What term indicates that a diagnosis is still possible but not yet confirmed?

The term "rule out" is commonly used in medical contexts to indicate that a diagnosis is still being considered or is a possibility, but it has not yet been definitively confirmed. In the realm of diagnostic coding, this term signifies that further evaluation or testing is needed to establish whether the condition is present or not. It suggests that while the clinician suspects a particular diagnosis, there is still uncertainty, requiring additional investigation to either confirm or exclude the diagnosis.

In contrast, "ruled out" indicates that a condition has been definitively excluded from consideration based on available evidence or diagnostic tests. "Possible diagnosis" might imply a consideration of a condition but doesn't carry the same clinical connotation as "rule out." Lastly, "established diagnosis" refers to a diagnosis that has been confirmed through testing or clinical assessment, leaving no ambiguity about the patient's condition.