The HPI is perhaps the most important part of the interview and without a doubt, the most challenging.

The HPI should include:

Onset , date and mode, sudden/gradual, etc.

Nature and course of the symptoms.

Precipitating events.

Frequency and severity.

Current manifestations .

Character and quality.

All information related to the system involved.
Previous diagnoses and meds.

It is imperative to document and check all the information, pertinent positive and negative.

The HPI should be recorded as a paragraph, in logical and chronological order, it should be written in full sentences.