Taking a family history

All too frequently, a patient's family history is not taken, or only one or two perfunctory questions are asked. Many data may thereby be omitted which might have been very useful in solving the patient's problems. The lack of a genetic history may delay the formulation of a complete problem list in the medical record. Some conditions may escape notice altogether for a considerable time. On the other hand, a brief but deliberate inquiry employing proven techniques may bring out information which permits early recognition of problems as well as more precise diagnosis. This may result in better service to the patient while achieving savings in both the physician's time and the cost of providing care.