The focused physical examination. Should checkups be tailor-made?
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Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Hydra, a Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Cardiovascular Analysis and Diagnosis
Published on: September 26, 2018
S H Frank1, K C Stange, P Moore
1Department of Family Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106.
Abstract:
The "complete physical examination" taught in medical schools is not always the best approach to clinical assessment of asymptomatic adults. The authors of this article review the controversy surrounding the utility of routine physical examination, advocating evolution in medical practice from use of the complete physical examination toward the focused physical examination.
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