Editor's Note—The Value of History Taking in Diagnosis

The research letter by Paley et al reminds us of the value of lower-tech ways of making a diagnosis of patients seen in the emergency department (ED), as technology increases in availability and complexity and because ED health professionals now routinely order imaging tests, not uncommonly without even examining patients. The authors found that patient history was the key element in formulating a correct diagnosis and, along with physical examination and basic tests, established most diagnoses.