What does the History of Present Illness (HPI) describe?

The History of Present Illness (HPI) is a critical component of a patient's medical history that provides a chronological description of the patient's present illness. It typically begins with the onset of symptoms, including when they started, how they have progressed, and any relevant details that describe the nature of the illness. This information helps healthcare providers understand the current medical issue, differentiate it from other possible conditions, and guide the development of a treatment plan.

In the context of documentation, the HPI should capture various aspects such as the severity, duration, location, and character of the symptoms, as well as any alleviating or aggravating factors. This detailed narrative is essential for coding purposes and for establishing continuity of care.

The other options, while related to a patient's overall health history, do not accurately define the HPI. Summaries of past medical procedures and family history are parts of the broader medical history but do not focus specifically on the current illness. Additionally, a patient’s emotional state might be relevant in certain contexts but is not the primary focus of the HPI.