Prognosis vs. Diagnosis: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Prognosis is a prediction about the course and outcome of a disease. Diagnosis is the identification of the nature of an illness or other problem.
Key Differences
A prognosis is a medical term used to describe the likely outcome or course of a disease or condition over time. It is a prediction based on various factors, including the type of disease, the patient's overall health, and response to treatment. A diagnosis, on the other hand, is the process of identifying a disease or condition based on symptoms, tests, and examinations. It's about determining what the problem is.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Prognosis often involves predicting the future health status of a patient, considering the progression of their condition. It can include expected recovery time, chances of recurrence, and potential complications. Diagnosis is the first step in treating a patient, involving an assessment and conclusion about the patient's current health issue.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
The prognosis is significant for understanding the long-term impact and management of a disease, providing patients and caregivers with crucial information about what to expect. In contrast, diagnosis is critical for starting the appropriate treatment and management plan, guiding healthcare professionals on how to approach the condition.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
While the prognosis is forward-looking, focusing on future health outcomes, diagnosis is about the present state, identifying and naming the health challenge being faced. Prognosis can change over time with treatment and other health interventions, whereas diagnosis is typically established based on the condition at a specific point in time.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
In summary, prognosis is about the prediction and expected course of a disease, whereas diagnosis is about identifying and labeling the disease or health condition.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Prediction about the course and outcome of a disease
Identification of the nature of an illness
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Focus
Future health status and outcomes
Present health condition and identification
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Nov 15, 2023
Purpose
To predict the likely progression and outcome
To identify the disease for appropriate treatment
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Nov 15, 2023
Change Over Time
Can change with treatment and health interventions
Established based on the condition at a specific time
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Nov 15, 2023
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Prognosis and Diagnosis Definitions
Prognosis
Forecast of the likely outcome of a disease.
The prognosis for the patient's recovery is positive.
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Nov 15, 2023
Diagnosis
Naming of a condition or disease from its manifestations.
The doctor made a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease.
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Nov 15, 2023
Prognosis
Estimate of the duration and conclusion of a disease.
The prognosis for complete healing is about six months.
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Nov 15, 2023
Diagnosis
Identification of a disease by examination of symptoms.
The diagnosis confirmed that it was indeed pneumonia.
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Nov 15, 2023
Prognosis
Medical prediction about the progression of a condition.
The doctor's prognosis was that the condition would improve with medication.
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Nov 15, 2023
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Diagnosis
Determination of the nature of a patient's illness.
After several tests, the diagnosis was type 2 diabetes.
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Nov 15, 2023
Prognosis
Outlook or expectation for future health status.
The prognosis after the surgery is cautiously optimistic.
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Nov 15, 2023
Diagnosis
Process of identifying a disease from its signs.
The diagnosis involved assessing the patient's medical history.
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Nov 15, 2023
Prognosis
Prediction of the chance of recovery from an illness.
His prognosis for recovery is good, given the early detection.
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Nov 15, 2023
Diagnosis
The act or process of identifying or determining the nature and cause of a disease or injury through evaluation of patient history, examination, and review of laboratory data.
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Oct 19, 2023
Prognosis
A forecast or prediction
A gloomy prognosis for economic recovery.
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Oct 19, 2023
Prognosis
A forecast of the future course or outcome of a situation based on what is presently known; a prediction.
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Oct 19, 2023
Diagnosis
(Biology) A brief description of the distinguishing characteristics of an organism, as for taxonomic classification.
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Oct 19, 2023
Prognosis
(medicine) A forecast of the future course or outcome of a disease or disorder based on current medical knowledge.
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Oct 19, 2023
Diagnosis
(medicine) The identification of the nature and cause of an illness.
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Oct 19, 2023
Prognosis
The act or art of foretelling the course and termination of a disease; also, the outlook afforded by this act of judgment; as, the prognosis of hydrophobia is bad.
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Oct 19, 2023
Diagnosis
The identification of the nature and cause of something (of any nature).
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Oct 19, 2023
Diagnosis
(taxonomy) A written description of a species or other taxon serving to distinguish that species from all others; especially a description written and published in Latin.
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Oct 19, 2023
Diagnosis
The art or act of recognizing the presence of disease from its signs or symptoms, and deciding as to its character; also, the decision arrived at.
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Oct 19, 2023
Diagnosis
Hence, the act or process of identifying the nature or cause of some phenomenon, especially the abnormal behavior of an animal or artifactual device; as, diagnosis of a vibration in an automobile; diagnosis of the failure of a sales campaign; diagnosis of a computer malfunction.
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Oct 19, 2023
Diagnosis
Scientific determination of any kind; the concise description of characterization of a species.
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Oct 19, 2023
Diagnosis
Critical perception or scrutiny; judgment based on such scrutiny; esp., perception of, or judgment concerning, motives and character.
The quick eye for effects, the clear diagnosis of men's minds, and the love of epigram.
My diagnosis of his character proved correct.
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Oct 19, 2023
Diagnosis
Medical conclusion reached from symptoms and tests.
The diagnosis of arthritis was made after joint analysis.
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Nov 15, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is prognosis always about serious diseases?
It's used for various conditions, not just serious diseases.
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Nov 15, 2023
Does prognosis involve treatment options?
It can inform treatment options but is mainly about outcomes.
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Nov 15, 2023
Can prognosis be certain?
No, it's a prediction and can vary based on many factors.
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Nov 15, 2023
Is diagnosis always medical?
Primarily, though it's used in other contexts to mean identifying a problem.
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Nov 15, 2023
Can prognosis be positive?
Yes, a positive prognosis indicates a good chance of recovery.
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Nov 15, 2023
Can diagnosis be done through lab tests only?
Lab tests are a part, but clinical examination is also key.
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Nov 15, 2023
Is a diagnosis enough to start treatment?
Usually, treatment starts after a diagnosis is made.
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Can mental health conditions be diagnosed?
Yes, mental health conditions can and are diagnosed.
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Nov 15, 2023
Can a diagnosis change?
Yes, with new information or tests, a diagnosis can be revised.
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Nov 15, 2023
Does prognosis vary from person to person?
Yes, it can vary widely based on individual health factors.
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Nov 15, 2023
Is prognosis a part of the diagnosis?
It's separate but related; prognosis follows diagnosis.
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Nov 15, 2023
Can prognosis include remission?
Yes, it can predict chances of remission in diseases like cancer.
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Nov 15, 2023
What if symptoms don’t match a clear diagnosis?
It may require further tests or a referral to a specialist.
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Nov 15, 2023
Can lifestyle affect prognosis?
Yes, factors like lifestyle can impact health outcomes.
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Nov 15, 2023
Are all diagnoses accurate?
While aimed for accuracy, sometimes diagnoses are revised with new information.
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Nov 15, 2023
How is a diagnosis made?
Through examination of symptoms, tests, and medical history.
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Nov 15, 2023
Who can make a medical diagnosis?
Typically, a trained healthcare professional like a doctor.
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Nov 15, 2023
Is prognosis related to life expectancy?
In some cases, especially with serious illnesses.
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Nov 15, 2023
Is self-diagnosis reliable?
Self-diagnosis can be risky; professional medical advice is recommended.
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Nov 15, 2023
Does a good prognosis mean quick recovery?
Not necessarily; it means a good outcome, which can take time.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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