What type of examination is identified by focusing only on the problem that brought the patient into the office?

The type of examination that focuses specifically on the problem that brought the patient into the office is known as a problem-focused examination. This approach is characterized by a targeted assessment where the healthcare provider collects information directly related to the patient's current complaint or condition.

In a problem-focused examination, the medical history taken and the physical examination performed are limited to the issue at hand. This means that the clinician inquires specifically about the chief complaint, which allows for a streamlined evaluation that does not delve into other areas of the patient's health that are not immediately relevant to the presenting issue.

This approach is particularly useful in situations where the patient's concerns are clear-cut and do not require a comprehensive review of their overall health, which would be characteristic of a comprehensive examination. Instead of exploring broader medical history or conducting extensive tests, the focus remains sharp on the immediate problem, allowing for efficient and effective care tailored to the patient's present needs.