About

Pulse Reference is based on the best-selling book Symptom Sorter.

It analyses a multitude of symptoms commonly seen in primary care and for each presents differentials, distinguishing features, possible investigations and key points. Its perspective is very much grass roots primary care and informed by the latest evidence and guidance where possible or appropriate.

How to use Pulse Reference:

  • Step 1: Start your search: Type a symptom, keyword or illness into the search bar
  • Step 2: Search the results of possible symptoms
  • Step 3: You’re provided with a full GP overview of the symptom and key characteristics
    • Differential Diagnosis: the likely diagnosis, subdivided Common, Occasional and Rare
    • Ready Reckoner: key distinguishing features of the most common diagnosis
    • Possible Investigations: investigations most likely to assist you in making the diagnosis
    • Top Tips: useful hints from the authors’ experience
    • Red Flags: aspects of symptoms which suggest pathology and there should not be missed or neglected

The experts behind Pulse Reference

Dr Keith Hopcroft is the co-author of Symptom Sorter and has been Pulse’s editorial advisor for more than 15 years. He is a GP in Basildon, Essex, an associate trainer and medical writer and columnist.

Dr Poppy Freeman is also a clinical advisor to Pulse and set up the Covid Toolkit on Pulse Today in 2020 to provide GPs with up-to-date guidance on all the clinical and organisational Covid updates. She is a GP in Camden.

Get in touch

If you have any questions about Pulse Reference, please contact us at [email protected].

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Website disclaimer

Pulse Reference is based on the best-selling book Symptom Sorter.

The experts behind Pulse Reference are Dr Keith Hopcroft who is the co-author of Symptom Sorter, a GP in Essex and Pulse’s editorial advisor and Dr Poppy Freeman, a GP in Camden and also a clinical advisor to Pulse.

This website is for clinical guidance only and cannot give definitive diagnostic information. Practitioners should work within the limits of their individual professional practice, seek guidance when necessary and refer appropriately.

The AI platform ChatGPT has assisted in the creation of some of the content published as part of Pulse Reference. Dr Hopcroft and Dr Freeman have then thoroughly reviewed the content to ensure its timeliness and reliability.