Knowledge Base Search

Search the Appendix medical knowledge base for clinical literature, treatment guidelines, and reference material. Returns relevant excerpts with associated clinical images, tables, and flowcharts.

GET/api/v1/knowledge/search

Query parameters

Parameter	Type	Required	Description
`query`	string	Required	Search query. Can be a clinical topic, condition name, or question.
`limit`	int	Optional	Maximum number of results to return. Default: 5. Maximum: 10.

Request example

curl

curl "https://api.appendix.com/api/v1/knowledge/search?query=acute+bronchitis+treatment&limit=3"

Response example

{
  "results": [
    {
      "article_id": "a1b2c3d4-e5f6-7890-abcd-ef1234567890",
      "title": "Acute Bronchitis: Diagnosis and Treatment",
      "source": "American Family Physician",
      "text": "Acute bronchitis is one of the most common diagnoses in ambulatory care. It is characterized by a self-limited cough lasting 1-3 weeks...",
      "section_heading": "Diagnosis",
      "relevance_score": 0.92,
      "figures": [
        {
          "figure_id": "fig-001",
          "caption": "Algorithm for evaluation of acute cough",
          "figure_type": "flowchart",
          "image_url": "https://imagedelivery.net/..."
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "article_id": "b2c3d4e5-f678-9012-bcde-f12345678901",
      "title": "Cough in Adults: Evaluation and Management",
      "source": "American Family Physician",
      "text": "Treatment of acute bronchitis is primarily supportive. Antibiotics are not recommended for uncomplicated cases...",
      "section_heading": "Treatment",
      "relevance_score": 0.87,
      "figures": []
    }
  ],
  "query": "acute bronchitis treatment",
  "total_results": 2
}

When to use

Always search before drafting a letter.

Searching the knowledge base before writing a clinical letter helps you ask better questions and ensures the letter is thorough. Skipping this step may result in an incomplete submission.

•Look up information about a condition before asking questions
•Ask better questions informed by current clinical evidence
•Share reference images (rashes, flowcharts, treatment algorithms) with the patient
•Help patients understand what to expect from their condition or treatment