Which items constitute a procedure note?

• A. Clinical setting; procedure name; indication; contraindications; consent; anesthesia; description; findings; complications
• B. H&P; Plan; Follow-up
• C. Imaging results; diagnosis; prognosis
• D. Discharge instructions; follow-up; medications

Answer: (A)

When documenting a procedure, the note should capture what was done, under what conditions, and what occurred during the procedure. The best-fitting set includes the clinical setting, the exact procedure name, the indication for the procedure, any contraindications that were considered, evidence of informed consent, the anesthesia or analgesia used, a description of the technique, the findings encountered, and any complications. This focused documentation centers on the procedural event itself and provides a clear record for future care and legal/quality purposes.

The other items belong to different parts of the medical record: an H&P covers history and physical examination leading up to care; the plan and follow-up detail the ongoing management strategy; imaging results, diagnosis, and prognosis relate to diagnostic assessment and interpretation; discharge instructions and medications pertain to post-visit disposition and home care.