Medical Examination:
* Focus: Primarily on the physical body. It involves a systematic review of the patient's physical health through observation, palpation, auscultation, and other diagnostic procedures.
* Goal: To identify any physical abnormalities or illnesses. It is usually conducted by a doctor or other healthcare professional with the aim of diagnosing a condition or monitoring a patient's health.
* Examples: Physical exams for routine check-ups, pre-operative evaluations, emergency room visits, and specialist consultations.
Medical Assessment:
* Focus: Wider scope than just the physical body, encompassing the patient's overall health. It involves considering various factors like the patient's medical history, social determinants of health, lifestyle, and psychological well-being.
* Goal: To formulate a holistic understanding of the patient's health and determine appropriate interventions. This might involve identifying risk factors, assessing the impact of a condition on the patient's life, and determining the need for further investigation.
* Examples: Assessments conducted for chronic conditions management, mental health evaluation, disability determination, and fitness for work assessments.
In summary:
* Medical examination is a physical investigation of the body.
* Medical assessment is a broader evaluation that incorporates the physical, mental, and social aspects of the patient's health.
It is important to note that the distinction between examination and assessment is not always clear-cut. Many medical encounters involve both aspects. For example, a doctor may conduct a physical examination, which then informs their assessment of the patient's overall health and treatment plan.