Counterpoint: Routine Daily Physical Exams Add Value for the Hospitalist and Patient

Rebuttal: Routine Daily Physical Exam

“…W hile we agree that a well-honed physical exam is one of the most important diagnostic tools than an internist can use, we have several responses to Drs Kanjee and McNamara's point that a routine physical exam is essential for hospitalized patients. 1 They argue that this exam might be helpful as a deliberate practice to improve skills for effective diagnostic exams. To this, we have two responses: the first is that the typical "routine" exam-a brief auscultation of the chest and abdomen-is performed frequently enough that additional practice should not be necessary for any practicing hospitalist.…”