4. Looking Beyond the Physical Exam

Estimated completion time: 15–20 minutes

Learning Objectives

After completing this section, learners should be able to:

• Explain why a single physical examination may underestimate HS activity and burden.
• Elicit a concise longitudinal history of flares, drainage, pain, functional effects, and treatment response.
• Use sensitive, nonjudgmental language when asking about intimate locations and stigmatizing symptoms.
• Recognize when patient-reported burden changes the interpretation of apparently limited disease.
• Use validated patient-reported outcome measures selectively to support follow-up and shared decision-making.