What is the goal of including a plan of care during a patient's initial evaluation?

The goal of including a plan of care during a patient's initial evaluation is to ensure that the patient has clear expectations for treatment. A well-structured plan of care outlines the treatment goals, the specific interventions to be used, and the expected outcomes. This helps facilitate a better understanding between the therapist and the patient regarding the treatment process, timelines, and objectives. By setting these expectations early on, the patient can be more engaged and participative in their rehabilitation journey, fostering trust and collaboration.

A comprehensive plan of care also provides a framework for measuring progress and adjusting treatment strategies as necessary. This is vital for achieving optimal patient outcomes, as it allows both the therapist and the patient to stay focused on the established goals throughout the course of therapy. Overall, having clear expectations contributes significantly to patient satisfaction and effective communication.

The other options do not align with the primary aim of a plan of care. While billing details, collecting medical history, and preparing for discharge are important components of patient management, they do not directly relate to the need for establishing clear expectations for treatment at the outset of care.