Complete Guide to Dermatology SOAP Note Examples for Healthcare Providers

If you've ever struggled to document dermatology visits in a way that satisfies insurance requirements while actually capturing the clinical picture, this guide is for you.

I've talked to countless dermatologists, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners who spend their evenings documenting skin findings with the precision insurance companies demand.

The reality is that dermatology documentation has unique requirements that go beyond standard medical notes.

Insurance companies want to see detailed lesion descriptions, appropriate diagnostic reasoning, photographic documentation references, and clear medical necessity for procedures and treatments.

That's exactly why I built SOAP Notes Doctor to handle the detailed documentation while you focus on patient care.

In this article, I'll show you exactly how to write dermatology SOAP notes that meet insurance standards, with real examples you can use as templates.

🧾 What SOAP Notes Really Are (And Why They Matter for Dermatology)

SOAP notes might feel like bureaucratic busywork, but they serve a real purpose.

They were introduced in the 1960s by Dr. Lawrence Weed as part of the Problem-Oriented Medical Record (POMR).

His goal was straightforward: create a documentation system that anyone reviewing a chart could understand quickly and completely.

For dermatology specifically, SOAP notes are critical because they demonstrate:

• Detailed description of skin findings and lesion characteristics
• Appropriate differential diagnosis and clinical reasoning
• Medical necessity for biopsies, excisions, and treatments
• Response to previous treatments and progression of conditions
• Justification for specialty medications and procedures

SOAP stands for:

• S — Subjective: What the patient reports about their skin concerns, symptoms, duration, previous treatments, and impact on quality of life.
• O — Objective: Your clinical findings including detailed lesion descriptions, body location, size, morphology, distribution, examination findings, and dermoscopic observations.
• A — Assessment: Your clinical diagnosis, differential diagnoses, severity assessment, and risk stratification.
• P — Plan: Your treatment plan including medications, procedures, biopsy results, patient education, follow-up timing, and specialist referrals.

This structure keeps your documentation organized, defensible, and insurance-friendly.

You're not just recording what you saw—you're building a clinical narrative that justifies treatments, procedures, and ongoing care.

How You Can Approach Dermatology SOAP Notes

There's no single correct method for writing dermatology SOAP notes, but some approaches work better than others depending on your practice.

Here are two main approaches I've seen work well.

1. Traditional, Manual Documentation

This is the classic method: typing out detailed descriptions after each visit. It works if you have strong descriptive writing skills and can maintain consistency. The challenge is it's incredibly time-consuming, especially when you're seeing 30-40 patients daily. Lesion descriptions alone can take several minutes per patient, and notes can become inconsistent across providers.

2. SOAP Notes Doctor

You record your examination findings or dictate your observations about lesions, and the tool automatically structures everything into proper SOAP format with appropriate dermatologic terminology. It maintains consistency, saves hours of documentation time, and ensures you never miss critical descriptive elements that insurance companies look for.

How to Make Dermatology SOAP Notes Faster

One of the biggest complaints I hear from dermatology providers is how documentation consumes time that could be spent with patients.

You've just finished a full clinic day of skin exams, biopsies, cryotherapy, and excisions, and instead of finishing at a reasonable hour, you're stuck typing detailed lesion descriptions for insurance.

The pressure is real: make them too brief and you risk denials or questions about medical necessity; make them too detailed and you've just added hours to your day.

Here's what we built to solve this:

✅ Head to soapnotes.doctor
✅ Record your examination findings or dictate lesion descriptions
✅ Generate properly formatted SOAP notes instantly
✅ Get your evenings and weekends back

With soapnotes.doctor, you can record during or right after a visit, add rough notes about specific findings, or even upload audio later. The system converts everything into insurance-compliant SOAP notes automatically.

You still get the clinical accuracy and thoroughness that insurance companies require, but without manually typing every detail.

Maybe you noted specific findings?

"3mm brown macule left cheek, irregular border, color variegation, patient concerned about change over 6 months, dermoscopy shows atypical network."

Use the tailorr feature to add them. Keep it raw and unpolished—soapnotes.doctor handles the rest.

Example 1: Suspicious Pigmented Lesion Requiring Biopsy

Patient: 52-year-old male
Chief Complaint: "Changing mole on my back"
Visit: Skin lesion evaluation

S – Subjective:

Patient presents for evaluation of pigmented lesion on upper back. Reports noticing the lesion approximately 2 years ago as a small brown spot. Over past 6 months, patient notes the lesion has increased in size and developed darker areas within it. Wife noticed irregular borders and encouraged evaluation. Patient denies bleeding, itching, or pain at the site. No history of trauma to the area. Reports significant sun exposure during adolescence and young adulthood, worked as lifeguard for 5 summers. History of multiple blistering sunburns as teenager. No personal history of skin cancer. Family history significant for father with basal cell carcinoma on nose at age 68. No history of tanning bed use. Patient performs occasional self-skin examinations but not systematically. Denies changes in other moles. No constitutional symptoms including weight loss, night sweats, or fatigue.

O – Objective:

Vital Signs: BP 128/82, HR 74
General: Well-appearing male, appropriate for stated age
Skin: Fitzpatrick skin type II (fair skin, burns easily, tans minimally)
Full body skin examination performed:
Lesion of concern: Located on upper back, 2cm left of midline at T4 level. Asymmetric brown-black macule measuring 7mm x 9mm. Irregular, notched borders present. Color variegation noted with areas of dark brown, black, and lighter brown. Lesion appears raised in central portion. No bleeding, crusting, or ulceration. Surrounding skin normal without erythema or induration.
Dermoscopy findings: Atypical pigment network present. Irregular dots and globules at periphery. Focal blue-white veil in central area. Abrupt cutoff of pigment pattern at border.
Additional findings: Approximately 30 benign-appearing nevi scattered across trunk and extremities, largest measuring 5mm. Several seborrheic keratoses on trunk. Mild solar lentigines on dorsal hands and forearms consistent with chronic sun damage. No other suspicious lesions identified on full body examination.
Photographs: Clinical and dermoscopic images obtained and stored in patient chart for comparison.

A – Assessment:

Atypical pigmented lesion, upper back, concerning for melanoma. Lesion demonstrates multiple features of the ABCDE criteria: Asymmetry present, Border irregularity, Color variegation, Diameter greater than 6mm, Evolution over past 6 months as reported by patient. Dermoscopic features including atypical network, irregular dots and globules, and blue-white veil further raise suspicion for melanoma. Risk factors include Fitzpatrick skin type II, significant sun exposure history, multiple blistering sunburns, family history of skin cancer. Differential diagnosis includes atypical nevus, melanoma in situ, or invasive melanoma. Biopsy indicated for definitive diagnosis.

P – Plan:

Biopsy: Discussed findings with patient including concerning features and need for biopsy to establish diagnosis. Explained biopsy procedure, risks including bleeding, infection, scarring, and need for possible re-excision depending on pathology results. Patient consented to procedure. Performed excisional biopsy with 2mm margins using elliptical excision technique. Specimen measured 11mm x 13mm including margins. Wound closed in layers with deep dermal 4-0 absorbable sutures and running 4-0 nylon skin sutures. Specimen submitted to pathology in formalin for histologic examination with request for evaluation of margins if melanoma identified. Requested evaluation for Clark level, Breslow depth, mitotic rate, and presence of ulceration if melanoma confirmed.

Wound Care: Provided verbal and written wound care instructions. Keep area clean and dry for 48 hours. May shower after 48 hours but avoid soaking. Apply antibiotic ointment twice daily and keep covered with bandage. Watch for signs of infection including increasing redness, warmth, purulent drainage, or fever. Sutures to be removed in 14 days.

Follow-up: Patient to return in 1 week for pathology results discussion. If melanoma confirmed, will discuss staging workup, possible sentinel lymph node biopsy, and referral to surgical oncology depending on Breslow depth. Instructed patient to call office if any wound concerns arise before scheduled follow-up.

Prevention Counseling: Educated patient on sun protection including daily broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen, protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and avoiding peak sun hours. Discussed importance of regular self-skin examinations monthly and annual full-body skin examinations given risk factors. Provided patient education materials on melanoma warning signs. Patient verbalized understanding of biopsy rationale, wound care, and follow-up plan.

Example 2: Acne Management Follow-Up Visit

Patient: 19-year-old female
Chief Complaint: Acne follow-up, currently on topical tretinoin and oral doxycycline
Visit: Established patient follow-up

S – Subjective:

Patient returns for 12-week follow-up of acne treatment. Started tretinoin 0.05% cream nightly and doxycycline 100mg twice daily at last visit. Reports significant improvement in inflammatory lesions on face, fewer new breakouts. Experienced initial purging period in weeks 2-4 as counseled but this has resolved. Currently tolerating tretinoin well with mild dryness that improves with moisturizer. No photosensitivity issues. Taking doxycycline with food as instructed, no gastrointestinal side effects. Compliance good with both medications. Still develops occasional new papules around menses but these resolve more quickly than before treatment. Acne no longer significantly impacts self-confidence. Denies using any other acne treatments or over-the-counter products that could cause irritation. Currently not sexually active but plans to become active within next few months, requesting contraception discussion.

O – Objective:

Vital Signs: BP 112/70, HR 68
Skin Examination:
Face: Fitzpatrick skin type III. Minimal residual erythema. Face overall much improved from prior visit.
Forehead: 2-3 scattered closed comedones, no inflammatory lesions
Cheeks: Bilateral post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) from previous lesions, fading. 1 small papule right cheek, 2mm. No nodules or cysts.
Chin: 2 closed comedones, no inflammatory lesions
Nose: Open comedones bilaterally, mild sebaceous prominence
Overall severity: Mild comedonal acne with minimal inflammatory component, significant improvement from moderate inflammatory acne at baseline
Acne grading: Global Acne Severity Scale score of 2 (mild), down from 6 (moderate) at initial visit
Chest and back: No active lesions, several areas of PIH from previous lesions
Scarring: No atrophic or hypertrophic scarring noted

A – Assessment:

Acne vulgaris, mild, significantly improved on current treatment regimen of topical tretinoin and oral doxycycline. Excellent response to combination therapy. Residual comedones present but inflammatory component well-controlled. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation secondary to previous acne lesions, expected to continue fading with time and continued tretinoin use. Patient appropriate candidate for transition to maintenance therapy. Patient requests contraception, presenting opportunity to optimize hormonal management of acne.

P – Plan:

Acne Treatment Modification: Given excellent response to treatment, will transition to maintenance therapy. Continue tretinoin 0.05% cream nightly long-term for comedone control and prevention of new lesion formation. Begin tapering doxycycline: decrease to 100mg once daily for 2 weeks, then discontinue. Explained importance of continued tretinoin use even when skin appears clear to prevent relapse.

Hormonal Management: Discussed combined oral contraceptives as dual-purpose option for both contraception and additional acne control. Reviewed options including ortho tri-cyclen (FDA-approved for acne), yaz, and estrostep. Patient interested in ortho tri-cyclen. Reviewed risks, benefits, and contraindications. No contraindications identified (non-smoker, no history of blood clots, no migraines with aura, normal blood pressure). Prescribed ortho tri-cyclen 28-day pack. Instructed to start on first Sunday after menses begins. Reviewed importance of backup contraception for first 7 days.

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation: Tretinoin will continue to help fade PIH over next several months. Emphasized strict sun protection as UV exposure can worsen hyperpigmentation. Recommended daily broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy days. Can consider adding vitamin C serum in morning if desires additional PIH treatment, but not essential.

Skincare Regimen: Continue gentle non-comedogenic cleanser morning and evening. Apply tretinoin at night to clean, dry skin, wait 20 minutes before applying moisturizer. Use oil-free moisturizer with SPF in morning. Avoid harsh scrubs, astringents, or products containing additional retinoids or acids that could cause irritation.

Follow-up: Return in 3 months for acne reassessment after doxycycline discontinuation and initiation of oral contraceptive. If acne remains controlled on tretinoin and oral contraceptive alone, will continue maintenance therapy. If flare occurs after antibiotic discontinuation, will reassess treatment options. Patient to call office if significant worsening before scheduled visit. Patient verbalized understanding of treatment plan and importance of continued maintenance therapy.

Example 3: Psoriasis Initial Evaluation and Treatment

Patient: 45-year-old male
Chief Complaint: Red, scaly patches on elbows, knees, and scalp for 3 months
Visit: New patient evaluation

S – Subjective:

Patient presents with 3-month history of red, scaly skin patches that started on elbows and has spread to knees, lower back, and scalp. Describes lesions as raised, red, and covered with silvery-white scales. Reports significant itching, especially at night, affecting sleep quality. Scaling worsens after showering. Tried over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream and moisturizers with minimal improvement. Scalp involvement causes embarrassment due to visible flaking on dark clothing. Rates itch severity as 7/10. Denies previous similar episodes. No recent streptococcal infections, new medications, or significant stressors identified as triggers. No joint pain, stiffness, or swelling in hands or feet. No nail changes noticed. Family history significant for mother with psoriasis diagnosed in her 30s. No personal history of autoimmune conditions. Social history: occasional alcohol use, non-smoker. Works as accountant, concerned about appearance during client meetings.

O – Objective:

Vital Signs: BP 132/84, HR 76, BMI 28.3
General: Well-appearing male in no acute distress
Skin Examination:
Elbows (bilateral): Well-demarcated erythematous plaques with thick silvery-white scales, symmetrically distributed on extensor surfaces. Largest plaque on right elbow measures 4cm x 5cm. Auspitz sign positive (pinpoint bleeding after scale removal).
Knees (bilateral): Similar well-demarcated erythematous plaques with silvery scale on extensor surfaces, measuring 3cm x 4cm bilaterally.
Lower back (sacral area): Two plaques measuring approximately 3cm diameter each, same morphology with thick scale.
Scalp: Diffuse erythema and thick adherent silvery scales throughout scalp, most prominent in occipital region and along hairline. No significant hair loss.
Nails: No pitting, oil spots, or onycholysis observed on fingernails or toenails.
Body Surface Area: Estimated involvement approximately 5% of total body surface area
Joints: No synovitis, tenderness, or swelling of hands, feet, knees, or other joints. Full range of motion all joints.
Koebner phenomenon: Not observed
Overall appearance consistent with plaque psoriasis, moderate severity based on BSA involvement and impact on quality of life.

A – Assessment:

Plaque psoriasis, moderate severity. Classic presentation with well-demarcated erythematous plaques with silvery scale in typical distribution (elbows, knees, scalp, sacral area). Positive Auspitz sign supports diagnosis. Family history of psoriasis in first-degree relative increases likelihood. Approximately 5% body surface area involvement. No evidence of psoriatic arthritis on examination. Significant impact on quality of life and sleep due to pruritus. Prior treatment with over-the-counter topical corticosteroids inadequate for disease control. Patient appropriate candidate for prescription topical therapy. Will monitor for development of psoriatic arthritis symptoms given association.

P – Plan:

Laboratory Workup: Ordered comprehensive metabolic panel, lipid panel, and hepatitis panel given plan to initiate systemic therapy if topical treatment inadequate. Results will guide future treatment options if biologic therapy becomes necessary.

Topical Treatment:

• Clobetasol propionate 0.05% ointment: Apply thin layer to affected areas on body (elbows, knees, lower back) twice daily for 2 weeks, then once daily for 2 additional weeks, then transition to weekend-only application for maintenance. Avoid use on face and intertriginous areas.
• Calcipotriene 0.005% ointment: Begin after 4 weeks of clobetasol for maintenance therapy on body lesions. Apply once daily in evening to affected areas.
• Clobetasol propionate 0.05% shampoo: Apply to affected areas of scalp, leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse. Use daily until improvement, then 2-3 times weekly for maintenance.
• Ketoconazole 2% shampoo: Use on alternating days with clobetasol shampoo to address any seborrheic component and reduce scaling.

Adjunctive Measures:

• Recommend thick emollient moisturizer (CeraVe, Vanicream, or Eucerin) twice daily to entire body, especially after bathing while skin still damp to lock in moisture.
• Coal tar solution 2-5% can be added to bath water 2-3 times weekly to help reduce scaling and inflammation.
• Lukewarm showers rather than hot water, which can worsen dryness and irritation.
• Gentle skin care products without fragrances or dyes.

Patient Education: Discussed chronic nature of psoriasis with periods of flares and remission. Explained that while there is no cure, condition is manageable with appropriate treatment. Reviewed potential triggers including stress, infections, certain medications, alcohol, and smoking. Discussed association with metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease, encouraged healthy lifestyle modifications including weight management and regular exercise. Provided written information on National Psoriasis Foundation resources.

Follow-up: Return in 6 weeks for treatment response assessment. If inadequate response to topical therapy alone, will discuss options including phototherapy, oral systemic agents (methotrexate, apremilast), or biologic therapy depending on severity and patient preference. Patient to contact office sooner if develops joint pain or swelling. Will monitor annually for metabolic complications and cardiovascular risk factors. Patient verbalized understanding of diagnosis, treatment plan, and chronic nature of condition.

Example 4: Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) Flare in Adult

Patient: 28-year-old female
Chief Complaint: Worsening eczema on hands, arms, and behind knees
Visit: Established patient, acute flare

S – Subjective:

Patient with history of atopic dermatitis since childhood presents with acute flare over past 2 weeks. Reports intensely itchy, red, weeping patches on bilateral hands, inner elbows, and behind knees. Itch severity rated 9/10, significantly disrupting sleep and work productivity. Works as hair stylist with frequent water exposure and use of styling products. Recent stress at work due to understaffing. Has been applying triamcinolone cream from previous prescription but with minimal relief this time. Tried taking diphenhydramine at night for itch but remains awake scratching. Denies new detergents, soaps, lotions, or other potential environmental triggers. No recent illness or antibiotic use. Not currently using any hand protection at work. History of seasonal allergies and asthma, both well-controlled. Reports similar severe flares typically occur 2-3 times yearly, usually in winter months or during high stress periods.

O – Objective:

Vital Signs: BP 118/76, HR 82
Skin Examination:
Hands (bilateral): Dorsal hands showing erythema, vesicles, weeping, and crusting. Fissures noted on finger webs bilaterally. Lichenification present on knuckles from chronic scratching and rubbing. No signs of secondary bacterial infection (no honey-colored crusting, no purulent drainage). Palms show mild scaling and erythema.
Antecubital fossae (bilateral): Erythematous, excoriated patches with some oozing. Lichenification noted from chronic inflammation. Scratch marks visible.
Popliteal fossae (bilateral): Similar presentation with weeping eczematous patches, lichenification, and linear excoriations.
Overall body survey: Mild xerosis (dry skin) on trunk and extremities. No involvement of face or neck at this time.
Assessment of severity: Moderate to severe acute flare based on extent of involvement, presence of vesiculation and weeping, and significant impact on function and quality of life
EASI score (Eczema Area and Severity Index): 24 (moderate)

A – Assessment:

Atopic dermatitis with acute moderate-to-severe flare. Occupational irritant contact dermatitis component likely contributing given patient's work as hair stylist with frequent wet work. Current topical corticosteroid regimen inadequate for severity of flare. No evidence of secondary bacterial infection at this time though patient at risk given skin barrier disruption. Significant impact on quality of life and occupational functioning. Known triggers include stress and irritant exposure, both currently present.

P – Plan:

Topical Corticosteroids - Step Up Therapy:

• Clobetasol propionate 0.05% ointment: Apply to affected areas on body (arms, behind knees) twice daily for 2 weeks. More potent corticosteroid needed for current inflammation.
• Desonide 0.05% ointment: Apply to hands twice daily given location and need for frequent use. Lower potency appropriate for hands to minimize skin atrophy risk.
• After 2 weeks, transition to triamcinolone 0.1% ointment once daily for maintenance on body areas.

Systemic Therapy for Acute Flare:

• Prednisone 40mg daily for 5 days (short course, no taper needed). Explained rationale for short-term oral corticosteroid to break current flare cycle. Reviewed potential side effects including increased appetite, mood changes, and insomnia.
• Cetirizine 10mg every evening for antihistamine effect and itch control, less sedating than diphenhydramine for daytime function.
• Hydroxyzine 25mg at bedtime as needed for severe nighttime itch if cetirizine insufficient.

Barrier Repair and Moisturization:

• Petroleum jelly or thick ceramide-containing moisturizer (CeraVe Healing Ointment, Cetaphil RestoraDerm) to be applied liberally at least 3-4 times daily, especially immediately after handwashing and bathing.
• Soak and seal technique: After bathing, pat skin partially dry and apply thick moisturizer to lock in moisture.
• Consider wet wrap therapy at night for particularly affected areas: apply thick moisturizer or prescribed ointment, cover with damp cotton layer, then dry layer on top.

Occupational Modifications:

• Provided prescription for vinyl gloves (patient allergic to latex) to wear under work gloves during wet work and chemical exposure.
• Instructed to apply barrier cream before work and reapply moisturizer between clients.
• Recommended requesting accommodation from employer to minimize water exposure if possible.
• Discussed potential need for occupational therapy evaluation if hand eczema impacts work ability.

Infection Prevention: Instructed patient to monitor for signs of secondary bacterial infection including increased pain, spreading redness and warmth, honey-colored crusting, or purulent drainage. Bleach baths (1/4 to 1/2 cup bleach in full tub of water) 2 times weekly can help reduce bacterial colonization, soak for 10 minutes then rinse and moisturize. If infection develops, patient to contact office immediately for possible antibiotic therapy.

Trigger Management:

• Stress reduction techniques discussed including adequate sleep, regular exercise, and considering counseling support during high-stress periods.
• Use fragrance-free, dye-free detergents and personal care products.
• Avoid hot showers, use lukewarm water.
• Cotton clothing preferred over wool or synthetic fabrics.
• Keep fingernails trimmed short to minimize damage from scratching.

Follow-up: Return in 2 weeks to assess response to treatment. If inadequate improvement, will consider addition of topical calcineurin inhibitor (tacrolimus or pimecrolimus) for maintenance therapy. If chronic severe disease continues despite optimized topical therapy, will discuss systemic options including dupilumab (Dupixent) biologic therapy. Patient provided with after-hours contact information and instructed to call immediately if signs of infection develop. Patient verbalized understanding of flare management plan and trigger avoidance strategies.

Key Components Insurance Companies Look For in Dermatology SOAP Notes

When reviewing your dermatology documentation, insurance companies specifically want to see:

1. Detailed Lesion Descriptions

Document specific morphology, color, size, borders, distribution, and body location. Terms like "rash" or "spot" are too vague. Use precise dermatologic terminology: macule, papule, plaque, nodule, vesicle, pustule, scale, crust.

2. Clear Diagnostic Reasoning

Explain why you arrived at your diagnosis. Document differential diagnoses considered and clinical features that support your assessment over alternatives.

3. Medical Necessity Documentation

For procedures like biopsies, excisions, or specialty medications, clearly document why the intervention is medically necessary. Include clinical features that warrant intervention, prior treatment failures if applicable, and potential consequences of not treating.

4. Treatment Response and Progression

Document how lesions have changed since previous visits. Compare size, appearance, symptoms, and response to treatments. This demonstrates ongoing medical necessity.

5. Photographic Documentation Reference

When clinical photographs are obtained, reference them in your note. Insurance may request photos for prior authorization or appeals.

6. Body Surface Area Calculations

For conditions like psoriasis or eczema, document estimated body surface area involvement. This helps justify treatment intensity and supports prior authorization for systemic therapies or biologics.

7. Impact on Quality of Life

Document how skin conditions affect daily activities, work, sleep, or psychosocial functioning. This supports medical necessity for aggressive treatment approaches.

8. Previous Treatment Trials

When prescribing advanced therapies, document what treatments have already been tried and why they were inadequate. Insurance often requires step therapy documentation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Vague Lesion Descriptions: Instead of "patient has rash on arm," document "erythematous maculopapular eruption measuring 3cm x 5cm on left volar forearm with well-demarcated borders."

Missing Size Measurements: Always measure lesions in millimeters or centimeters. "Small" or "large" are subjective and insufficient.

Inadequate Location Description: Be specific about anatomic location. "On leg" is too vague. "On left anterior thigh, 5cm superior to patella" is precise.

Not Documenting Dermoscopy: If you use dermoscopy, document findings. This supports diagnostic reasoning and medical necessity.

Skipping Differential Diagnosis: Show your clinical thinking by listing alternatives considered and why your diagnosis is most likely.

Missing Treatment Failures: When starting advanced therapies, document previously tried treatments and why they were inadequate for current insurance requirements.

No Quality of Life Assessment: Especially for chronic conditions, document impact on patient's life to support treatment medical necessity.

Forgetting Body Surface Area: For psoriasis, eczema, and other widespread conditions, estimate and document BSA involvement.

Final Thoughts

Dermatology SOAP notes don't need to be overwhelming.

They need to be thorough and descriptive, yes, but they don't need to consume your entire evening.

The key is having a system that captures detailed lesion descriptions and clinical reasoning without making you feel like you're writing a novel after each patient.

Whether you write them manually or use a tool like soapnotes.doctor, the goal is the same: precise documentation that serves your patient and satisfies insurance requirements.

Your time is better spent examining patients and performing procedures than fighting with documentation.

That's exactly why we built this tool.

Try it out, see how much time you get back, and let me know what you think.

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