Does the chief complaint need to be separate from the HPI? There has been information out there that says that the chief complaint can listed under its own header or as the first sentence of the HPI (as long as it is clear). At my facility, many providers are split when doing this and I am trying to find out which is the correct way because it would alleviate a lot of extra work on both ends.

IF the chief complaint can be the first sentence of the HPI, would this suffice for chief complaint and status of one chronic condition? Example: Patient presents for follow up on hypertension and states he is doing well and offers no complaints.

Please let me know your input. Thank you very much.