What information is critical before performing a physical examination?

The patient's medical history and any referrals or previous evaluations are critical before performing a physical examination because this information provides a foundational understanding of the patient's health status, past medical issues, and relevant treatments that may impact the examination process. Knowledge of the patient's medical history helps the evaluator identify potential concerns that may not be immediately apparent during physical assessment and aids in tailoring the examination to address specific health conditions or risks.

Additionally, understanding previous evaluations and any referrals ensures that the evaluator is aware of prior assessments and diagnoses that could influence the current examination, such as ongoing treatments or conditions that need to be reconsidered. This holistic view of the patient's health is essential for making accurate evaluations and recommendations going forward.

While information from previous employer records, healthcare provider names, and demographic details can be useful, they do not provide as direct and relevant context to the physical examination as the patient's medical history and evaluations do.