Which type of report generally provides a clinical opinion based on a specialist's examination?

A consultation report is indeed the type of report that typically contains a clinical opinion from a specialist following their examination of a patient. This report serves to present findings and recommendations from a specialist to the referring physician, providing insights into the patient's condition, diagnosis, and treatment prospects based on the specialist's expertise.

Consultation reports usually contain detailed observations and analyses that help inform the next steps in patient care. They are crucial in multidisciplinary care settings where input from various specialists is necessary to formulate a comprehensive treatment plan.

In contrast, progress notes document the ongoing care and treatment of a patient, capturing updates and observations from healthcare providers during their encounters with the patient. Discharge summaries provide a comprehensive overview of a patient's hospital stay, including the treatment received and recommendations for post-discharge care, rather than presenting a clinical opinion based on an examination. Referral reports indicate that a patient is being directed to another provider for further evaluation or treatment, but do not typically include the specialist's examination findings or opinions.