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How do physicians use symptoms, medical history, and physical signs to reach a diagnosis?
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diagnosis
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful diagnostic technique that is used to visualize organs and structures inside the body without the need for X-rays or other radiation.
Physicians use a process called clinical decision making to determine the nature of a disease or disorder. This method involves synthesizing information from three primary sources:12
- Medical History: Considered the most vital element, the medical interview allows the physician to gather data on the nature and timing of symptoms, past medical conditions, family history, and psychosocial factors. Skilled clinicians also observe nonverbal cues and tone of voice to gain a comprehensive understanding of the patient's situation.23
- Physical Examination: This process adds objective data through inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation. It helps the physician identify physical signs of distress or illness that may not be apparent through conversation alone.42
- Differential Diagnosis: By organizing the gathered facts, the physician creates a list of possible causes, ranked by likelihood or urgency.12
The physician then selects specific tests to refine this list, confirming or excluding potential conditions. This ongoing process is highly dependent on the patient-physician relationship, as long-term familiarity often provides deeper insight into a patient's health.14