A medical history is an essential part of the diagnosis and treatment of a patient. Very often, a tentative diagnosis may be made on the basis of a medical history.
Histories give the physician important information about:
- Onset of symptoms
- Type of symptoms
- Pattern of symptoms
- Factors affecting symptoms
- Additional treatment or diagnostic evaluation that the person may have undergone
- Other ongoing medical problems
- Medications the person is currently taking
- Allergies to medications
- Past history of surgery or trauma
- Health of immediate and extended family
- Diet and eating habits
- Bowel and bladder habits
- Sexual practices
- Exposure to environmental hazards
- Travel to any exotic lands associated with certain diseases.
Be as Accurate and Truthful as Possible
It is important to be as accurate and truthful as possible when giving your medical history. Often, a physician will ask permission to obtain records from physicians who have previously treated a person. Bear in mind that any information given to a physician is held in confidence, and may only be released to others with permission from the patient.