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Tip #11

Give 4 descriptors/adjectives for each complaint

  • Location
  • Quality
  • Duration
  • Modifying Factors
  • Severity
  • Context
  • Timing
  • Associated Symptoms
Tip #12

Get the ACTUAL story. Why did the patient come NOW?

  • Did something change or worsen?
  • Did family force them to come?
  • Do they have a family history of something similar?
Tip #13

Present the pertinent RED FLAGS for each complaint (some examples)…

  • Headache
    • Sudden and Severe
    • Fever
    • Neck Stiffness
    • Neurologic Complaints
  • Back Pain
    • Saddle Anesthesia
    • Bowel/Bladder Incontinence
    • Fever
    • Trauma
  • Chest Pain
    • Exertional
    • Family history of MI at same age
    • PE risk factors
    • Sudden and Maximal/Tearing
Tip #14

Get their doctor’s names

  • Primary care provider
  • Pertinent specialists
Tip #15

Don’t get bogged down giving too much medical history during your presentation. Simply write down the important facts for reference and present a few notable items in your opening sentence.