the purpose of patient history and physical examination report

by Vicky O'Conner 10 min read

History and Physical Examination - PMC

17 hours ago  · While the patient's history may provide clues to an underlying diagnosis, a thorough physical exam can offer key evidence for pruning the cause list, which narrows the … >> Go To The Portal


The importance of the history and physical in diagnosis This article supports the importance of using the patient history and physical as a basis for selecting relevant diagnostic testing, which leads to a timely and accurate diagnosis. This process protects patients from the risks of unnecessary testing and is cost-effective.

Test results plus findings from the history and physical examination may confirm or refute the main and differential diagnoses, setting up either a management plan or the need for an alternative hypothesis.

Full Answer

Why is it important to use the patient history and physical?

This article supports the importance of using the patient history and physical as a basis for selecting relevant diagnostic testing, which leads to a timely and accurate diagnosis. This process protects patients from the risks of unnecessary testing and is cost-effective.

What is the primary goal of obtaining a medical history?

The primary goal of obtaining a medical history from the patient is to understand the state of health of the patient further and to determine within the history is related to any acute complaints to direct you toward a diagnosis[1].

Can a medical student conduct a medical history and physical?

• a signature and date on any document with updated or revised information as an attestation that it is current. A medical student has no legal status as a provider of health care services, therefore, a medical History and Physical (H&P) conducted by a medical student would not fulfill the requirements.

What is the purpose of the medical examination?

The medical examination is one means of evaluating the health of aliens applying for admission or adjustment of status as permanent residents in the United States.

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What is the purpose of a history and physical exam?

The History and Physical Exam, often called the "H&P" is the starting point of the patient's "story" as to why they sought medical attention or are now receiving medical attention.

What is the purpose of patient history?

The primary goal of obtaining a medical history from the patient is to understand the state of health of the patient further and to determine within the history is related to any acute complaints to direct you toward a diagnosis[1].

What is the purpose of the taking a history during a patient assessment?

The purpose of obtaining a health history is to gather subjective data from the patient and/or the patient's family so that the health care team and the patient can collaboratively create a plan that will promote health, address acute health problems, and minimize chronic health conditions.

What is the purpose of a physical assessment?

The purposes for a physical assessment are: (1) To obtain baseline physical and mental data on the patient. (2) To supplement, confirm, or question data obtained in the nursing history. (3) To obtain data that will help the nurse establish nursing diagnoses and plan patient care.

Why is patient history important in nursing?

History taking is a key component of patient assessment, enabling the delivery of high-quality care. Understanding the complexity and processes involved in history taking allows nurses to gain a better understanding of patients' problems.

What is the importance of medical history and what are the contents?

A record of information about a person's health. A personal medical history may include information about allergies, illnesses, surgeries, immunizations, and results of physical exams and tests. It may also include information about medicines taken and health habits, such as diet and exercise.

Why is social history important in the care of a patient?

Along with the chance to connect with the patient as a person, the social history can provide vital early clues to the presence of disease, guide physical exam and test-ordering strategies, and facilitate the provision of cost-effective, evidence-based care.

What is the purpose of a health history quizlet?

State the purpose of the complete health history. To collect subjective data and combine it with objective data from the physical examination and diagnostic tests. Ill person's history includes a detailed, chronological record of the health person. All history's include abnormal symptoms, health problems and concerns.

Why is physical assessment important in nursing?

Research has demonstrated that astute assessment is essential to safe patient care. A through physical assessment is the foundation for all planned nursing intervention and provides the framework against which subsequent findings during hospitalization can be compared and evaluated.

Why is physical health assessment so important in nursing?

Why Must Nurses Have Strong Health Assessment Skills? Health assessments form the basis of the patient care plan and way to collect information on vital signs, pain levels, mobility levels, personal hygiene and more.

What is the purpose of a routine physical exam quizlet?

What is the purpose of a routine physical exam? To diagnose and treat problems, immunize, order tests, and encourage healthy living.

What is a physical exam?

a physical examination, including an evaluation of mental status, sufficient to permit a determination of the presence and the severity of Class A and Class B conditions. The physical examination is to include: a mental status examination that includes, at a minimum, assessment of intelligence, thought, cognition (comprehension), judgment, ...

What is the medical report form?

The Medical Report Form. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), United States Public Health Service (PHS), is responsible for ensuring that aliens entering the United States do not pose a threat to the public health of this country. The visa medical examination is one means of evaluating the health of aliens applying ...

What is the purpose of a medical exam for a visa?

The purpose of the visa medical examination is to determine whether the alien has: 1) a physical or mental disorder (including a communicable disease of public health significance or drug abuse/addiction) that renders him or her ineligible for a visa (Class A condition); or 2) a physical or mental disorder that , although does not constitute a specific excludable condition, represents a departure from normal health or well-being that is significant enough to possibly interfere with the person’s ability to care for him- or herself, to attend school or work, or that may require extensive medical treatment or institutionalization in the future (Class B condition).

What is the responsibility of a panel physician?

The responsibility of the panel physician is only to conduct the examination and testing required to determine the alien’s status regarding Class A and Class B conditions and to complete the medical report form. If the examination reveals an acute illness that makes it impossible to determine the alien’s medical status regarding Class A or B conditions, the acute illness should be treated by a physician of the alien’s choice, and the visa medical examination process completed when the alien has recovered. If the alien needs further evaluation or treatment for conditions not relevant to the visa medical examination, the physician should advise the alien of this and make recommendations for appropriate diagnostic evaluation and treatment.

What is a mental exam?

a physical examination, including an evaluation of mental status, sufficient to permit a determination of the presence and the severity of Class A and Class B conditions. The physical examination is to include:#N#a mental status examination that includes, at a minimum, assessment of intelligence, thought, cognition (comprehension), judgment, affect (and mood), and behavior#N#a physical examination that includes, at a minimum, examination of the eyes, ears, nose and throat, extremities, heart, lungs, abdomen, lymph nodes, and skin#N#all diagnostic tests required to identify communicable diseases of public health significance, as well as other tests identified as necessary to confirm a suspected diagnosis of any other Class A or Class B condition. 1 a mental status examination that includes, at a minimum, assessment of intelligence, thought, cognition (comprehension), judgment, affect (and mood), and behavior 2 a physical examination that includes, at a minimum, examination of the eyes, ears, nose and throat, extremities, heart, lungs, abdomen, lymph nodes, and skin 3 all diagnostic tests required to identify communicable diseases of public health significance, as well as other tests identified as necessary to confirm a suspected diagnosis of any other Class A or Class B condition.

What section of medical report should you indicate drug abuse?

Findings of drug abuse or addiction should be indicated in the “Remarks” section of the medical report form. The panel physician should indicate the specific drug that is/was being used and the last time it was used if the patient has discontinued its use.

What is a review of hospitalizations?

a review of all institutionalizations for chronic conditions (physical or mental) a review of all illnesses or disabilities resulting in a substantial departure from a normal state of well-being or level of functioning. specific questions about psychoactive drug and alcohol use, history of harmful behavior, ...

What is medical history?

A medical history, obtained by the civil surgeon or a member of the physician’s professional staff, from the applicant (preferably) or a family member, which includes. a review of all hospitalizations. a review of all institutionalizations for chronic conditions (physical or mental) a review of all illnesses or disabilities resulting in ...

What is the purpose of a medical exam?

The purpose of the medical examination is to determine whether the alien has: 1) a physical or mental disorder (including a communicable disease of public health significance or drug abuse/addiction) that renders him or her ineligible for admission or adjustment of status (Class A condition); or 2) a physical or mental disorder that, although does not constitute a specific excludable condition, represents a departure from normal health or well-being that is significant enough to possibly interfere with the person’s ability to care for him- or herself, to attend school or work, or that may require extensive medical treatment or institutionalization in the future (Class B condition).

What is a mental exam?

A physical examination, including an evaluation of mental status, sufficient to permit a determination of the presence and the severity of Class A and Class B conditions. The physical examination is to include#N#a mental status examination that includes, at a minimum, assessment of intelligence, thought, cognition (comprehension), judgment, affect (and mood), and behavior#N#a physical examination that includes, at a minimum, examination of the eyes, ears, nose and throat, extremities, heart, lungs, abdomen, lymph nodes, and skin#N#all diagnostic tests required to identify communicable diseases of public health significance, as well as other tests identified as necessary to confirm a suspected diagnosis of any other Class A or Class B condition 1 a mental status examination that includes, at a minimum, assessment of intelligence, thought, cognition (comprehension), judgment, affect (and mood), and behavior 2 a physical examination that includes, at a minimum, examination of the eyes, ears, nose and throat, extremities, heart, lungs, abdomen, lymph nodes, and skin 3 all diagnostic tests required to identify communicable diseases of public health significance, as well as other tests identified as necessary to confirm a suspected diagnosis of any other Class A or Class B condition

What is medical examination?

The medical examination is one means of evaluating the health of aliens applying for admission or adjustment of status as permanent residents in the United States. These instructions are for the use of civil surgeons and U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials who are evaluating aliens applying for adjustment ...

What is included in a civil surgeon's medical report?

The civil surgeon must include a statement of likely degree of disability and the need for extensive medical care or institutionalization for any Class B conditions identified during the examination. Findings of drug abuse or addiction should be indicated in the “Remarks” section of the medical report form.

What is the medical report form?

Medical Report Form. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), United States Public Health Service (PHS), is responsible for ensuring that aliens entering the United States do not pose a threat to the public health of this country. The medical examination is one means of evaluating the health of aliens applying for admission ...

Who is responsible for completing and forwarding the medical report form to the DHS?

The civil surgeon remains responsible for completing and forwarding the medical report form to the DHS official. The report of the consulting physician, as received by the civil surgeon , must be included with the medical report form. Top of Page.

Why is it important to use patient history and physical?

This article supports the importance of using the patient history and physical as a basis for selecting relevant diagnostic testing, which leads to a timely and accurate diagnosis. This process protects patients from the risks of unnecessary testing and is cost-effective.

Why is a clinical history and physical exam important?

Therefore, the clinical history and physical exam are critical to the diagnostic process and often provide more information than can be gained by broad testing strategies . An old adage claims that if you listen to patients, they will eventually tell you what is wrong.

Why are NPs important?

Clearly, NPs will continue to play an important role in refining and promoting the history and physical as a basis for the judicious selection of testing procedures, which will ultimately improve the diagnostic process.

Why is it important for clinicians to establish a working diagnosis in a timely manner?

As patient volume increases and encounter times become shorter, it is critical for clinicians to establish a working diagnosis in a timely manner.

What is the role of nurse practitioners in healthcare?

The role of nurse practitioners. As the healthcare field continues to evolve, it is critical to include patients as active participants in their own healthcare, which begins by listening closely to their concerns through eliciting a comprehensive patient history.

Do NPs take history?

In one landmark study, researchers noted that NPs were more likely than physicians to take a full history and were less likely to empirically prescribe medical therapy unless it was indicated through a relevant history. 21 NPs also perform skilled, focused physical exams.

What is the importance of history and physical?

The importance of the history and physical in diagnosis. General Purpose: To identify the importance of the patient history and physical in selecting diagnostic testing and in reaching an accurate diagnosis. Learning Objectives: After reading this article and taking the test, you should be able to: 1. Describe common pitfalls in the clinical ...

Why is broad testing important?

The author asserts that broad testing strategies. are increasingly important as visit times become shorter. are vital for confirmation of diagnoses. may provide less information than the history and physical. are important to reduce healthcare costs.

Can diagnostic testing be used to rule out a diagnosis?

Diagnostic studies should not be used to rule out a diagnosis. Basing diagnostic studies on the history and physical is cost-effective. An accurate diagnosis can be confirmed only by diagnostic testing. Diagnostic testing results always support a thorough history and physical.

Who can complete a history and physical?

The medical staff must determine, based on state-specific law and regulation (Scope of Practice), the extent to which a Dentist or Podiatrist may complete a history and physical. Typically, the Dentist or Podiatrist is only authorized to perform aspects of the History and Physical that are applicable to ...

What is the intent of a medical staff?

The intent is that the medical staff defines only certain circumstances, such as certain type of outpatient surgeries or procedures such as angiograms, that require a history and physical.

Can a dentist perform a history?

Typically, the Dentist or Podiatrist is only authorized to perform aspects of the History and Physical that are applicable to either Dentistry or Podiatry. The organization can have a policy that would permit the use of a history and physical examination performed by any practitioner permitted by state law.

What does a medical history reveal?

Obtaining a medical history can reveal the relevant chronic illnesses and other prior disease states for which the patient may not be under treatment but may have had lasting effects on the patient's health. The medical history may also direct differential diagnoses. [1]

Why is it important to communicate patient history?

Communicating the patient's medical history to other medical professionals is important and can have significant implications in preventing medical errors.

Why is it important to ask if a patient has allergies to medication?

It is critical to always ask clearly if the patient has any medication allergies and if they do, clarify the reaction they had to the medication. Medication history is also important as patients take more and more medications and drug-drug interactions must be avoided.

Why is it important to have a medical history?

Obtaining a medical history can reveal the relevant chronic illnesses and other prior disease states for which the patient may not be under treatment but may have had lasting effects on the patient's health. The medical history may also direct differential diagnoses.[1] When treating a patient, information gathered by any means can crucially guide ...

What is social history?

Social history is a broad category of the patient's medical history but may include the patients smoking or other tobacco use, alcohol and drug history and should also include other aspects of the patient's health including spiritual, mental, relationship status, occupation, hobbies, and sexual activity or pertinent sexual habits.

What is the definition of "when treating a patient"?

Definition/Introduction. When treating a patient, information gathered by any means can crucially guide and direct care. Many initial encounters with patients will include asking the patient's medical history, while subsequent visits may only require a review of the medical history and possibly an update with any changes.

Can a history of breast cancer be direct care?

In less extreme cases medical history will often direct care. An example of a patient with a history of breast cancer on chemotherapeutic drugs with a cough may show a need for further workup of a patient with an immunocompromised state versus a healthy patient with no chronic disease.

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Scope of The Examination

  • The purpose of the visa medical examination is to determine whether the alien has: 1) a physical or mental disorder (including a communicable disease of public health significance or drug abuse/addiction) that renders him or her ineligible for a visa (Class A condition); or 2) a physical or mental disorder that, although does not constitute a speci...
See more on cdc.gov

Management of Medical Conditions Not Related to The Visa Medical Condition

  • The responsibility of the panel physician is only to conduct the examination and testing required to determine the alien’s status regarding Class A and Class B conditions and to complete the medical report form. If the examination reveals an acute illness that makes it impossible to determine the alien’s medical status regarding Class A or B conditions, the acute illness should …
See more on cdc.gov

Referral For Further Evaluation

  • In some instances, the panel physician may be unable to make a definitive diagnosis or determine whether a disease or disorder is a Class A or a Class B condition. In such instances, the panel physician must refer the alien for a medical or mental health evaluation that will provide sufficient information to resolve the uncertainties of either diagnosis or Class A or Class B designation. Th…
See more on cdc.gov

The Medical Report Form

  1. The medical report form is to be completed in English, typed, dated, and signed by the panel physician. Follow instructions of the consular officer regarding the number of copies of the medical for...
  2. The results of required tests for tuberculosis must be entered in the appropriate spaces on the medical report form. Mark the box “not done” if these tests are not required.
  1. The medical report form is to be completed in English, typed, dated, and signed by the panel physician. Follow instructions of the consular officer regarding the number of copies of the medical for...
  2. The results of required tests for tuberculosis must be entered in the appropriate spaces on the medical report form. Mark the box “not done” if these tests are not required.
  3. Findings of physical and mental disorders should be entered in the “Remarks” section of the medical report form. The panel physician must include a statement of likely degree of disability and the...
  4. Findings of drug abuse or addiction should be indicated in the “Remarks” section of the medical report form. The panel physician should indicate the specific drug that is/was being …

Scope of The Examination

  • The purpose of the medical examination is to determine whether the alien has: 1) a physical or mental disorder (including a communicable disease of public health significance or drug abuse/addiction) that renders him or her ineligible for admission or adjustment of status (Class A condition); or 2) a physical or mental disorder that, although does ...
See more on cdc.gov

Management of Medical Conditions Not Related to The Medical Exam

  • The responsibility of the civil surgeon is only to conduct the examination and testing required to determine the alien’s status regarding Class A and Class B conditions and to complete the medical report form. If the examination reveals an acute illness that makes it impossible to determine the alien’s medical status regarding Class A or B conditions, the acute illness should …
See more on cdc.gov

Referral For Further Evaluation

  • In some instances, the civil surgeon may be unable to make a definitive diagnosis or to determine whether a disease or disorder is a Class A or a Class B condition. In such instances, the civil surgeon must refer the alien for a medical or mental health evaluation that will provide sufficient information to resolve the uncertainties of either diagnosis or Class A or Class B designation. Th…
See more on cdc.gov

Medical Report Form

  1. The medical report form is to be completed in English, typed, dated, and signed by the civil surgeon.
  2. The results of required tests for tuberculosis and syphilis must be entered in the appropriate spaces on the medical report form.
  3. Findings of physical and mental disorders should be entered in the “Remarks” section of the …
  1. The medical report form is to be completed in English, typed, dated, and signed by the civil surgeon.
  2. The results of required tests for tuberculosis and syphilis must be entered in the appropriate spaces on the medical report form.
  3. Findings of physical and mental disorders should be entered in the “Remarks” section of the medical report form. The civil surgeon must include a statement of likely degree of disability and the ne...
  4. Findings of drug abuse or addiction should be indicated in the “Remarks” section of the medical report form. The civil surgeon should indicate the specific drug that is/was being used and the last...