How to Create a Progress Note in Epic

A strong progress note in Epic should clearly track the patient's trajectory since the last encounter. This requires a precise Subjective section detailing interval changes, an Objective section capturing updated vitals and physical exam findings, and an Assessment and Plan that links each diagnosis to a specific action item. High-fidelity notes avoid vague descriptors, instead focusing on specific clinical markers and patient-reported outcomes that justify the current level of care.

Using an AI scribe changes the drafting process from recalling details to verifying them. Instead of starting with a blank Epic template or relying on outdated 'copy-forward' text, clinicians can review a draft generated directly from the encounter recording. This workflow ensures that the progress note reflects the actual conversation, while the use of transcript-backed citations allows the provider to quickly confirm specific patient statements before the note is finalized in the EHR.