Eastern time (ET)
Ohio
Eastern time (ET)
Oregon
Pacific time (PT)
Virginia
Eastern time (ET)
Washington state
Pacific time (PT)
Use the time zone of the region where a specific communication will be used. In national communications or those that will be used in multiple KP
regions that are in different time zones, use Pacific time.
Exception:
In communications to Hawaii members, use Pacific time for numbers that are based on the mainland. (Hawaii does not observe daylight saving
time, so those hours would be incorrect for Hawaii readers for half the year). For local Hawaii numbers, use Hawaii time.
titles
titles
Please see titles, academic; titles, classes; titles, jobs; titles, programs; titles, works and publications
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titles, academic
titles, academic
Do not use periods in abbreviations for academic and professional degrees and titles.
MD, PhD, PharmD (not M.D., Ph.D., Pharm.D.)
Do not precede a name with a courtesy title for an academic degree and then follow the name with the degree's abbreviation.
Dr. Pam Jones or Pam Jones, MD (not Dr. Pam Jones, MD)
In text, use a person's full name followed by his or her degree in the first reference. In subsequent mentions, the courtesy title goes in front of the
last name. Use of the name in a headline counts as first reference.
First reference: Anthony Radcliffe, MD
Subsequent references: Dr. Radcliffe
In informal internal communications, even persons with doctoral degrees may be referred to by their first name on subsequent references.
First reference: Artie Southam, MD
Subsequent references: Artie
An OD, RN, MD, etc., is a degree, not a person. Degree abbreviations should only be used following a person's name.
Right: Judy Jones is an optometrist. The nurse checked his blood pressure.
Wrong: Judy Jones is an OD. The RN checked his blood pressure.
Lowercase types of academic degrees and use an apostrophe. Lowercase the field in which the degree was received, unless it is a proper noun
such as English.
doctorate, bachelor's, master's degree; bachelor's in business administration, master's in English; bachelor of arts, master of science
It is often not practical to include all degrees or certifications a person holds, so it is important to consider the context of your communication. In
general, do not include bachelor's degrees.
Include master's and/or doctorate degrees and professional certifications as relevant to the content of the communication. If a person holds both a
master's and doctorate in the same field, it is not necessary to include the master's degree.
When a person with a degree of any type is cited as a subject expert, also cite his or her field of expertise for clarity's sake.
Barry Jacobson, PhD, a mental health counselor at Beaverton Medical Office
Carol Smith, PT, a physical therapist at Rockville Medical Center
see also academic degrees; titles, classes; titles, jobs; titles, programs; titles, works and publications
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titles, classes
titles, classes
Capitalize the titles of classes and set off with quotation marks in copy.
The "Asthma Management" class will be offered twice a month.
see also titles, academic; academic degrees; titles, jobs; titles, programs; titles, works and publications
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titles, jobs
titles, jobs
Titles following an individual's name are never capitalized, even for royalty.
Bruce Taylor, executive manager
Dave Briar, director, Product Development
Elizabeth II, queen
Titles are capitalized only when they directly precede an individual's name.
Professor John Dearlove
Executive Manager Bruce Taylor
Medical Director Barbara J. Rosenberg, MD
Cap when preceding a name, lowercase when following.
Director of Employee Satisfaction Sherry Perry
Sherry Perry, director of Employee Satisfaction
Elizabeth II, queen
Lowercase and spell out titles when set off from name with commas.
Hawaii Permanente Medical Group's president and executive medical director, Geoffery Sewell, MD, is visiting the Honolulu Clinic today.
Lowercase occupational descriptions.
Dr. Jones and physical therapist Stacy Kline spent several hours with the patient's family.
Do not mix capitalization styles within a communication.
Capitalization of job titles is acceptable in signature blocks, addresses, invitations, labels, business cards, and other situations in which the title
stands alone or separate from the person's name.
Bruce Taylor
Executive Manager
Sales and Marketing
Use sentence case for group or team titles in tables.
See also academic degrees; titles, academic
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titles, programs
titles, programs
For formal titles, use initial caps for all words except coordinating conjunctions, articles, and prepositions (unless they are the first or last word in a
title).
Program titles are set in roman, not italic (Chemical Dependency Recovery Program).
See also academic degrees; titles, academic; titles, classes; titles, jobs; titles, works and publications
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titles, works and publications
titles, works and publications
Print style
Initial cap principal words in a title, including prepositions and conjunctions of four or more letters. Capitalize an article or word of fewer than four
letters if it is the first or last word in a title. Note: As of March 2012, the following print style is an intentional deviation from the new AP style.
Initial cap, no other treatment
brochures (unbound, folded documents, usually eight pages or
fewer)
Summary of Benefits and Coverage, Emergency and Urgent Care
Information
forms (Short documents, usually fillable by the user. Initial cap
the word Form only if it is part of the actual title.)
Claim for Emergency Services, Enrollment/Change Form, Authorization for
Use and/or Disclosure of Member/Patient Health Information
websites
WebMD, Google, Amazon
See also Web address, website.
(Note: kp.org and other Kaiser Permanente websites are exceptions to this
rule. See kaiserpermanente.org, kp.org.)
Italics
books and booklets (bound documents,
usually longer than eight pages)
Your Guidebook to Kaiser Permanente Services, Disclosure Form, Evidence of Coverage,
Certificate of Insurance, Member Handbook, Summary Plan Description
newspapers
The Denver Post
newsletters and magazines
Health Care Perspectives, Partners in Health, Elevate, Newsweek
plays
The Amazing Food Detective
TV shows
CBS News
videos, films, DVDs, CDs, podcasts
In the Kitchen with Carole
Quotation marks
chapter titles
Refer to Chapter 2, "Colons and Semicolons."
section titles
See "Using Your Benefits" in Your Plan Coverage.
magazine articles
A Newsweek article titled "Ranking Your HMO"
newspaper articles
"Health Plans in 38 States Sue Tobacco Firms"
magazine special issues
"Most Innovative Companies" issue
Note that there is no comma after the word "titled" (A Newsweek article titled "Ranking Your HMO").
Use initial caps for all words except coordinating conjunctions, articles, and prepositions (unless they are the first or last word in a title).
See also titles, academic; titles, classes; titles, jobs; titles, programs
Web style
Titles of works and publications are treated differently on the Web than they are in printed media. Italics are very difficult to read online and do not
always render as intended. Accordingly, we do not use italics online for emphasis or for titles.
For all titles
Initial cap principal words in a title, including prepositions and conjunctions of four or more letters. Capitalize an article or word of fewer than four
letters if it is the first or last work in a title.
Printed media
No italics or quotation marks for the following:
Books,
booklets, and
brochures
Summary of Benefits and Coverage, Your Guidebook to Kaiser Permanente Services, Disclosure Form, Evidence of
Coverage, Certificate of Insurance, Member Handbook, Summary Plan Description, Moby-Dick, Great Expectations,
Emergency and Urgent Care Information
Newspapers
The Denver Post, USA Today. (Newspapers without “The” in the masthead take l.c. “the,” e.g., the Los Angeles Times)
Newsletters
and
magazines
Partners in Health, The Week, Health Care Perspectives, Sports Illustrated
Use quotation marks for the following:
Chapter titles
Refer to Chapter 2, "Colons and Semicolons."
Section titles
See "Using Your Benefits" in Your Plan Coverage.
Magazine articles
A Newsweek article titled "Ranking Your HMO"
Newspaper articles
"Health Plans in 38 States Sue Tobacco Firms"
Magazine special issues
"Most Innovative Companies" issue
Online media
No italics or quotation marks for the following:
Websites
Facebook, Twitter, kaiserpermanente.org, StudentNet
Blogs
Talking Points Memo, Big Journalism, Come on Feel the Nuys (but titles of individual blog posts should be in quotation
marks, unless the posts are titled with dates only)
Software
(including games)
Windows XP, Internet Explorer 9.0, iOS 5, PhotoShop, Adobe Acrobat, World of Warcraft
Use quotation marks for the following:
Podcasts
“In the Kitchen with Carole,” “The Adam Carolla Show,” “To the Point,” “Mobtown Ska Sounds,” “The Naked Scientists Radio
Show,” “The Nutrition Diva,” “Savage Love”
“Active” media
Use quotation marks for the following:
Plays, films, videos, DVDs, CDs,
songs
“Wit,” “Mourning Becomes Electra,” “Star Wars,” “Dorf on Golf,” “A Different Kind of Truth” by Van
Halen, “Hey Jude”
toll-free, toll free
toll-free, toll free
Hyphenate when used as an adjective; leave open when used as an adverb.
You may call our toll-free Member Services number.You may call us toll free.
See also phone numbers.
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total health
total health
Total health is Kaiser Permanente's philosophy and approach to care that considers all aspects of a person's state of being — body, mind, and
spirit. It also describes the state of health and well-being nonmembers experience through Kaiser Permanente’s involvement in and contributions
to local communities and around the world.
Lowercase both words when used generically.
At Kaiser Permanente, we believe in total health.
Initial cap both words only when part of a formal name of a program or class, or when an initiative/strategy has been informally given the title of a
"Total Health" initiative.
Don't forget to pick up your complimentary Total Health grab bag at the health fair.
Total Health Assessment
Total Health Assessment
Initial cap.
Total Health Assessment but not THA.
Kaiser Permanente has made an agreement with Wellness & Prevention, Inc. to have the product formally named Total Health Assessment. No
trademark or registration symbol should be applied.
Do not include HealthMedia when using this name.
See also HealthMedia®
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touch-tone phone
touch-tone phone
Lowercase.
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toward
toward
Not towards.
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trademarks, service marks
trademarks, service marks
A trademark is used to identify a particular source of products. For example, Macintosh is a trademark used to identify certain personal computers
made and sold by Apple Computers, Inc. The symbol TM signifies a trademark.
A service mark is used to identify a source of services. For example, Federal Express and FedEx are service marks used to identify the package
delivery services provided by Federal Express Corporation. The symbol SM signifies a service mark.
The ® symbol indicates a trademark or service mark that has been registered with the federal government's U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
(USPTO). For example, the name Kaiser Permanente is a service mark used to identify the prepaid medical services provided by our
organization. It has been registered with the USPTO.
When a trademark or service is registered only with a state agency, not the USPTO, or when it is not registered at all, then the symbol TM or SM is
used. When a mark is registered with both the USPTO and a state agency, the federal registration takes precedence and the symbol ® is used.
A registration symbol should always be superscript. It should not be separated from the affected term by punctuation.
Usage:
Use trademark or service mark symbols with registered Kaiser Permanente names only in titles, headlines, or the first reference in body copy.
Individual listings in this style guide indicate Kaiser Permanente trademarks.
The ® symbol should always appear as part of the Kaiser Permanente signature (logo).
Trademark and service mark symbols are not required with non--Kaiser Permanente brand names unless required in contractual agreements
with specific companies. Please see individual product name entries for guidance.
See also brand names.
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Traditional Plan
Traditional Plan
Former name of Kaiser Permanente's HMO plan (in some regions). Do not use.
In absence of an actual plan name, it is acceptable to use as a lowercase general term, including HMO as descriptor.
With our traditional HMO plan, you do not have a deductible.
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TTY
TTY
Originally "teletypewriter," these three initials now stand for any device with a keyboard, display, and coupler or modem that allows a person with
a hearing or speech impairment to communicate via telephone. Both parties must have a TTY to communicate, unless the call is placed through a
TTY relay center.
The Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) provides a bridge between people who communicate by voice only and those who communicate
by TTY (with or without a voice component). TRS is designed to allow real-time conversation by providing third-party assistance at no cost to the
users. A trained communication assistant speaks the words typed by a TTY user and types the words spoken by a voice telephone user. The
national 711 number gives toll-free access to TRS from anywhere in the United States.
Use the 711 TRS number if the location does not have its own TTY equipment and phone number.
Refer readers to TTY services as follows. The descriptor helps to prevent people who are not familiar with TTY from trying to use the TTY
number.
Call 1-800-555-1212 or 1-800-555-1234 (TTY for the deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired)
Call 1-800-555-1212 or 711 (TTY for the hearing/speech impaired)
Note: Although the preferred term is hard of hearing, not hearing impaired, in situations where space is limited hearing/speech impaired may be
used.
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U
U
U.S.
ultraviolet (UV)
underline
under way (adv.), underway (adj.)
unit-based team
universities and schools
up-to-date (adv., adj.)
URAC
urgent care
URL
user ID
underline
underline (Web style)
Because underlined text in Web copy can be confused with hyperlinks, do not underline text that is not a link. Never underline for emphasis.
ultraviolet (UV)
ultraviolet (UV)
Spell out "ultraviolet" with first reference. Then use UV, UVA, UVB, or UVC, as appropriate.
Ultraviolet rays are divided into three types: UVA, UVB, and UVC.
UVA rays are often associated with premature aging of the skin.
UVB rays cause redness and sunburn and are thought to be the cause of skin cancer.
UVC rays are screened out by the ozone layer of the atmosphere and do not reach the Earth.
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under way (adv.), underway (adj.)
under way (adv.), underway (adj.)
Two words unless used as an adjective in a naval setting.
The project is under way.
The flotilla of warships is underway.
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unit-based team
unit-based team
Lowercase; use hyphen
Unit-based teams are natural, local work groups consisting of workers, physicians, and managers, who work collaboratively to solve problems,
improve performance, and enhance quality for tangible results.
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universities and schools
universities and schools
Use a comma before the location. Initials are acceptable on second reference.
University of California, Berkeley (UCB)
University of Wisconsin, Whitewater
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up-to-date (adv., adj.)
up-to-date (adv., adj.)
Hyphenate whether used as an adjective or an adverb.
Keep me up-to-date on your condition.
She's wearing an up-to-date style.
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URAC
URAC
URAC is the correct abbreviation for American Accreditation HealthCare Commission, a nonprofit, private organization that thoroughly evaluates
online health content using more than 50 standards, from content quality to privacy and security policies, in a rigorous accreditation process.
URAC was originally an acronym for Utilization Review Accreditation Commission, a name that is no longer used.
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urgent care
urgent care
The definition of what constitutes urgent care may vary from one Kaiser Permanente region to another; therefore, be sure you are defining the
term correctly for your particular audience.
Do not hyphenate when used as an adjective.
urgent care services, not urgent-care services
See also emergency.
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URL
URL
See Web address.
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U.S.
U.S.
Use as an adjective only. Spell out as a noun.
U.S. domestic policy
inflation indicators in the United States
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user ID
user ID
Use this term instead of user name when describing how members sign on to kp.org.
V
V
vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC)
versus
Veterans Administration
vice president, vice chair
video conference
Visa
visiting member
Visiting Member Program
vitamins
voice mail
vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC)
vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC)
Spell out first reference; acronym OK in subsequent references.
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versus
versus
Spell out in text; abbreviate to vs. in headlines only when space is tight. If the abbreviation is used in a Web headline, be sure to spell out as
versus in the alt tag.
Use v. when citing court cases (Smith v. Jones).
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Veterans Administration
Veterans Administration
See Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
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vice president, vice chair
vice president, vice chair
No hyphen.
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video conference
video conference
A legacy generic term describing video conferencing systems that are room based. Participants attend in a video conference room within the
video conference network. This is not a mobile technology.
Visa
Visa
Visa no longer requires the use of a registration mark with its name.
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visiting member
visiting member
Lowercase.
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Visiting Member Program
Visiting Member Program
Provides up to 90 days of coverage to Kaiser Permanente members who are temporarily visiting another Kaiser Permanente or Group Health
Cooperative service area other than their home service area.
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vitamins
vitamins
Lowercase the word vitamin, but use a capital letter for the type of vitamin.
I take my vitamins every day.
A good source of vitamin A is dark-green vegetables.
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voice mail
voice mail
Two words.
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W
W
Wal-Mart
Washington, D.C.
Web
Web address, website
webcast
Web conference
webinar
Web manager
well baby (n.), well-baby (adj.)
well-being (n.)
well child (n.), well-child (adj.)
well-woman (adj.)
which, that
white
who, whom
-wide
wiki
workday
workers' compensation
workforce
workplace
worksite
workstation
World Health Organization (WHO)
Wal-Mart
Wal-Mart
Wal-Mart employees are called Associates. Always initial capped.
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Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
Use a comma and periods on first reference. Can be abbreviated to D.C. on subsequent references.
He moved to Washington, D.C.
Two commas are required for compound sentences.
He moved to Washington, D.C., and now works for a new company.
When referring to the postal code in an address, periods are not used.
Send your form to:
Kaiser Permanente
1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
Washington, DC 10012
See also District of Columbia
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Web
Web
A collection of graphical pages on the Internet that can be read and interacted with by a computer. Also called World Wide Web. Capitalize,
except when used as part of the word website.
See also Internet, Web address, website.
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Web address, website
Web address, website
Capitalize Web, except when it is used as part of the word website.
Lowercase the w in website, which is one word.
Web addresses, also known as URLs, should not be italicized or underlined in running text.
In print, Web addresses can be bolded or colorized for readability, if desired.
On the Web, URLs should not appear in running text; instead, make the website title a link to the site itself.
Try to keep Web addresses on one line of copy. If a Web address must be broken, do so after a slash and without the use of hyphens.
For more information, check out our website at kp.org/newsroom/releases/this_month/index.shtml.
If a Web address ends a sentence in text, punctuate the sentence normally but do not apply any type treatment used in the Web address, such as
bolding, to the punctuation. Recast the sentence if you're concerned that readers might assume the punctuation is a part of the address.
For Kaiser Permanente Web addresses:
Do not use http:// or www. in Kaiser Permanente Web addresses.
Kaiser Permanente Web addresses are generally lowercase and should always include the domain (.org). (Note: This is an exception to the rule
about styling Web addresses as title case.)
It is acceptable to use kp.org instead of kaiserpermanente.org as long as it would be clear to the reader what the kp stands for. That is, as long as
our logo or full company name is somewhere near kp.org.
For shortcut URLs, lowercase is preferred.
kp.org/thrive
Kaiser Permanente Web addresses always end in .org, which designates nonprofit status, never .com or .net.
For external Web addresses:
Do not use http://_ _in a Web address unless the address does not begin with www. Do not remove www. from a Web address without confirming
that the address will work without it.
For website titles, capitalize the first letter of every word, except coordinating conjunctions, articles, and prepositions (unless they are the first or
last word in a title).
For well-known brands, unusual capitalization is acceptable if it increases recognition and readability (e.g., WebMD, eBay).
If the website title is recognizable without the domain (.com, .org, etc.), do not include it.
People search for information on Google.
Are you on Facebook?
But if it would otherwise be unclear that you're referring to the website, include it.
I looked it up on MayoClinic.com.
Go to WellsFargo.com for more information.
As always, consider your audience. If readers are likely to be unfamiliar with the Internet or uncomfortable with domain names, feel free to explain
using the words website or online version.
I found it on the Mayo Clinic website.
The article came from the online version of Newsweek.
References to English Web content/URLs in Spanish copy:
In Spanish materials, if you reference a URL that links to English-only content, add a clarifying note that the content is in English:
Consulte recetas saludables en kp.org/farmersmarketrecipes (en inglés).
See also Web.
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webcast
webcast
An online broadcast. It usually consists of a media file that uses streaming to distribute a single content source to many users. For example, an
online broadcast of a meeting or lecture. Lowercase the w in webcast.
webinar
webinar
An online seminar. It usually involves slide presentations, audio, and visual files. Can be one-way or may involve polling or Q&A sessions with
attendees. For example, an online seminar about health care reform. Lowercase the w in webinar.
Web conference
Web conference
A virtual meeting technology that allows collaboration, application and desktop sharing, and peer-to-peer video sharing, on demand, to both
desktop systems and mobile devices through standard Internet connections. Perhaps the most well known of these products is WebEx by Cisco.
Web manager
Web manager
The Web manager maintains the content of the kaiserpermanente.org website. Users email website feedback and correspondence to the Web
manager, who then triages the inquiry to the most appropriate person to respond.
Two words. Always capitalize W and lowercase m.
well baby (n.), well-baby (adj.)
well baby (n.), well-baby (adj.)
Hyphenate when used as an adjective preceding a noun.
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well-being (n.)
well-being (n.)
Always hyphenated.
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well child (n.), well-child (adj.)
well child (n.), well-child (adj.)
Hyphenate when used as an adjective preceding a noun.
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well-woman (adj.)
well-woman (adj.)
Hyphenate when used as an adjective preceding a noun.
Well-woman visits are covered.
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which, that
which, that
See restrictive modifiers, nonrestrictive modifiers.
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white
white
Preferred term over Caucasian when identifying ethnicity generally .
Right: Both black and white staff and physicians attended the workshop.
Wrong: Only Caucasian men attended the workshop.
See also Caucasian
who, whom
who, whom
Who is generally the subject of the sentence, clause, or phrase.
The woman who rented the room left the window open.
Whom is generally the object of a verb or preposition.
The woman to whom the room was rented left the window open.
However, when whom does not directly follow a preposition, it is acceptable to use who, especially if whom sounds stilted.
Who should I call? not Whom should I call?
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-wide
-wide
Do not hyphenate unless long and cumbersome.
citywide, nationwide, Programwide, regionwide, statewide, countywide, worldwide
If long and cumbersome, hyphenate if used as an adjective before a noun; do not hyphenate if used after a noun.
industry-wide trend; The change is happening industry wide; university-wide canvass; The canvass was university wide.
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wiki
wiki
A collaborative website that allows users to comment on or make changes to the content.
Do not capitalize wiki, unless it is part of a proper name. Lowercase when referring to the Kaiser Permanente Editorial Style Guide wiki.
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workday
workday
One word.
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workers' compensation
workers' compensation
State-governed, no-fault program, paid for by employers, that provides compensation for work-related injuries and illnesses. Benefits may include
medical treatment, temporary disability indemnity, vocational rehabilitation, permanent disability indemnity, and death benefits, depending on the
state.
Note the apostrophe after s.
Not workmens' compensation.
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workforce
workforce
One word.
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workplace
workplace
One word.
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worksite
worksite
One word.
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workstation
workstation
One word.
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World Health Organization (WHO)
World Health Organization (WHO)
Specialized agency of the United Nations that promotes technical cooperation for health among nations and carries out programs to control and
eradicate disease on an international basis.
Spell out first reference; acronym OK for subsequent references.
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XYZ
XYZ
X-ray (n., v., adj.)
yoga
ZIP code
X-ray (n., v., adj.)
X-ray (n., v., adj.)
Capitalize and hyphenate.
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yoga
yoga
There are a number of different types of yoga. In Kaiser Permanente materials, the term refers to low-impact yoga that helps to regulate breathing
with exercises consisting of postures and stretches intended to sustain healthy bodily functioning and induce emotional calmness.
Lowercase.
See also hatha yoga
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ZIP code
ZIP code
Use all caps for ZIP, but always lowercase code.
One space (and no comma) between the state and the ZIP code.
Atlanta, GA 30305
Use ZIP+four numbers only for business reply mail and return envelopes.
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KP Regions, Health Plans, and Medical Groups
KP Regions, Health Plans, and Medical Groups
California Regions
Colorado Region
Georgia Region
Hawaii Region
Mid-Atlantic States Region
Northwest Region
Affiliate health plans and strategic alliances
California Regions
California Regions
Preferred use of health plan names
Kaiser Permanente in California
Kaiser Permanente Northern California
Kaiser Permanente Southern California
Abbreviations for internal communications only
KP
KPNC
KPSC
Legal names
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc.
Kaiser Foundation Hospitals
Areas of service for commercial plans
Northern California: San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, Stockton, Fresno, and Modesto
Southern California: Major metropolitan areas from Bakersfield to San Diego
Medical groups
Southern California Permanente Medical Group
The Permanente Medical Group, Inc. (always capitalize The)
Preferred Member Services name
Member Service Contact Center
(no s at end of Service)
Colorado Region
Colorado Region
Preferred use of health plan name
Kaiser Permanente Colorado
Legal name
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Colorado
Areas of service for commercial plans
Denver, Boulder, Longmont, Colorado Springs and Pueblo
Medical group
Colorado Permanente Medical Group, P.C.
Preferred Member Services name
Member Services
Georgia Region
Georgia Region
Preferred use of health plan name
Kaiser Permanente Georgia
Legal name
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Georgia, Inc.
Area of service for commercial plans
Metropolitan Atlanta
Medical group
The Southeast Permanente Medical Group, Inc. (always capitalize The)
Preferred Member Services name
Member Services
Hawaii Region
Hawaii Region
Preferred use of health plan name
Kaiser Permanente Hawaii
Legal name
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc.
Areas of service for commercial plans
Oahu, Maui, Hawaii, Kauai, Lanai, and Molokai
Medical group
Hawaii Permanente Medical Group, Inc.
Preferred Member Services name
Customer Service Center
Mid-Atlantic States Region
Mid-Atlantic States Region
Preferred use of health plan name
Kaiser Permanente of the Mid-Atlantic States
Legal name
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Mid-Atlantic States, Inc.
Areas of service for commercial plans
Northern Virginia, metropolitan Washington, D.C., and metropolitan Baltimore
Medical group
Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group, P.C.
Preferred Member Services name
Member Services
Northwest Region
Northwest Region
Preferred use of health plan name
Kaiser Permanente Northwest
Legal names
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Northwest
Kaiser Permanente Health Alternatives
Areas of service for commercial plans
Oregon: Metropolitan Portland area and Salem
Washington: Vancouver and Longview-Kelso
Medical group
Northwest Permanente, P.C., Physicians and Surgeons
Dental group
Permanente Dental Associates
Subsidiaries and affiliates
Affiliation with Group Health Cooperative
Preferred Member Services name
Membership Services
Ohio Region, now HealthSpan Integrated Care
Ohio Region
The Ohio Region, also known as Kaiser Permanente of Ohio, no longer exists.
Health plan
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Ohio was acquired by HealthSpan Partners in late 2013 and now operates under the name HealthSpan
Integrated Care.
Medical group
Ohio Permanente Medical Group, Inc. now operates under the name HealthSpan Physicians, LLC.
HealthSpan Physicians entered into an affiliate membership agreement with The Permanente Federation on October 1, 2013.
As an affiliate member, HealthSpan Physicians has access to the Care Management Institute (CMI) and the Federation’s Quality and Physician
Leadership services. This includes access to CMI’s Clinical Library and committee meetings. It also includes participation in:
National Quality Conference
Associate Medical Director (AMD) for Quality meetings
Interregional Chief Group meetings.
Permanente Executive Leadership Summit (PELS)
Medicine and Management (M&M)
select Executive Medical Director meetings
other mutually agreed upon meetings
Affiliate health plans and strategic alliances
Affiliate health plans and strategic alliances
Group Health Cooperative
Preferred use of health plan name
Group Health Cooperative
Legal name
Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound
Areas of service for commercial plans
Major metropolitan areas of Washington state, excluding Southwest Washington, but including Seattle and Spokane. Also, selected counties in
North Idaho.
Medical group
Group Health Permanente
Subsidiaries and affiliates
Group Health/Kaiser Permanente Community Foundation; Options Health Care, Inc.; Virginia Mason Group Health Alliance, Inc.
HealthSpan Partners
Preferred use of health plan name
HealthSpan
Legal name
HealthSpan Integrated Care
Areas of service for commercial plans
Ohio: Metropolitan Cleveland and Akron areas.
Medical group
HealthSpan Physicians, LLC
Copyediting Marks
Copyediting Marks
Preferred Reference Tools
Preferred Reference Tools
Style manuals
For answers to style questions not covered in the Kaiser Permanente Editorial Style Guide, consult The Associated Press Stylebook and Briefing
on Media Law (New York: The Associated Press, 2012).
For style questions not answered by The Associated Press Stylebook and Briefing on Media Law, including note and bibliographical forms,
consult the 16th edition of The Chicago Manual of Style (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2010).
Dictionary
Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 11th edition (Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster, Inc., 2004). Also available online at m-w.com.
Medical dictionaries
Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary, 30th edition (Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders Co., 2003). Also available in CD-ROM format as Dorland's
Electronic Medical Dictionary, 29th Edition.
Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary, 19th edition (Philadelphia: F.A. Davis Company, 2001). Access to the online version is available through
the National Clinical Library at cl.kp.org.
Grammar and usage guide
For superior, comprehensive help with grammar, punctuation, and usage, consult Words into Type, 3rd edition (Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice
Hall, 1974).