The HPI is a chronological description of the development of the patient's present illness
from the first sign and/or symptom or from the previous encounter to the present. It
includes the following elements:
- location;
- quality;
- severity;
- duration;
- timing;
- context;
- modifying factors;
- and associated signs and symptoms.
Brief and extended HPIs are distinguished by the amount of detail needed to
accurately characterize the clinical problem(s).
A brief HPI consists of one to three elements of the HPI.
DG: The medical record should describe one to three elements of the present
illness (HPI).
An extended HPI consists of four or more elements of the HPI.
DG: The medical record should describe four or more elements of the present
illness (HPI) or associated comorbidities.
