What does a review of systems (ROS) inquire about?

A review of systems (ROS) is a comprehensive tool used during medical evaluations to systematically inquire about the function of various bodily systems. It focuses specifically on the systems that relate directly to the patient's current symptoms. By asking targeted questions about the different body systems, healthcare providers can identify additional symptoms that may not have been disclosed, helping to formulate a more complete picture of the patient’s health and guiding diagnostic processes.

The emphasis on inquiries related to the patient's symptoms distinguishes the ROS from other evaluations, which may cover broader aspects of the patient's health or history. This approach allows for a more specific and relevant assessment, as it directly correlates to the patient's presenting concerns, instead of straying into unrelated areas such as overall health status, family medical history, or prior complaints, which may be part of other assessments but are not the primary focus of the ROS.