The Physical Exam--Diagnostic or Anachronistic

With the advance of higher resolution of organ imaging and diagnostic molecular biology, it is reasonable to assess the remaining value of the physical examination in medical practice. Among interactions with patients, a careful history is most important and results in diagnosis at least 70% of the time. Physical examination, imaging, and laboratory studies contribute another 15% and a combination of these accounts for the remainder. It is assumed that technological tests are more objective and