2.1 Medical patient history

Before examining the patient, the doctor takes the medical patient history during a consultation. For a reliable diagnosis and to assure appropriate treatment measures, the physician must obtain all important information on the patient and his/her history. This includes, in particular, the nature, trigger and course of current complaints, any other diseases, medication taken, drug intolerances, allergies, etc. Very useful in this context are documents produced by the patient on previous examinations and treatment measures, for example copies of medical reports, X-ray and laboratory results.