What are soap notes?

SOAP notes are a standardized method used by healthcare professionals to document patient encounters. The acronym stands for Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan, representing the four sections of the note. This structure helps ensure that all relevant information about a patient's condition, the provider's assessment, and the planned treatment is clearly recorded and communicated. SOAP notes are widely used in medical, dental, and mental health settings to maintain accurate and consistent patient records.