What type of note summarizes a patient's care and treatment at the conclusion of their stay in a facility?

A discharge note serves as a summary of a patient's care and treatment at the conclusion of their stay in a healthcare facility. This document is vital because it provides a comprehensive overview of the patient's condition at discharge, any treatments or interventions that were performed, medication instructions, follow-up appointments, and recommendations for continued care. The discharge note facilitates communication between different care providers, ensuring a smooth transition for the patient from the facility to their next steps, whether that continues at home or involves further care from another provider.

In contrast, a progress note documents the ongoing treatment and status updates throughout a patient's stay, while the initial assessment note provides a baseline at the start of care. A referral note is used when a provider directs a patient to another specialist or service, which does not summarize the overall care provided. Each of these alternatives serves a distinct purpose and is used at different points in the patient care process, reinforcing why the discharge note is specifically designed to encapsulate a patient's journey upon leaving a facility.