This text equips readers with the reasoning skills required to connect the health history with the physical examination and move from health assessment to physical diagnosis. Chapters cover evaluation of disorders of each body system, emphasizing the link between findings during health assessment and diagnostic reasoning.

Case studies in each chapter tie together the information gathered from the history and physical examination. Differential diagnosis tables, based on common chief complaints, summarize significant findings in the history and physical examination and list pertinent diagnostic tests. The history and physical examination are presented in a two-column format that clarifies the rationale for each step and the significance of findings.