American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The standard format commonly used for documenting Evaluation and Management (E/M) services is SOAP, which stands for Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan. This structured approach helps healthcare providers organize their notes and ensures compliance with coding guidelines.

In this framework, the 'Subjective' section captures the patient’s personal experience of their condition, such as symptoms and feelings. The 'Objective' portion includes observable or measurable data obtained during the examination, which may involve vital signs, physical exam findings, and diagnostic test results. The 'Assessment' section is where the healthcare provider synthesizes the information and formulates a diagnosis or update on the patient’s condition, while the 'Plan' outlines the intended course of action, whether it be treatment options, referrals, or further testing.

Using the SOAP format helps facilitate clear communication among healthcare providers and serves as an essential tool in maintaining accurate and thorough medical records, which is crucial for coding and billing E/M services accurately. Other formats, while useful in specific contexts, do not have the same widespread acceptance or application in documenting E/M services.