Comparative Value of Clinical Information in Making a Diagnosis

In 2001-2002, general internal medicine faculty (n = 51) and residents (n = 188) from diverse programs in 3 US states were surveyed about the comparative value of the history, physical examination, and laboratory/imaging investigations in making diagnoses. Comparisons were made by location of program, faculty vs residents, postgraduate year, program type, and sex. In distributing a total of 100%, history was valued at 59.3%, physical examination at 19.8%, and laboratory/imaging data at 20.9%. Faculty valued history more than residents, whereas residents valued investigations more. Among general internal medicine faculty and residents, the primacy of the history remains despite changes in the healthcare system.