DANB General Chairside Practice Test

When transferring patient records to a specialist, what should the administrative assistant avoid doing?

1. Transferring photocopies of the records

2. Transferring the entire original record

3. Transferring a summary of the records

4. Transferring digital records

The correct answer is: Transferring the entire original record

When transferring patient records to a specialist, the best practice is to avoid transferring the entire original record. This is because original records are typically required to be kept in a secure location by the primary healthcare provider for legal and continuity of care purposes. Additionally, retaining the original records ensures that they remain available for future reference and any potential audits. Instead, transferring copies of records or summaries is generally more appropriate as it maintains the integrity of the original documentation. This approach allows the specialist to access the necessary information without endangering the continuity of care by releasing the originals. Moreover, adhering to regulations regarding patient record management is essential in ensuring compliance with privacy laws such as HIPAA, which dictate how patient information should be handled and shared. By only sharing copies or summaries, the administrative assistant mitigates risks associated with potential loss or mismanagement of vital patient information.