Significance of Provisional Diagnosis
Provisional Diagnosis refers to an initial assessment of a patient's condition based on presenting symptoms and clinical findings prior to comprehensive evaluations. It serves as a temporary diagnosis guiding treatment decisions but is subject to change as more information and definitive tests become available. This preliminary diagnosis can misidentify conditions, as illustrated by a case misclassified as an epidermoid cyst. Ultimately, a provisional diagnosis helps healthcare professionals formulate a plan while awaiting confirmatory results.
Synonyms: Tentative diagnosis, Initial diagnosis
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
The concept of Provisional Diagnosis in scientific sources
Provisional Diagnosis is an initial assessment derived from clinical examination and current information, guiding further evaluations and treatments while remaining open to adjustments based on additional findings.
From: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
(1) This is the initial assessment of the patient's condition, which was determined to be iatrogenic orthodontic elastic band-induced periodontal abscess and localized periodontitis.[1] (2) This is a temporary assessment of a patient's condition, such as irreversible pulpitis, which is made based on initial findings.[2] (3) An initial assessment of the patient's condition, based on clinical and imaging findings, which was lung carcinoma in this case.[3] (4) The initial diagnosis given prior to further examination, in this case, misidentified as an epidermoid cyst.[4]