The most important task of the consultation is to make a diagnosis, as this is crucial for prognosis and treatment.
For up to 50% of patients, however, who present in general practice, a firm diagnosis based on pathology may not be possible. Where this type of diagnosis cannot be made, a diagnosis can still be expressed at a lower level in terms of the patient's symptoms, signs or problems.
The "working diagnosis" is therefore usually only the current statement of probability, rather than of certainty, and as such must be regarded as provisional until more evidence is available.
Management decisions often have to be taken on the basis of an assessment of symptoms, signs or problems without a definite diagnosis being made.
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