Periods at the end of a numbered list
Use a period at the end of text for each item in a numbered list if the text completes the sentence that starts the numbered list.
The patient was discharged with instructions to:
1. Follow up with me in 3 days.
2. Take medications as instructed (printed instructions given to the patient).
3. Call if her condition changes for the worse, or if there are any additional questions.
Dictators frequently depart from a numbered list such as the one shown in the example above and begin dictating sentences that do not conform to the sentence fragment preceding the colon. In such an instance, follow account/employer specific guidelines. Most often, the list is discontinued and the narration is continued in paragraph form.
The patient was discharged with instructions to:
1. Follow up with me in 3 days.
2. Take medications as instructed (printed instructions given to the patient).
3. Call if her condition changes for the worse, or if there are any additional questions.
In addition, I have given her prescriptions for DMEÂ to include a wheelchair and a shower seat.
No period is required at the end of listed items that have no grammatical connection to the introductory statement.
Patients are instructed in the benefits of a healthy lifestyle:
1. Weight loss
2. Regular exercise
Numbered lists in clinical documentation should include a period at the end of each entry.
ADMISSION DIAGNOSES:
1. Shortness of breath.
2. High blood pressure.
When only one item follows the section title, do not use a numbered list (unless the specifics for the account call for it).
ADMISSION DIAGNOSIS:
Shortness of breath.
EXCEPTION: When a numbered list (or a single-item list) is a name or names, do not end with a period.
ATTENDING PHYSICIAN:
John Martin, MD
or
CONSULTING PHYSICIANS:
1. William Barr, MD
2. Alan Rosen, MD
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