Medical Records Management Flashcards

What does 'purging' mean in medical records management?

Answer: Removing inactive records from active filing per retention policies

Purging removes inactive records from active filing, transferring them to storage or destroying per the retention schedule.

What is EHR interoperability?

Answer: Different EHR systems exchanging and using patient data seamlessly

Interoperability is the ability of different EHR systems to communicate, exchange data, and use information across organizations.

What is the correct procedure for handling a subpoena for medical records?

Answer: Notify the practice's attorney or compliance officer before releasing anything

Notify the attorney or compliance officer to verify validity and determine the appropriate response before releasing records.

What is a benefit of color-coded filing labels?

Answer: Reduces misfiling errors by making misplaced files visible

Color-coded labels create visible patterns on shelves; misfiled records break the pattern and are immediately noticeable.

What is the difference between an EHR and an EMR?

Answer: An EMR is a single practice's digital chart; an EHR shares data across multiple organizations

An EMR is a digital chart within one practice; an EHR is designed to share information across multiple healthcare organizations.

Which disclosures are exempt from HIPAA's accounting of disclosures requirement?

Answer: Disclosures for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations

TPO disclosures are exempt because they occur so frequently that tracking each one would be impractical.