Subjective information is reported from which parts of the encounter?

• A. History through physical examination
• B. Labs through imaging
• C. Assessment through plan
• D. Chief complaint through Review of systems

Answer: (D)

Subjective information comes from what the patient tells you. The patient’s own words define the chief complaint—the reason they’re seeking care—and the Review of Systems collects symptoms the patient describes across different body systems. These sections capture patient-reported experiences and concerns, not findings you observe or test results. In contrast, physical examination findings and test results are objective, and the assessment and plan reflect the clinician’s conclusions and management. So the patient-reported data span from the chief complaint to the Review of Systems.