Exclamation Point

   MT Reference Style Guide  >  Medical Transcription Grammar, Usage and Style  >  Punctuation  >  Exclamation Point

The exclamation point loses force when overused and should be avoided wherever possible. Its use in medical records documentation is extremely rare, except possibly in a direct quote. Its use is considered too informal for a medical-legal record, such as a medical record.

The patient told me, "Go to hell!"

The exception would be if the dictator actually dictates "exclamation point." Otherwise, a medical transcriptionist would not typically insert this punctuation.

D: I attempted to discuss a discharge plan with the patient, but she insisted on leaving AMA exclamation point.
T: I attempted to discuss a discharge plan with the patient, but she insisted on leaving AMA!

Otherwise, in medical dictation, do not assume an exclamation point for insertion.

D: The patient was lucky to survive!
T: The patient was lucky to survive.