The Chronological Record of Medical Care, SF 600, provides a current, concise, and comprehensive record of a member's military medical history (fig. 12-4, view A and B). Use the SF 600 for all outpatient care and file in the HREC. Record all visits, including those that result in referrals to other MTFs, on the SF 600. Each person making an entry on the form must sign the entry and include his identification information (full name, grade or rate, profession [e.g., MC, NC, etc.], and SSN), either hand printed, typed, or stamped.

Properly maintained, the SF 600 facilitates the evaluation of a patient's physical condition and reduces correspondence necessary to obtain medical records. Appropriate use of the form also eliminates unnecessary repetition of expensive diagnostic procedures and serves as an invaluable permanent record of medical evaluations and treatments.

Completing the SF 600
Entries made on the SF 600 can be typewritten when practical. However, entries normally are handwritten with black or blue-black ink pens. When initiating an SF 600, patient identification data should be completed. Also, type or stamp the date (DD-MMM-YY) and the name and address of the activity responsible for the entry.

Use both sides of each SF 600. Preparation of a new SF 600 is not necessary each time the person is seen in a different MTF. If only a few entries are recorded on the SF 600 at the time of a move, stamp the designation and location of the receiving MTF below the last entry and use the rest of the page to record subsequent visits. If the back of the SF 600 is not used, then the back needs to be crossed out and the words "This side not used," printed in the middle of the form.

SF 600s are continuous and include the following information: complaints, duration of illness or injury, physical findings, clinical course, results of laboratory or other special examinations, treatment (including operations), physical fitness at the time of disposition, and disposition. The subjective complaint, observation, assessment, and plan (SOAP) format may be used for entries so long as the required information in table 12-3 is included.

Enter the following information indicated on table 12-3 on the patient's SF 600.

Record each visit and the complaint described, even if a member is returned to duty without treatment. Also, document if a patient leaves before being seen.

Other SF 600 Entries
Other SF 600 entries include the following:
Imminent hospitalization

Special procedures and therapy
Sick call visit

Table 12-3.-Required Information on an SF 600

Figure 12-4.-Chronological Record of Medical Care, SF 600: A. Front view.

Figure 12-4.-Chronological Record of Medical Care, SF 600: B. Back view.

Injuries or poisonings
Line-of-duty inquiries
Binnacle list and sick list
Reservist check-in and check-out statements
IMMINENT HOSPITALIZATION.-When an admission of a patient is imminent, admission notes can be made on an SF 600. However, the use of the SF 509, Medical Record-Progress Report, is preferred. The SF 509 form is routinely used for inpatient admission notes and are filed in the patient's IREC. Record referred or postponed inpatient admissions on the SF 600.