Alternative Medicine Initial Evaluation

Completed note

Patient Identification:
adult patient presenting with intermittent tension-type headaches.

History of Present Illness:
Reports dull bilateral forehead pressure for six weeks, occurring two or three afternoons weekly and lasting several hours. Symptoms are more noticeable after prolonged screen use and ease with rest. No recent injury or prior evaluation. Headaches sometimes interfere with evening activities.

Past Medical History:
- No chronic conditions or prior surgeries reported.

Medications:
- Occasional acetaminophen; no supplements reported.

Allergies:
- No known drug allergies reported.

Family History:
- No relevant conditions reported.

Social History:
- Works at a computer; no tobacco use reported. Walks regularly.

Lifestyle and Wellness Practices:
- Sleeps about seven hours nightly; uses brief breathing exercises for stress.

Physical Examination:
- BP: 118/74 mmHg, HR: 72 bpm, RR: 14/min, T: 36.8 °C, SpO₂: 99%.
- General: Comfortable, alert.
- Neurologic: Speech clear; gait steady; no focal deficit observed.

Investigations:
- No prior testing available.

Assessment:
- Episodic headache, consistent with a tension-type pattern; further evaluation may be appropriate if symptoms change.
- Screen exposure and stress may contribute.

Plan:
- Discussed hydration, screen breaks, and a headache diary.
- Consider gentle relaxation practice; review supplement use with the primary clinician before starting.
- Follow up in four weeks. Seek urgent care for sudden severe headache, weakness, confusion, or vision loss.

Illustrative case with invented patient details. This is not a real patient record or clinical guidance. Review each note against your own consultation.

Clinical facts behind the note

Reusable template structure

Alternative Medicine Initial Consultation Template

Patient Identification:
[Patient name, age, gender, presenting concern or reason for visit]

History of Present Illness:
[Description of current symptoms, onset, duration, progression, associated factors, previous treatments tried, impact on daily life]

Past Medical History:
(hyphenated list)
- [Chronic illnesses]
- [Previous surgeries]
- [Hospitalizations]
- [Significant injuries]

Medications:
(hyphenated list)
- [Medication name, dose, route, frequency]
- [Include supplements, herbal remedies, vitamins]

Allergies:
(hyphenated list)
- [Drug allergies]
- [Food allergies]
- [Environmental allergies]

Family History:
(hyphenated list)
- [Relevant family medical conditions]
- [Hereditary diseases]

Social History:
(hyphenated list)
- [Tobacco use: type, amount, duration]
- [Alcohol use: type, amount, frequency]
- [Recreational substances: type, amount, frequency]
- [Dietary habits]
- [Exercise routine]
- [Occupation]
- [Living situation]

Lifestyle and Wellness Practices:
(hyphenated list)
- [Sleep patterns]
- [Stress management techniques]
- [Mind-body practices (e.g., yoga, meditation)]
- [Complementary therapies used]

Physical Examination:
(hyphenated list)
- [Vital signs with units] (e.g., HR: #, BP: #, T: #, RR: #, O2 sats: #%)
- [General appearance]
- [Relevant system findings] (Format as "System: Exam findings", one system per line)

Investigations:
(hyphenated list)
- [Laboratory or imaging results if available]
- [Other assessments relevant to alternative medicine]

Assessment:
(hyphenated list)
- [Summary of findings]
- [Working diagnosis or health concerns]
- [Contributing factors (physical, emotional, environmental)]

Plan:
(hyphenated list)
- [Recommended alternative or complementary therapies]
- [Lifestyle modifications]
- [Dietary recommendations]
- [Mind-body interventions]
- [Follow up plan]
- [Referrals to other practitioners if needed]
- [Patient education and counselling]
- [Return precautions]