What is a follow-up note from a previous visit called?

A follow-up note from a previous visit is termed a progress note. This document is vital in medical practice as it helps healthcare providers track a patient's ongoing condition, treatment effectiveness, and any changes in health status. It is an essential part of a patient's medical record, giving a concise yet detailed summary of what has transpired since the last visit.

Progress notes typically include updated clinical information, observations made during the appointment, and plans for future care, ensuring continuity of care. This type of documentation is crucial for effective communication among healthcare providers involved in the patient's treatment and plays a significant role in delivering high-quality patient care.

In contrast, the other options have distinct purposes: a history and physical outlines a patient's medical background and current status at the initial visit, a discharge summary summarizes a patient's condition and treatment upon leaving the hospital, and a referral letter is used to refer a patient to another healthcare provider for specialized care. They do not serve the same specific function as a progress note.