Recognize the importance of the physical exam in the history of medicine

A patient comes into the ER complaining about throbbing migraines after falling off her bicycle; thus, the physician quickly orders an X-ray, complete blood count, and asks the nurse to schedule the patient for an MRI of the head and neck in case both those tests come back inconclusive. As an ER scribe, I saw many conditions where the physician would quickly do a physical exam, and then use a myriad of technology to appropriately diagnose the patient. Although it is commonplace for modern physicians to use technology, we often take for granted that many of these technological advancements have only been in use for less than 100 years. For example, X-Rays were discovered in 1895 and were not implemented in diagnostic medicine until much later. The first clinical computed tomography (CT) scans occurred on October 1, 1971. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was first performed on a patient on July 3, 1977. Since physicians have been informally taking the Hippocratic Oath for over a thousand years and because formal medical degrees have been granted since 1200 A.D., I find it astounding that doctors have solely been relying on the physical examination and experience to diagnose and cure ill patients for hundreds, if not thousands of years. Continue reading ... Your patients are rating you online: How to respond. Manage your online reputation: A social media guide. Find out how.
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - Category: Journals (General) Authors: Tags: Tech Primary care Source Type: blogs