The Review of Systems (ROS) is distinguished from the exam because of the source. The source is the patient and the information is going to be considered subjective. You can read more about it Review of Systems in the link below:
Review of Systems (Webpage)
Key Points:
Assessment:
The provider’s clinical judgement will base the decision as to which systems to review. Typically the review will include the focused body system in which the chief complaint(s) resides; however the review may often contain one or two related body systems and sometimes more.
Additionally, there are some offices that, by protocol, require that the MA and/or Physician to review ALL body systems either in the exam room or while in the waiting room.
Documentation becomes extremely important.