Start with an open-ended question about the patient's main concern
Use the patient's own words when documenting the chief complaint
Remember OPQRST: Onset, Provocation, Quality, Radiation, Severity, Timing
Explore both what symptoms are present AND what symptoms are absent
Ask about the timeline - when did symptoms start and how have they changed?
Follow up on vague responses with clarifying questions
Use phrases like "Tell me more about..." to encourage elaboration
Don't forget to ask about what makes symptoms better or worse
Ask about medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
Family history of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes is often relevant
Don't forget to ask about allergies and the type of reaction
Social history includes smoking, alcohol, and occupation
A systematic review helps catch symptoms you might have missed
Ask about past medical history that might relate to current symptoms
Document the patient's exact words for the chief complaint