What Does H&P Mean in Medicine?

What Does H&P Mean?

H&P stands for History and Physical.

It is the first step doctors take when evaluating a patient.

• History refers to the patient’s medical background, symptoms, and lifestyle details.
• Physical refers to the doctor’s examination of the body, checking for signs of illness.

Together, these form a complete picture of a patient’s health.

What’s Included in the “History”?

The history section usually covers:

• CC (Chief Complaint) - the main reason for the visit.
• HPI (History of Present Illness) - details about the current problem.
• PMH (Past Medical History) - illnesses, hospital stays, surgeries.
• Medications - current prescriptions or supplements.
• Allergies - triggered by drugs, foods, or environmental factors.
• FH (Family History) - illnesses that run in the family.
• SH (Social History) - lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol, or work.

This helps the doctor understand both the illness and the patient’s life.

What’s Included in the “Physical”?

The physical exam is the hands-on part of the evaluation. It may include:

• Checking vital signs like blood pressure (BP), heart rate, and temperature.
• Looking at the skin, eyes, and overall appearance.
• Listening to the heart and lungs with a stethoscope.
• Examining the abdomen, muscles, and joints.
• Neurological checks like reflexes and coordination.

Each exam depends on the patient’s symptoms and medical background.

Where Do You See H&P?

You might see “H&P” in:

• Hospital admission paperwork.
• Doctor’s office visit notes.
• Pre-surgery evaluations.
• Insurance or billing records.

It signals that the provider completed a full assessment.

Why Do Doctors Use H&P?

H&P is a standard part of medical care. Doctors use it to:

• Understand a patient’s current problem.
• Learn about past illnesses, surgeries, or treatments.
• Detect hidden conditions through a physical exam.
• Develop a treatment plan tailored to the patient’s specific needs.

One study found that history alone gave the correct diagnosis in 56% of cases, physical exam in 17%, and lab or imaging in just 23%.