Increased public expectation and technological advances make diagnosis trickier than ever. This book returns the patient to the centre of diagnostic input and focuses on interaction between doctor and patient. It offers a rational and evidence-based approach to the diagnostic process, promoting more efficient use of time and resources. Family doctors and other healthcare professionals in the primary care team will find this guide enlightening. Private and commercial providers of primary care clinical assessment and diagnostic services will also find it of great interest, as will doctors in hospitals and specialist centres, healthcare managers, and policy makers and shapers. 'This book is written from the perspective of a practising general practitioner who also has a clinical research interest in diagnostics. In the academic tradition, I have assimilated and discussed a wealth of evidence but, as a primary care clinician, I have also placed such information in context' - Nicholas Summerton, in the Preface.