“When I started my medical training in 1984, the general understanding was that clinical history contributed about 70% to establishing a diagnosis, with physical examination and investigations contributing about 20% and 10%, respectively. Since then, remarkable advancements in medical imaging (MRI became widely available only in the early 1990s), other rapidly advancing technologies, practice pressures, and virtual care have all influenced the role of the physical exam.
WorkSafeBC depends on external information to adjudicate a worker’s claim and relies on the information physicians submit to support the worker’s treatment and recovery from a workplace injury or illness. When a WorkSafeBC medical advisor (a physician) reviews claims, they also review the examination findings from attending physicians. Missing or incomplete findings can impact a worker’s entitlement to WorkSafeBC benefits such as physiotherapy and expedited assessments, investigations, and surgery. Missing information also makes it difficult to identify safe options for a graduated return to work, which can imperil a worker’s livelihood.”
More on Perspectives on the value of the clinical exam for your patients with work-related medical conditions via BCMJ.
Family Medicine Residency Site: Abbotsford-Mission 