What does the physical examination involve during a patient encounter?

The physical examination is a crucial component of a patient encounter, where the healthcare provider conducts a hands-on assessment of the patient’s body to gather information about their health status. This process involves various techniques, including inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation, to evaluate different systems of the body, identify any abnormalities, and assess the patient's overall wellbeing.

By focusing on assessment and observations, the provider can obtain vital signs, check for signs of disease or injury, and develop a clearer understanding of the patient's medical condition, which informs the diagnosis and subsequent treatment decisions. This direct interaction is essential for effective patient care, as it allows for the gathering of objective data that complements the patient’s history and subjective reports.

In contrast, while discussing family medical history and reviewing previous diagnoses are important aspects of a comprehensive patient evaluation, they fall under the broader category of history taking rather than the physical examination itself. Documentation of all medications, while critical for safety and continuity of care, is also separate from the physical examination process.