Overview statement on medical records

Historically, medical records have been maintamed by individual physicians to record specific information concerning patients. This information was often understandable only to the writer. The data were of outstanding events. This was thought to be sufficient documentation for patient care. Records are now read by others than the individual physicians. Groups of physicians working together often share the same patients and their records. Patients may have multiple sources of care. Our population has become more mobile which makes it necessary to transfer vast amounts of medical information. The medical record many times is the one instrument which gives a complete and continuous documentation of the patient's medical history. Third-party payers are requesting access to medical records to document services provided. Chart audit is being tested as a mechanism for evaluating physician performance. Records must reflect what the physician does in order to be useful in such an appraisal. Much clinical research on the delivery of health care depends on accurately kept records which are easily interpreted. A chart is also a legal document for the protection of the physician as well as the patient. Thus, records will be used in other than traditional ways. Proper confidentiality must be maintained when such uses are necessary. Physicians generally agree as to the essential content of a medical record. However, there is little unanimity as to the structure of the chart. No one system of keeping records is now appropriate for all situations. The maintenance of adequate charts requires additional cost in both time and money.