HPI Medical Abbreviation: What Doctors Ask First

What Does HPI Stand For?

HPI stands for History of Present Illness. It’s a key part of a medical note that tells the story of a patient’s current health concern.

Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers use HPI to explain how a symptom or problem began, how it has changed, and how it affects the patient today. This section helps guide the diagnosis and treatment plan.

You’ll often see HPI written in:

• Emergency department notes
• Clinic visit summaries
• Admission records
• Specialist consultations

What’s Included in an HPI?

An HPI gives a detailed account of the patient’s current issue, as told by the patient and interpreted by the provider. It usually covers:

• When the problem started
• What the symptoms feel like
• What makes them better or worse
• How long they last
• How severe they are
• Whether anything similar happened before

For example:

“The patient reports chest pain that began 2 days ago. The pain is sharp, located on the left side, and worsens with deep breaths. No history of similar symptoms.”

A well-written HPI is clear, focused, and helps the medical team know what to look for during the exam or tests.

Why Is HPI Important?

HPI plays a central role in medical decision-making. It connects the patient’s personal story to clinical reasoning. Research shows that many medical conditions can be accurately diagnosed by taking a thorough HPI.

A strong HPI helps with:

• Choosing the right tests
• Making an accurate diagnosis
• Avoiding unnecessary procedures
• Building trust between the patient and the provider

It’s often one of the first things another doctor reads when reviewing a case.

HPI vs Other Abbreviations

Medical notes include many abbreviations that describe a patient’s health history. Here’s how HPI compares to a few:

• ROS (Review of Systems): A head-to-toe checklist of symptoms, even those not related to the main concern.
• CC (Chief Complaint): A short phrase explaining the main reason for the visit (e.g., “cough” or “abdominal pain”).
• PMH (Past Medical History): Medical problems or conditions from the past, like diabetes or high blood pressure.
• PSH (Past Surgical History): Previous surgeries the patient has had.
• FH (Family History): Health problems that run in the patient’s family.
• SH (Social History): Details about smoking, alcohol, work, and living situation.

Among these, HPI gives the most insight into the current problem.