What is the very last thing you do when implanting or performing a follow-up with a patient?

What is the very last thing you do when implanting or performing a follow-up with a patient?

• A. Reinterrogate
• B. Final print out
• C. Circle ICD THERAPY ON
• D. Document it

Answer: (D)

Documenting the encounter is the final step. After you’ve completed implantation or a follow-up, everything that was done—device interrogation, any programming tweaks, patient status, findings, and any actions taken—needs to be recorded in the medical record. This creates a formal, legal, and billable record that supports continuity of care and future reference. While you may perform checks or generate reports during the visit, none of those finalize the encounter; the act of documenting closes it.

Documenting the encounter is the final step. After you’ve completed implantation or a follow-up, everything that was done—device interrogation, any programming tweaks, patient status, findings, and any actions taken—needs to be recorded in the medical record. This creates a formal, legal, and billable record that supports continuity of care and future reference. While you may perform checks or generate reports during the visit, none of those finalize the encounter; the act of documenting closes it.