Interpreting Patient Conditions

Under Evaluation: Patient is undergoing assessment.

Good: Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious and comfortable. Indicators are excellent.

Fair: Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious, but may be uncomfortable. Indicators are favorable.

Serious: Vital signs may be unstable and not within normal limits. Patient is acutely ill. Indicators are questionable.

Critical: Vital signs are unstable and not within normal limits. Patient may be unconscious. Indicators are unfavorable.

Treated and Released: Received treatment but not admitted.

Treated and Transferred: Received treatment. Transferred to a different facility.

Death: If the patient has expired, this fact can be reported to the media only after the patient has been pronounced dead and the next of kin has been notified. If the patient opted out of the hospital directory, under HIPAA guidelines, the hospital cannot confirm that a patient has died.

* One-word patient conditions mutually established by the New Jersey Press Association and the New Jersey Hospital Association.