What does ROS refer to in a medical context?

In a medical context, ROS refers to the Review of Symptoms. This is a systematic approach used by healthcare providers to gather information about a patient's health status. The Review of Symptoms involves asking the patient a series of questions about different body systems to identify any symptoms they may be experiencing. This process is crucial for making accurate diagnoses, developing treatment plans, and understanding the overall health of the patient.

During the patient interview, the healthcare provider may inquire about symptoms related to the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, neurological, and other systems. The findings from the Review of Symptoms can help guide further diagnostic testing and inform clinical decision-making. By using this approach, clinicians can ensure they are not overlooking important details that could impact patient care.