Abstract: A system and method for an articulated arm based tool guide includes an elongated body having a guide hole, a first joint attached to a first end of the body, a second joint attached to a second end of the body opposite the first end, a first mounting arm coupled to the body using the first joint, and a second mounting arm coupled to the body using the second joint. The first mounting arm is configured to be attached to a first articulated arm of a computer-assisted medical device. The second mounting arm is configured to be attached to a second articulated arm of the computer-assisted medical device. The guide hole is adapted to receive a medical tool and maintain a working end of the medical tool in alignment with the guide. In some embodiments, the first mounting arm includes identifying information identifying the tool guide as a tool guide.