What function does the "Plan" portion of a SOAP note serve?

The "Plan" portion of a SOAP note is crucial as it outlines the proposed treatment strategies for a patient based on the assessment made by the healthcare provider. This section details the actions that will be taken to address the patient's condition, including any medication prescriptions, referrals to specialists, follow-up tests, or patient education necessary to aid recovery or management of their health issues. By clearly stating the plan, it ensures that both the healthcare team and the patient have a shared understanding of the next steps needed in the patient's care.

In contrast, the other options refer to different sections of the SOAP note. Discussing patient history is part of the "Subjective" section, where the patient's reported symptoms and experiences are documented. Providing subjective data also falls under the "Subjective" section, focusing on the patient's personal account of their condition rather than the treatment plan. Collecting vital signs is typically part of the clinical examination or assessment but does not specifically pertain to the plan for future treatment.