Diagnosis Preliminary

Preliminary diagnosis: Why is it needed and what does it mean?

When visiting a doctor with any disease or illness, the first step of the doctor is to formulate a preliminary diagnosis based on data received from the patient. This is called a preliminary diagnosis (D.p.). This diagnosis is necessary for developing an examination plan and the initial stages of treatment.

Preliminary diagnosis is an initial assessment that the doctor makes based on symptoms, the patient’s stories about his feelings and complaints, as well as on the basis of a medical examination. This is not a final diagnosis, but only an assumption that is subject to additional verification and confirmation.

A preliminary diagnosis allows the doctor to determine the direction of examination and treatment. It determines what additional tests, analyzes and studies need to be performed to clarify the diagnosis. For example, if a patient complains of abdominal pain, then D. p. can be formulated as “acute abdominal pain of unknown etiology.” Based on this preliminary diagnosis, the doctor may recommend conducting studies such as ultrasound of the abdominal organs, general blood and urine tests, biochemical blood tests, etc.

In addition, D. p. determines the initial stages of treatment. The doctor may prescribe medications to relieve symptoms or perform manipulations that will help clarify the diagnosis. For example, if the patient complains of a sore throat and difficulty swallowing, then D. p. can be formulated as “pharyngitis.” Your doctor may prescribe antiviral or antibacterial medications to fight the infection and relieve symptoms.

However, do not forget that D. p. is not a final diagnosis and can be changed after additional research. Sometimes, additional data may change the preliminary diagnosis in the other direction, and the doctor will be forced to reconsider his line of treatment.

In conclusion, the Preliminary diagnosis is an important step in the examination and treatment of the patient. It allows the doctor to determine the direction of further research and the initial stages of treatment. But do not forget that it is not a final diagnosis and can be changed after additional research. In addition, the doctor must always remember that each patient is unique and his treatment must be individualized.



Preliminary diagnosis is a diagnosis formulated by the attending physician immediately after an examination or according to the patient’s questionnaire for an initial assessment of the condition and determination of a strategy for further diagnosis and/or treatment.

Why is a preliminary diagnosis needed? To choose the right tactics and the right direction of research and subsequent treatment. To make decisions about treatment.