Health
Emojis in Medical Records Could Confuse Patients
Health Points
- A study published in JAMA Network Open identified hundreds of emojis used in medical records between 2020 and 2025.
- The most popular symbol used by clinical teams was the smiling face with smiling eyes, followed by the telephone receiver icon.
- Digital images in medical notes can lead to potential miscommunication if the meaning behind the symbol is not entirely clear.
Digital icons like smiley faces and thumbs-up gestures are no longer just for social media. A new study reveals these tiny images are increasingly appearing within electronic medical records and patient portal messages.
An analysis of over 218 million records discovered that clinical teams are using emojis to communicate with patients of all ages, including those in their 70s. While common symbols like calendars are frequent, researchers also found unexpected icons like flames and police car lights.
Always ask your healthcare provider for clarification if you receive a message or note that contains an emoji you do not understand.
Staying informed ensures your care remains accurate and personalized to your needs.
