Book excerpt: Designed to improve the report writing skills of speech-language pathology students, communication sciences and disorders students, Clinical Fellows, and professionals alike, Diagnostic Report Writing in Speech-Language Pathology: A Guide to Effective Communication is a one-of-a-kind text entirely dedicated to the production of an effective diagnostic speech and language evaluation. In today’s academic and health care climate, accurate and clear documentation has never been more important. Diagnostic Report Writing in Speech-Language Pathology seeks to demystify and simplify the challenges many students and clinicians face while learning to write speech and language evaluations by combining the science and art of assessment with an effective presentation. Dr. Steven H. Blaustein uses his more than 50 years of experience as a clinician, consultant, and professor to logically guide the reader through the necessary steps involved in the documentation of a speech and language evaluation. From discussing the initial reason for the referral and case history to the final summary, impressions, and recommendations, each step of the writing process is clearly explained. Topics included in Diagnostic Report Writing in Speech-Language Pathology: Speech sound production Oral peripheral examinations Issues of law, fairness, and ethics Critical information for the approval of services and third-party reimbursement Common report writing errors to avoid Images and tables to illustrate the process of documenting a speech and language evaluation There is no one-size-fits-all template for documenting an evaluation. Diagnostic Report Writing in Speech-Language Pathology: A Guide to Effective Communication provides the reader with the skills and knowledge necessary to compile an effective professional report that meets the needs of patients, clients, students, and outside stakeholders.