HPI
Medical abbreviation · Medical Documentation
| Stands for | History of present illness |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
HPI stands for History of present illness, a medical documentation abbreviation.
Narrative section of a medical history describing the current problem in chronological order: onset, location, character, severity, timing, context, aggravating and relieving factors, and associated symptoms. It follows the chief complaint and drives the differential diagnosis.
Example: HPI: 45 y/o F with 3 days of RUQ pain after fatty meals, now with fever and nausea.
Usage notes
Before 2021, US evaluation and management billing counted HPI elements (location, quality, severity, duration, timing, context, modifying factors, associated signs and symptoms) to set visit levels; office visits are now leveled by decision making or time instead. Mnemonics such as OLDCARTS and OPQRST help structure it. The British equivalent is HOPI.
Related abbreviations
More medical documentation abbreviations
- FH – Family history
- Fx – Fracture
- H&P – History and physical
- HD – Hospital day
- HIM – Health information management
- HOPI – History of presenting illness
- Hx – History
- I-PASS – Illness severity, Patient summary, Action list, Situation awareness…
- ICE – Ideas, concerns, expectations
- Imp – Impression
- ISBAR – Identify, Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation
- IVDA – Intravenous drug abuse
See all 79 medical documentation abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.