Patient history – as a technician you are not responsible for an entire history and physical. However, a targeted history that collects data related to the examination at hand is applicable. This information is important because the person reviewing the results will be looking for things in the recording that could potentially relate to the signs and symptoms related by the patient. For example; a patient may report “palpitations” so that the person scanning a Holter would be looking for episodes of tachycardia that would cause this symptom. Most employers will provide a form that is specific for the type of examination being performed. The form would differ depending on the exam. The information that is applicable to an ECG may be different than the information applicable to a long term Holter monitor. This may include;
Reason for the examination
Palpitations
Chest pain
Dizziness
Other Reason related by the patient