Which document outlines the patient's medical history and current medical issues?

The medical record is the comprehensive document that encapsulates a patient's medical history and current medical issues. It serves as a vital resource for healthcare providers to deliver informed and coordinated care. A medical record typically contains detailed information such as past illnesses, surgeries, allergies, medications, and the results of previous diagnostic tests or imaging. This document is essential for understanding a patient's health background and addressing current medical conditions, making it critical for effective treatment planning and follow-up.

While the patient chart is also an important tool in clinical settings, it generally refers to the ongoing documentation of a patient's visit and care. It may not contain the exhaustive history or detailed past issues as the medical record does. The consent form is primarily concerned with obtaining permission from patients for specific procedures or treatments and does not provide a summary of medical history or current conditions. The prescription pad is used for managing and documenting medication prescriptions, which is not focused on a broad overview of medical history or current issues.