Book Description

Patients present with symptoms, not diagnoses. That's why this book uses a symptom-based approach to help practitioners correctly identify the conditions encountered in practice. It encourages readers to consider not only the likeliest diagnosis for a given symptom, but also its other less common, but potentially life-threatening causes. A unique ratings system indicates how commonly each symptom, sign, disease pattern, or diagnostic test result is associated with a particular diagnosis, according to the medical literature. The result is a highly efficient, evidence-based source of assistance in reaching fast, confident diagnoses. Covers everything from "Abdominal Pain" to "Weakness/Fatigue" using a quick-access alphabetical organization. Helps readers to consider not only the likeliest diagnosis for a given symptom, but also its other less common, but potentially life-threatening causes. LDiscusses symptoms, signs, workup, and treatment considerations for every diagnosis. Utilizes a unique ratings system to indicate how frequently various symptoms, signs, disease patterns, or diagnostic test results are associated with a particular diagnosis, according to the medical literature...to give readers a sense of how conclusive each piece of diagnostic evidence may be.