What is the Chief Complaint Format?

This format is commonly used by clinicians who prioritise focused care delivery over extended medical history, particularly in telehealth, after-hours clinics, or Medtech-based general practice in Australia and New Zealand.

✏️ Structure

Section	Description
Presenting Problem	A concise description of the patient's main concern in their own words.
History of Presenting Problem	Additional context — how long the issue has been present, changes over time, relevant background.
Examination	Key physical findings or observations from the consultation.
Plan	Immediate steps — investigations, treatment, referrals, and patient instructions.

🏥 When is it used?

Focused GP visits
Telehealth or virtual consultations
Walk-in/urgent care settings
Repeat visits for known issues
Clinics using Medtech Evolution or similar platforms

👥 Who uses it?

General Practitioners in fast-paced consults
Telehealth providers
After-hours doctors
Clinicians using Echo-Health for brief encounters

🌍 Where is it available?

Australia and New Zealand
This note type is configured for both jurisdictions, often paired with quick documentation workflows.

🔄 Key Differences from SOAP or HOPC

Unlike SOAP or HOPC, the Chief Complaint format minimises background detail and focuses on the immediate concern. It’s outcome-driven and built for speed and clarity — helping GPs address single-issue consultations efficiently without losing clinical rigour.

What is the Chief Complaint Format?

The Chief Complaint Format is a streamlined clinical documentation style focused on clearly capturing the patient’s presenting issue and immediate next steps. It is ideal for brief consultations, urgent care, and primary care settings where a concise record is appropriate.