Office Administrative Assistant Practice Exam

What document maintains a standardized record of health information accessible by authorized personnel?

1. Patient medical history

2. Electronic Health Record (EHR)

3. Confidentiality agreement

4. Health information release form

The correct answer is: Electronic Health Record (EHR)

The Electronic Health Record (EHR) is the correct choice as it serves as a comprehensive, standardized digital record of a patient's health information. EHRs contain not just the patient's medical history, but also a wide range of data such as treatment plans, medications, test results, and more. This ensures that authorized healthcare providers can access important medical information quickly and efficiently, which is critical for ongoing patient care and coordination among different healthcare professionals. EHRs are designed to be shared across multiple healthcare settings, allowing for a seamless transition of care. This is particularly beneficial in emergencies, where immediate access to a patient’s health information can be lifesaving. Additionally, EHRs enhance the overall quality of care by reducing the risk of errors and improving communication among healthcare teams. In contrast, documents like patient medical history typically refer to a specific aspect of a person's health record rather than the comprehensive, accessible digital format that an EHR provides. Confidentiality agreements and health information release forms are important documents related to privacy and patient consent but do not serve as a record of health information themselves.