What is included in an after-visit summary (AVS)?

An after-visit summary (AVS) is a key component of healthcare documentation and communication directly involving the patient. It serves to provide patients with a clear and concise summary of their visit to ensure they understand the next steps in their care. This document typically includes several essential elements crucial for patient clarity and follow-up.

The inclusion of follow-up appointments and provider orders in the AVS is significant because it outlines what the patient needs to do after their visit. It serves as a guide for any upcoming tests, referrals to specialists, or additional consultations that may be necessary based on the provider's evaluation. This helps improve patient compliance and ensures that they are aware of any specific actions they must take, promoting ongoing management of their health.

While options like patient medical history and allergies, prescription medications and dosages, and vital signs and lab results are critical components of a patient's medical record, they are not typically summarized in the AVS. These details are usually more pertinent to clinical records and the patient's ongoing medical care rather than being the focal point of the after-visit summary, which is designed to communicate immediate follow-up needs to the patient.