Is Patient History the same as Physical History?

I'd say that patient history covers all the relevant facts that pertain to a patients history, including upbringing, any social issues or psychological/psychiatric history. Physical history sounds as if it would refer to any history of physical illness, i.e. infections, new growths, metabolic disorders and the like.

I wouldn't use terms like handicapped and disabled because they carry a stigma and some people may consider them insulting. Even impaired might carry a negative message but less so than the other two word.
 
The patient history includes the physical history. Patient history is a thorough evaluation that they do in the hospital when someone is admitted or when a doctor has a new patient. Some things they ask you in the patient history is if you are on any medication, what religion you are, if you are married, and what it is that you are experiencing whether it be pain, depression, etc. It is very specific. Then they do a physical exam. They record all of the findings in your patient record and it makes it easier to track down information.
 
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