These guidelines help you verbalize physical exam findings clearly so Abridge can capture them accurately in your note. For an overview of how the Physical Exam section works, see Capture a Physical Exam To configure your exam template or style, see Physical Exam Settings and Physical Exam Templates
Best practices
| Best practice | Avoid | Better |
|---|---|---|
|
1. Introduce the exam A brief verbal cue signals to Abridge that you are beginning the physical exam. |
Starting the exam silently without any verbal cue, or jumping straight to findings | "Moving on to the physical exam…" or "Let's take a look at…" |
|
2. Tie findings to a location on the body Name the specific body area rather than using vague references. |
"All clear over here." | "Both ears are clear of blockages." |
|
3. Use specific sensory words Describe what you are doing and what you observe using action and sensory language. |
"There's swelling in your neck." | "I am palpating your neck, and I feel a swollen lymph node." |
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4. Expect Abridge to reflect your words as spoken Abridge captures what you say — it does not expand general statements into templated findings. |
— | Saying "Heart exam is normal" outputs "Heart exam is normal." |