Which of the following is typically included in Past Medical History (PMHx)?

• A. Allergies
• B. Previous illnesses and chronic conditions
• C. Past Surgical History
• D. Occupational history

Answer: (B)

Past Medical History focuses on the illnesses and medical conditions a patient has had, especially chronic diseases that influence current care. This history helps clinicians understand the patient’s baseline health, risk factors, and how past conditions may affect diagnosis, treatment choices, and follow-up. While allergies are crucial for safety, they’re usually documented in a separate allergies section. Past Surgical History goes in its own area detailing prior operations, and Occupational history is part of Social History, covering work-related exposures rather than disease history. So, the item that belongs in PMHx is the record of previous illnesses and chronic conditions, since it directly reflects the patient’s medical burden relevant to current care.