title: The importance of the history and physical in diagnosis.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Jill Muhrer is an adult nurse practitioner at CAMcare Healthcare Corporation, Camden, N.J.
authors.forename: Jill C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Muhrer
mesh_terms: D002755:Choice Behavior; D003955:Diagnostic Tests, Routine / Q000451:nursing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000523:psychology; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009733:Nursing Diagnosis; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000451:nursing*