Documentation Flashcards
Why do we document? (5 reasons)
- reimbursement (if you don’t give a reason for something, insurance won’t pay for it)
- establish the Plan of Care (need to document it, so someone else could do it without you)
- chart need for services (if you don’t explain the need for care, insurance will cut their funding)
- justify on-going intervention
- legal reasons
In one sentence, why do we document?
To communicate and tell the story of the patient.
What are the four main types of notes?
- Initial eval
- Treatment notes
- Progress notes/re-assessments
- Discharge summary
What is an LMN, and what is it for?
It is a letter of medical necessity, and it is mainly for equipment justification.
What is the most widely accepted note format? How does it work?
The SOAP note format is widely accepted. It is organized and easy to follow. It encourages a sequential approach to clinical decision making. Information is entered in the order of the acronyms initials.
What is the narrative format? Where is it most often used?
In the narrative format, the writer develops their own outline of information. It is unstructured, and most often used for pediatrics because they can’t perform some outcome measures. You can’t always describe kids with values, so you have to describe their functionality with your words.
What is the functional outcome report format?
This is where you document a pt’s ability to perform. It emphasizes readability by health care personnel not familiar with PT jargon. Often used to explain to the family what happened in a session, so they can understand how the pt is progressing.
Should you document the same way no matter who is reading it?
No. You should always consider who the intended reader is. You will document differently whether the family, insurance, PTA, OT or physician is reading it.
What are things that should be done while documenting? (6)
- use abbreviations and correct medical terminology
- include any information that directly affects what you are currently treating
- use positive language and focus on ability
- be objective when describing a patient
- use templates when they are helpful
- use person first language
What are things that should NOT be done while documenting?
- omit unnecessary and irrelevant facts
- do not refer to a person by their disability
- do not focus on inability
- avoid labeling a person (like saying “victim of…”)
- avoid derogatory statements like “patient complains of…”
What are two things to avoid in documentation when trying to be concise?
- Nondescript terms
- Using -ing words. Shorten them by changing the tense.
(effective documentation pg 58)
Explain the S in a SOAP note.
S stands for subjective. Includes:
- what the pt says about problem or intervention
- pt’s report of changes in participation or activity limitations
- pt’s perspective
- explain the why if you say pt is non-compliant
Explain the O in the SOAP note.
Objective. Includes:
- the therapist’s objective observations
- describe treatment interventions
- what is global goal for interventions
- numbers go here like frequency, duration, and equipment
- include communication and/or education given to the pt during an intervention
Explain the A in the SOAP note.
Assessment. Includes:
- indication of the progress made towards pt’s goals
- factors that modify frequency or intensity of intervention
- modify/set new goals when needed
- explain why pt needs treatment or equipment
- give positive and negative responses to treatment
- what do you want to continue working on
- your assessment of how pt is doing and what they need
Explain the P in SOAP note.
Plan. Includes:
- how treatment will be developed to reach goals/objectives
- any specific interventions/treatment for upcoming sessions
- planned education or interventions for upcoming sessions
- follow-up
Practice a SOAP note for this Pt:
Pt has had a TKA two weeks ago.
Make up an intervention and write a SOAP note.
Sum up the subjective portion in one sentence.
What you hear
Sum up the objective portion in one sentence.
What you observe and do.
Sum up the assessment portion in one sentence.
What you think
Sum up the plan portion in one sentence.
What you will do
Does the subjective only include what the patient says?
No, it can include any relevant statements or reports made by the family members or caregivers as well.
Whose perception is the subjective portion written from?
It includes the patient’s perception of their condition as it relates to rehab progress in everyday activities or quality of life.
What are common pitfalls when documenting the subjective portion?
- Documentation is not specific enough
- Passing judgement on a patient
- Including irrelevant information
Where should changes in a patient’s status be documented?
In the objective portion