H and P

In common doctor language, H stands for history and P for physical.

So H and P = the history and physical, the medical history and the physical examination of the patient.

The H and P are thus the initial clinical evaluation and examination of the patient.

A 'focused' H and P means that the doctor focuses upon the patient's present problem.

For example, if a patient is complaining of an ear ache, the doctor cones in on the ear (and does not waste time examining the patient's toenails).

H and P is medical slang.