What term describes the process of distinguishing between different medical conditions?

The process of distinguishing between different medical conditions is referred to as differential diagnosis. This term specifically encompasses the systematic method by which healthcare providers assess the symptoms and conditions of a patient to narrow down the possible diagnoses. It requires a comprehensive understanding of various diseases and their presentations, enabling clinicians to determine which condition is the most likely cause of a patient's symptoms.

Differential diagnosis is essential in clinical practice because many medical conditions can present with similar symptoms. By utilizing this process, healthcare providers ensure that patients receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. It often involves taking a detailed history, performing a physical examination, and sometimes correlating findings with relevant tests and studies.

The other terms listed, while related to the diagnostic process, do not specifically convey the idea of distinguishing between various conditions. Clinical assessment refers more broadly to the evaluation of a patient's overall health status. Diagnostic testing entails utilizing laboratory tests or imaging studies to gather specific data, while medical evaluation is a general term that encompasses various procedures and assessments, but does not specifically highlight the idea of comparing different diagnoses.