History of the present illness

Following the chief complaint in medical history taking, a history of the present illness (abbreviated HPI)[1] (termed history of presenting complaint (HPC) in the UK) refers to a detailed interview prompted by the chief complaint or presenting symptom (for example, pain).

Different sources include different questions to be asked while conducting an HPI.

Several acronyms have been developed to categorize the appropriate questions to include.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has published criteria for what constitutes a reimbursable HPI.

[2][3] "D": Duration "R": Relieving factors Also usable is SOCRATES.