Non-categorical problem lists in a primary-care information system

An ambulatory-care patient-tracking system has been implemented that records non-categorical problem descriptions in the outpatient problem list. The system does not restrict physicians to the use of predefined diagnostic categories. Instead, the system stores patient problems in a database as free-text records. Subsequent diagnostic categorization and coding is accomplished through prompted free-text input and appropriate reference databases. This system design allows an outpatient problem-list summary to reflect non-categorical health-status information in addition to coded medical diagnoses.