| Thinking flow | Content of thinking | |
| 1 | Is this a serious patient? | Symptomology to judge critical degree (vital signs) or preemptive examination |
| 2 | What is the main problem (symptom) of this patient? | True or false symptoms, symptoms of the eight major factors |
| 3 | What are all the causes covered by this major symptom? | local, adjacent, systemic, and mental |
| 4 | What is the most likely diagnosis of the patient? | Common diseases and frequently occurring diseases |
| 5 | Does the patient have any other possible problems? | Potentially life-threatening condition (VINDICATE), adherence to treatment and individuality |