What does chief complaint mean in medical terms?

The chief complaint (CC) is the main reason for a patient's visit to a healthcare provider. It is usually described in the patient's own words and is often the first thing the provider asks about. The CC can be any symptom, problem, or concern that the patient is experiencing. For example, "pain in the chest," "cough," or "difficulty breathing" would all be considered chief complaints.

The CC is important because it helps the provider to focus their assessment and diagnosis. It also provides a baseline for measuring the patient's progress over time. For example, if a patient presents with the CC of "pain in the chest," the provider will start by assessing the location, severity, and characteristics of the pain. They will also ask about any associated symptoms, such as shortness of breath, nausea, or vomiting. This information will help the provider to determine the likely cause of the pain and to develop a treatment plan.

As the patient progresses through their care, the CC may change. For example, the patient may initially present with the CC of "pain in the chest," but after further assessment, the provider may determine that the pain is actually due to a problem with the patient's esophagus. In this case, the CC would be changed to "chest pain due to esophageal spasm."

The CC is an important part of the medical record and it should be documented accurately and completely. This information will help the provider to provide the best possible care for the patient.