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Understanding Medical Record Formats

Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Common Document Types

  • SOAP notes — Standardized clinical encounter notes (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan). The primary documentation of each patient visit.
  • Treatment plans — Outlined course of care with goals, interventions, and expected outcomes.
  • Imaging reports — Radiologist or provider interpretation of X-rays, MRI, CT scans.
  • Lab results — Blood work, urinalysis, and other diagnostic test results with reference ranges.
  • Operative reports — Detailed description of surgical procedures performed.
  • Discharge summaries — Summary provided when a patient leaves a hospital or completes a course of treatment.
  • Referral letters — Communication between providers regarding patient care transfers.

File Formats

  • PDF — Standard format for most record deliveries.
  • CCDA/CCD — Structured medical data format (XML-based) used for health information exchange.
  • DICOM — Standard format for medical imaging files (X-rays, MRI, CT).

Medical Terminology Resources

If you need help interpreting medical records, consider consulting with a medical expert or legal nurse consultant. Medximity does not provide medical interpretation services.

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