What it means
An illness or injury present before a new event. Health providers ask about preexisting conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease or asthma, because they change the risks of surgery, pregnancy and many treatments. In insurance, the term means a condition a person had before their coverage began.
For the nurse
Ask about long-term conditions, past surgeries and current treatments during every admission and before procedures, since they affect the plan of care.
At a glance
| Also written | preexisting conditions, pre-existing condition, pre-existing conditions |
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Related terms
comorbidity
A disease or condition that a person has at the same time as another, main condition.
current medication
A medicine a person is taking now, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and herbal products.
family history
A record of the illnesses and health conditions of a person's blood relatives.