Medical is the language and vocabulary that describes anatomical structures, procedures, diseases, and conditions. This unique and specific language allows healthcare professionals to communicate effectively across different disciplines, hospitals and geographies. The ability to understand and communicate this language is critical in delivering patient-centered care that is efficient, effective and equitable.
Medical terminology is the basis for all healthcare professions, including nursing, physical therapy and medicine. It is an integral component of all healthcare education and training programs, and a requirement for those entering the field. Learning the language early on helps students and new practitioners to avoid confusion and improve communication with colleagues and patients alike.
A medical history is an important tool used to identify a patient’s past health issues and determine current health status. The medical history also provides a baseline for future health care needs. A detailed and complete medical history can help ensure that patients receive appropriate treatment and prevent a future decline in health status.
A comprehensive medical history is often a prerequisite for a patient being admitted to a hospital. It includes the patient’s demographic information, such as age and gender, as well as family history, lifestyle choices and previous illnesses and treatments. This information can help doctors identify possible risk factors for the development of certain diseases, such as heart disease or cancer.
The patient’s medical and social history is an essential element of the hospital admission assessment process. It is used to assess a patient’s physical, emotional and cognitive state, as well as the impact of the illness or injury on his or her daily functioning. It is particularly useful in identifying vulnerable groups of patients and identifying a need for culturally appropriate interventions.
In addition to the standardized elements of a medical history, there are additional components that can be included depending on the type of visit. For example, in a routine wellness visit, the history is likely to be less comprehensive than one for a surgical or progress appointment.
When preparing for an annual doctor’s appointment, you should bring any lab results from the last 1-5 years that might be pertinent to your current health concerns. This could include X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans and MRIs. It is particularly helpful to bring results from a variety of dates, as comparisons can often help to spot trends and provide context.
Many medical journals create “departments” for articles that have special requirements or formats, such as image-focused topics like diagnostic imaging or dermatology. It is important for authors to understand the requirements and subject matter of each department before submitting an article. This will help to ensure that your manuscript is matched with the correct department and that it is given the best chance of being published. Medical journal author guidelines will usually provide further details on the types of articles each department seeks. This includes how to properly format and address any submissions.