Which item is NOT a component of a SOAP note?

• A. Subjective
• B. Objective
• C. Assessment
• D. Diagnosis

Answer: (D)

In a SOAP note, the four sections are Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan. Subjective covers what the client reports, Objective includes what we observe and measurable data, and Assessment is the clinician’s analysis that often contains the diagnostic impression or working diagnosis. Plan lays out the next steps, treatments, referrals, and follow-up.

Diagnosis is not a separate heading in the standard SOAP structure; the diagnostic conclusion is typically included within the Assessment (and may be elaborated in the Plan). That’s why the item labeled as Diagnosis is not a distinct component of a SOAP note.