Create one row for each decision point and four columns: question, answer, evidence source, and status. Useful rows include emergency boundary, facility record, current availability, applicant review, services being considered, medication review process, family involvement, continuing-care planning, total expected charges, insurance verification, arrival requirements, and the next decision time. In the status column, use only confirmed, needs review, not established, or not applicable.
Keep the evidence precise. “DHCS record” is different from “representative stated by telephone.” A written cost explanation is different from an estimate. “The facility will review fit” is different from “the person has been accepted.” If an answer changes, preserve the earlier note and add a dated update. This method makes contradictions visible and gives you specific follow-up questions instead of a vague impression.
- Compare like with like: the same question, for the same person, on the same day when possible.
- Do not score a facility positively for an amenity, treatment, credential, or payer relationship that has not been verified.
- Pause before commitments if important answers are vague, inconsistent, conditional, or unavailable in writing.