HTML Preview Medical Soap Note page number 1.
Template for Clinical SOAP Note Format
Subjective – The “history” section
HPI: include symptom dimensions, chronological narrative of patient’s complains,
information obtained from other sources (always identify source if not the patient).
Pertinent past medical history.
Pertinent review of systems, for example, “Patient has not had any stiffness or loss
of motion of other joints.”
Current medications (list with daily dosages).
Objective – The physical exam and laboratory data section
Vital signs including oxygen saturation when indicated.
Focuses physical exam.
All pertinent labs, x-rays, etc. completed at the visit.
Assessment/Problem List – Your assessment of the patient’s problems
Assessment: A one sentence description of the patient and major problem
Problem list: A numerical list of problems identified
All listed problems need to be supported by findings in subjective and objective areas
above. Try to take the assessment of the major problem to the highest level of
diagnosis that you can, for example, “low back sprain caused by radiculitis involving
left 5
th
LS nerve root.”
Provide at least 2 differential diagnoses for the major new problem identified in your
note.
Plan – Your plan for the patient based on the problems you’ve identified
Develop a diagnostic and treatment plan for each differential diagnosis.
Your diagnostic plan may include tests, procedures, other laboratory studies,
consultations, etc.
Your treatment plan should include: patient education, pharmacotherapy if any,
other therapeutic procedures. You must also address plans for follow-up (next
scheduled visit, etc.).
Also see your Bates Guide to Physical Examination for excellent examples of
complete H & P and SOAP note formats.