Reason for encounter

In medicine a reason for encounter (commonly abbreviated RFE by professionals) is a symptom, disorder, request or concern expressed by the patient when seeking care. If the patient is unable to express themselves, the healthcare professional may make assumptions based on information from carers and initial observation.

Patients usually have a list of major symptoms or complaint(s) that they wish to be investigated or managed. The doctor or health professional may later record a diagnosis elsewhere in the patient record.

The reason is written from the patient's perspective and language and is not strictly considered a recognized medical term. Depending on the situation and the provider's preference, it may be summarized according to a standard coding system or written in the patient's own words. Whatever system is used, the recorded RFE should accurately represent the "patient's" explanation for seeing the doctor.

In the primary care setting, common RFEs include preventive care, needing a prescription refilled, symptoms related to infections, or concerns about conditions like diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, or mental disorders.

RFE codes may also be used by electronic medical decision support systems to assist diagnosis.

ynonyms

* Presenting Problem
* Problem on admission
* Reason for Presenting

ee also

* International Classification of Primary Care
* ICPC-2 PLUS

External links

* [http://www.globalfamilydoctor.com/wicc/icpcstory.html History of the Wonca ICPC system] . Retrieved April 18, 2006.
* [http://www.globalfamilydoctor.com/wicc/pagers/english.pdf A list of common reasons for encounter, with codes]