Medical History

Medical history consists of a patient’s background which generally includes demographics, current major health concern and its details, previous major diseases and medical interventions, family illnesses, medications including psychoactive drugs, and allergies. Such information is usually obtained through interview and physical examination. Medical histories are significant in forming diagnoses and treatment plans.

For instance, the following are specified in a patient’s medical history form: Name, date of birth, sex, marital status, past medical conditions (anemia, diabetes, mental illness, etc.), date of last physical exam, surgical history, medicines taken, and allergies to medications, latex, foods, etc.