health history

health history,

(in nursing and medicine) a collection of information obtained from the patient and from other sources concerning the patient's physical status as well as his or her psychologic, social, and sexual function. The history provides a database on which a diagnosis, a plan for management of the diagnosis, treatment, care, and follow-up observation of the patient may be made. The first part of the history describes the chief complaint; the history of the present illness, including its signs and symptoms, onset and character; and any factors or behaviors that aggravate or ameliorate the symptoms. The patient's own words often serve as the best description and may be quoted. The second part of the history comprises an account of previous illnesses and health-promotion behaviors, allergies, transfusions, immunizations, screening tests, and hospitalizations. An occupational history, describing the patient's work and exposure to stress, toxins, radiation, or other occupational hazards, may be included. The effect of the current illness on the patient's work is also noted. A social history is taken in which the patient's social, cultural, environmental, and familial milieu are outlined, focusing on aspects that might have an effect on the current illness. In some instances a sexual history may be relevant. A review of systems may follow or be incorporated into the health history. Kinds of history include complete health history, episodic health history, and interval health history. Also called functional assessment. See also family history, occupational history, past health, personal and social history, present health, review of systems, sexual history.

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health,

n a bodily state in which all parts are functioning properly. Also refers to the normal functioning of a part of the body. A state of normal functional equilibrium; homeostasis.

health, ASA classification,

n a classification system for ranking the level of a patient's physical health, established by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). Patients are classified as ASA I, indicating a patient in a normal state of health, with no apparent disease. ASA II indicates a patient with a mild disease. ASA III indicates a patient with a serious disease, which may limit normal activity but does not cause incapacitation. ASA IV indicates a patient with a life-threatening and incapacitating disease. ASA V indicates a declining patient who is not expected to live beyond a day, regardless of medical attention. ASA E indicates emergency status when added to any of the normal status designations.

health assessment,

n an evaluation of the health status of an individual by performing a physical examination after obtaining a health history. Various laboratory and functional tests may also be ordered to confirm a clinical impression or to screen for possible disease involvement.

health behavior,

n an action taken by a person to maintain, attain, or regain good health and to prevent illness. Health behavior reflects a person's health beliefs.

health care clearing house,

n an entity used to process or aid in the processing of information; may also be called a repricing company, billing service, community health information system, community health management information system, or “value-added” switch or network.

health care operations,

n.pl the functions performed by a health care provider, health care plan, or health care clearing house to conduct administrative and business management activities.

health care professional,

n a person who by education, training, certification, or licensure is qualified to and is engaged in providing health care.

health care provider,

n an individ-ual who provides health services to health care consumers (patients).

health education,

n an educational program directed to the general public that attempts to improve, maintain, and safeguard the health care of the community.

health hazard,

n a danger to health resulting from exposure to environmental pollutants such as asbestos or ionizing radiation, or to a lifestyle influence such as cigarette smoking or chemical abuse.

health history,

n previously diagnosed physical or mental condition of an individual. Also called
medical history. See also health assessment and chart, history.

health information,

n recorded information in any format (e.g., oral, written, or electronic) regarding the physical or mental condition of an individual, health care provision, or health care payment. See also health assessment and health, patient.

health information, individually identifiable,

n recorded information in any format (e.g., oral, written, or electronic) regarding the physical or mental condition of an individual, health care provision, or health care payment. It contains demographic information able to specifically distinguish an individual. In some cases, this information may not be considered “protected.” See also health information, protected.

health information, protected (PHI),

n recorded information in any format (e.g., oral, written, or electronic) regarding the physical or mental condition of an individual, health care provision, or health care payment. It contains demographic information able to specifically distinguish an individual. See also health information, individually identifiable.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA),

n a public law enacted by Congress in 1996, consisting of two parts. Title I of the act protects workers and their families from the loss of health insurance coverage should they change or lose their jobs. Title II of the act calls for the establishment of national standards for electronic health care records, as well as national identities for health care providers, health insurance plans, and employers. In addition, Title II protects the privacy and security of an individual's health information.

health maintenance organization (HMO),

n a legal entity that accepts responsibility and financial risk for providing specified services to a defined population during a defined period at a fixed price. An organized system of health care delivery that provides comprehensive care to enrollees through designated providers. Enrollees are generally assessed a monthly payment for health care services and may be required to remain in the program for a specified amount of time.

health, patient,

n the state of bodily soundness of the patient; the patient's absolute or relative freedom from physical and mental disease.

health physics,

n the study of the effects of ionizing radiation on the body and the methods for protecting people from the undesirable effects of radiation.

health policy,

n 1. a statement of a decision regarding a goal in health care and a plan for achieving that goal; e.g., to prevent an epidemic, a program for inoculating a population is developed and implemented.
n 2. a field of study and practice in which the priorities and values underlying health resource allocation are determined.

health promotion,

n an educational program or effort directed at a targeted population to improve, maintain, and safeguard the health of that segment of society. See also health education.

health resources,

n all materials, personnel, facilities, funds, and anything else that can be used for providing health care and services.

health risk,

n a disease precursor associated with a higher than average morbidity or mortality. The disease precursors may include demographic variables, certain individual behaviors, familial and individual histories, and certain physiologic changes.

health risk appraisal,

n a process of gathering, analyzing, and comparing an individual's prognostic characteristics of health with a standard age group, thereby predicting the likelihood that a person may develop prematurely a health problem associated with a high morbidity and mortality rate.

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health history

Health insurance A form used by underwriters to assist in evaluating groups or persons to determine whether they are acceptable risks to insure.

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Patient discussion about health history.

Q. I have been dating a great woman for about a month now. She has a history of breast cancer. I am confused.. Here is a critical situation of mine. I have been dating a great woman for about a month now. She has a history of breast cancer which I came to know only on our last date; she also informed me that she has a new lump! What can I do now as I am greatly confused whether to accept her with the disease or break my relationship with her to protect myself.

A. Hey, will you sacrifice the meaning of loving a great woman just because of her history of breast cancer?
Yeah, the decision is in your hand, but I just think maybe it can mean a truly pure love if you can accept someone you love just the way she is.

Q. Is there any precaution to prevent depression even with the family history? We have a family history of depression. I am in my 40’s and fear that I should not be the victim of depression. My elder sister is showing the signs of depression now. What can I do to prevent depression in the future? Is there any precaution to prevent depression even with the family history?

A. TillGriffin is right! there is actually no way of knowing if depression will happen or not but living a healthy lifestyle can prevent it from happening. a stress free environment and some meaning for your life can do that as well. meaning is something you create in your life, just choose one - doesn't matter what, as long as it excites you!
take care!

Q. I took my friend to a doctor and he questioned her about her history of alcohol. My friend who is a county level athlete is a superb runner. We were all sure that she would be selected for high level competitions. Two years back she lost one of the track events and did not make any attempt to try again. Her problem started when she lost her mother during a practice session. This has been very hard on her and has led to a trauma so much so that she has lost her confidence and has started drinking. She has never touched alcohol before in her life and has become such a wreck that I feel so sad for her. When I last met her she was in a bad condition and was drinking more heavily than usual. She did recognize me though and I sat and talk to her for a long time. I took her to a doctor and he questioned her about her history of alcohol. I do not know how long all this is going to take as she has no family members alive and is totally alone. Her dreams have perished and she feels helpless. I will help her all I can with information and whatever else I can do for her apart from the treatment she has started on.

A. I am so happy that you have a helping nature. First of all, let her treatment go on for as long as she needs it, as she needs to regain her lost strength before she makes a comeback as an athlete. It`s very difficult to be by her side all the time though she might need a friend at this desperate juncture since she has lost her dreams. You can support her by admitting her in a rehab center or any other organization that helps alcoholics. I hope she will get well soon.