title: Why the history and physical examination still matter.
abstract: The history and physical examination (H/PE) have been the foundation of medical diagnosis for centuries. However, as laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging has expanded, physical examination skills have been deemphasized in medical education, and clinicians have become more reliant on tests and imaging. This article describes the historical contributions of the H/PE and its resurgence in a refined form to improve diagnosis.
authors.affiliation: Michele A. Schultz is an academic specialist and clinical coordinator of the PA program at Indiana University's Indianapolis campus. Maggie Doty was a student in the PA program at Indiana University when this article was written. The authors have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.
authors.forename: Michele A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Schultz
authors.forename: Maggie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Doty
mesh_terms: D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking; D010808:Physical Examination; D015203:Reproducibility of Results