Would your progress note hold up in an audit?
The Note Defensibility Check scores one progress note in about three minutes on the three things reviewers look for: medical necessity, the golden thread back to the treatment plan, and risk.
Try it free in your browser Download the desktop appSolid foundation with a few gaps a reviewer could question.
Three steps. One note. A clear answer.
Paste a note (optional)
Paste a de-identified note and the tool scans it for signs of each checklist item. It also flags vague phrases like "supportive therapy" or "processed feelings."
Answer 17 quick questions
Mark each item Yes, Partly, or No. You make the final call. Tap "Why it matters" to see what reviewers want and an example of stronger wording.
Get your score and fixes
See a score out of 100, a score for each area, and the top three fixes that would strengthen the note most. Print or save it as a PDF.
Built around what auditors actually follow
Items marked KEY count triple, because reviewers often deny on a single missing key element.
Medical necessity
- Diagnosis listed and matches the plan KEY
- Symptoms described specifically (how often, how severe)
- Functional impairment stated KEY
- Why this level of care is still needed
- Standardized measure or objective data
Golden thread
- Treatment-plan goal or objective named KEY
- Specific intervention named KEY
- Client's response documented
- Progress (or lack of it) stated
- Next steps tied to the goal
Risk
- Risk screened and documented, even if denied KEY
- If present: level, protective factors, actions taken
- Changes in risk since last session
Session basics
- Date and time match the billed code
- Participants and format (in person / telehealth)
- Individualized, not copied forward
- Signed with credentials, completed promptly
Your note never leaves your device
The scan runs entirely inside your browser or the desktop app. The page is locked so it cannot send anything over the internet. Nothing is uploaded, stored, or saved.
We still recommend removing names and identifiers before pasting, as good practice.
What your score means
Good to know
What is the "golden thread"?
It is the clear line connecting every part of a client's record. The assessment identifies problems and a diagnosis, the treatment plan sets goals for them, and each progress note shows which goal the session worked on, what you did, and how the client responded. If a note doesn't tie back to a goal, the service can be denied or recouped even when the clinical work was excellent.
What makes a note "medically necessary"?
In general, a note supports medical necessity when it shows a diagnosed condition, current symptoms and functional impairment, a reason this level of care is needed now, and evidence the treatment is helping or being adjusted. Rules vary by payer and state.
Does it write or rewrite my notes?
No. It is a self-review checklist. It gives hints and examples, but you answer every question and your notes stay in your own words.
Who is it for?
Psychologists, counselors, social workers, and therapists who want a quick, private way to check their documentation before an audit, a records request, or a payer review.
Is it really free?
Yes. No account, no email required. Use it in your browser or download the desktop app.
Want every note to pass this check automatically?
Throughline keeps diagnosis, treatment plan, progress notes, and outcomes in one connected client record, with an audit meter that checks each note's structure. Your words, never AI-written.
Learn about Throughline →The Note Defensibility Check is an educational self-review tool. It is not legal, billing, or compliance advice, and a high score does not guarantee a payer will approve a claim. Requirements vary by payer, state, and setting. © Sana Mente Labs LLC · sanamentelabs.com