HPI
Formal Definition
History of Present Illness - the narrative story of why the patient is here, including onset, duration, quality, severity, and associated symptoms.
How It's Used on the Ward
"What's the HPI?" = Tell me the story of this patient.
Example
""HPI: 55-year-old woman with HTN presents with 3 days of progressive substernal chest pressure, worse with exertion, radiating to the left arm, associated with diaphoresis and nausea.""
Clinical Context
The HPI is the most important part of your note and presentation. A good HPI tells the story so clearly that the diagnosis becomes obvious.
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