Starting November 2, Patients Will Be Able to Read Your Documentation
October 27, 2020
Careful documentation has always been critical to good patient care but beginning November 2, physicians will have another reason to be clear and thorough in writing clinical notes: Patients will be able to read them.
As required by the 21st Century Cures Act, all patients in the United States will soon have immediate access to a wide variety of clinical notes, including physical examination findings, laboratory report narratives, procedure and progress notes, and much more.
This requirement is intended to bring greater transparency and convenience for patients. But if care teams aren’t careful, it could also bring confusion and surprise for patients, making clear and proactive communication even more important – especially when sensitive or complex test results are involved.
Questions? Contact us by email.
Careful documentation has always been critical to good patient care but beginning November 2, physicians will have another reason to be clear and thorough in writing clinical notes: Patients will be able to read them.
As required by the 21st Century Cures Act, all patients in the United States will soon have immediate access to a wide variety of clinical notes, including physical examination findings, laboratory report narratives, procedure and progress notes, and much more.
This requirement is intended to bring greater transparency and convenience for patients. But if care teams aren’t careful, it could also bring confusion and surprise for patients, making clear and proactive communication even more important – especially when sensitive or complex test results are involved.
Questions? Contact us by email.