What is work up?

Work up refers to the process of systematically evaluating a patient's medical status or condition. It typically involves a careful review of the patient's symptoms, medical history, physical examination findings, and laboratory or diagnostic test results.

The purpose of a work up is to identify the underlying cause or causes of a patient's presenting symptoms or medical problems. It may involve a series of diagnostic tests or procedures, such as blood tests, imaging studies (e.g, X-rays, CT scans, MRI), biopsies, or endoscopic evaluations.

In some cases, a work up may be used to screen asymptomatic patients for certain medical conditions, such as cancer or heart disease. For example, a periodic health assessment may include a work up that includes blood tests to screen for cholesterol and blood sugar levels, as well as a cardiovascular evaluation.

Overall, work up is an important aspect of medical care, as it helps physicians to accurately diagnose and treat medical conditions, and improve patient outcomes.