Which statement about the evaluation is correct?

• A. It is written before data collection
• B. It is finalized after data synthesis and a formal evaluation statement is made
• C. It is the same as the diagnosis
• D. It is not used in care planning

Answer: (B)

In the evaluation, the therapist integrates all collected information—history, systems review, tests and measures, and observations—into a single professional judgment about the patient’s status. This synthesis identifies the problems to address, helps determine prognosis, and provides the basis for the plan of care. Because it relies on data gathered during the examination, the evaluation isn’t written before data collection. It’s not the same as a medical diagnosis, which is a separate medical determination; the evaluation translates findings into PT-specific problems and goals. And it is used to guide care planning, not something separate from it.

So the evaluation is finalized after data synthesis and a formal evaluation statement is made, which then drives the plan of care.