What is a differential diagnosis?

A differential diagnosis is a list of potential diagnoses that a healthcare provider considers when evaluating a patient's symptoms. This process involves assessing the various conditions that might explain the patient's presentation. By systematically going through the possible options, the provider can rule out certain conditions based on clinical findings, test results, and the patient's history, ultimately guiding them to a more definitive diagnosis.

This approach is crucial in emergency medicine where symptoms can overlap among various conditions. It allows for a focused examination and targeted diagnostic testing, ensuring that critical conditions are not overlooked. Understanding the differential diagnosis is vital for developing an effective treatment plan and managing the patient’s care efficiently. While other options mention aspects like conclusive diagnosis, treatment plans, or follow-up procedures, all these follow after a provider has established a differential diagnosis to direct their clinical decisions.