An automated medical history system. Experience of the Lahey Clinic Foundation with computer-processed medical histories.

A mailed questionnaire that can be batch-processed by computer can maintain the editing, formatting, summarizing, and data storage advantages of on-line systems at a lower expense. More than 40,000 patient questionnaires have been processed, and the questionnaire is a routine part of the clinic health care system. Data are given showing increasing physician acceptance and use of the questionnaire. Time savings per patient visit are noted. There are physician-oriented advantages as well as the multiple advantages to the patient when completing the questionnaire in the quiet of his own home.