Comprehensive Algorithm & Matrix · BS Derma Clinic
Onset
When did symptoms start?
Sudden vs gradual; exact time/date of first occurrence.
Provocation / Palliation
What makes it better or worse?
Movement, rest, position, food, medications, stress.
Quality
Describe the symptom.
Sharp, dull, burning, cramping, throbbing, stabbing.
Radiation / Region
Where is it? Does it spread?
Exact location and any radiation pattern.
Severity
Scale 1–10.
Patient-rated intensity; 0 = none, 10 = worst imaginable.
Timing
Pattern, duration, frequency.
Constant vs intermittent; how often; how long each episode.
Site
Exact location.
Point to where it hurts most.
Onset
Sudden vs gradual.
Speed of onset; what was the patient doing?
Character
Sharp, dull, burning, etc.
Quality of the sensation.
Radiation
Where does it spread?
Any referred pain pattern.
Associations
Related symptoms.
Nausea, fever, numbness, etc.
Time course
Duration and pattern.
Getting better/worse/stable.
Exacerbating / Relieving
What makes it better/worse?
Factors that change the symptom.
Severity
Intensity scale.
0–10 numeric rating.
| Specialty | Onset | Provocation | Quality | Radiation | Severity | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Medicine | Gradual vs sudden | Activities, stress | Sharp, dull, cramping | Where it spreads | 1–10 scale | Pattern, frequency |
| Pediatrics | Age-appropriate timeline | School, play, feeding | Crying pattern, behavior | Whole body assessment | FLACC / Wong-Baker | Sleep, eating patterns |
| Dermatology | First noticed when | Sun, products, clothing | Itchy, burning, painful | Distribution pattern | DLQI / Skindex | Seasonal, episodic |
| Laser / Aesthetic | Pre / post procedure | Treatment expectations | Satisfaction level desired | Treatment area extent | Aesthetic concern scale | Recovery timeline |