DAW
Abbreviation with 2 meanings
| Stands for | Dispense as written |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 2 |
| Categories | Medical, Technology & Computing |
DAW has two meanings. It stands for Dispense as written (prescription) or Digital audio workstation (software).
Meanings of DAW at a glance
| # | DAW stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dispense as written | Medical › Prescription |
| 2 | Digital audio workstation | Technology & Computing › Software |
1. Dispense as written
Medical · Prescription Abbreviations
Instruction that the pharmacy must dispense the exact brand or product named and may not substitute a generic equivalent. On claims, DAW is reported as a numeric code from 0 to 9 that explains why a brand or generic was dispensed.
Example: DAW 1 - brand medically necessary; patient failed generic levothyroxine.
In NCPDP claim codes, DAW 0 means substitution allowed, DAW 1 means the prescriber required the brand, and DAW 2 means the patient requested the brand. Some state Medicaid programs require the prescriber to handwrite "brand medically necessary" instead of checking a box, and insurers often charge a penalty when the patient chooses DAW 2.
2. Digital audio workstation
Technology & Computing · Software Abbreviations · also used in entertainment
Software for recording, editing, mixing and producing music and audio, such as Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, FL Studio and GarageBand. It has replaced tape machines and large mixing desks in most studios.
Example: I record vocals into my DAW, comp the best takes and then mix with plug-ins.
Early DAWs of the late 1980s were dedicated hardware systems; Digidesign's Sound Tools (1989) evolved into Pro Tools, long the professional studio standard. Modern DAWs host plug-ins in formats such as VST, AU and AAX. Low-cost options include GarageBand on Apple devices and Reaper, known for a generous evaluation policy.
Related abbreviations
More prescription abbreviations
- BT – Bedtime
- cc – Cubic centimeter
- c̄ – Cum (with)
- D/C – Discontinue
- Disp – Dispense
- dtd – Dentur tales doses (give such doses)
- EPCS – Electronic prescribing of controlled substances
- eRx – Electronic prescription
See all 77 prescription abbreviations →
More software abbreviations
- CC0 – Creative Commons Zero
- CE – Community Edition
- CLA – Contributor license agreement
- COTS – Commercial off-the-shelf
- DCO – Developer Certificate of Origin
- DLL – Dynamic-link library
- DRM – Digital rights management
- EE – Enterprise Edition
See all 70 software abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.