Significance Of Medical Records And Consent For Medical Assistants



by Daryl B. Chapman


One of the main tasks of medical assistants is to maintain and keep medical records and consent. Being able to maintain and file documents in an methodical fashion is one of the many things that medical assistants must learn to master.

The medical assistant must prepare the records and keep them filed in so that when the medical practitioner looks at the record he will easily see the things he needs to see. In other words, it is easier and more orderly if the medical assistant knows how to file the documents well. As soon as the medical practitioner is done seeing and assessing the client, he will record his new findings in the medical record. The MA must see to it that the orders are carried ouf and the record is kept correspondingly. In that way it is secured. Lose pages must be secured and those who use the record must never tamper on the results.

The medical assistant must know by heart the ones who have rightful access to the medical records of the patients. The patient upon request can have a copy of his or her medical record. In case the patient becomes comatose, children of lawful age or brothers and sisters of legal age can access the record as long as they have written consent. In an emergency and the client is unconscious the medical people can access the medical record. Medical records of children can be access by their parents or legal guardian if they don't have parents. Also, researchers can access the record as long they got permission and there is a writen record that the identity of the client will not be disclosed. Authorities can also access the medical records of the patient but they can never chage base on the medical record alone.

As a specific role of medical assistants, they should see to it that the record is kept and signed by the qualified bodies. Nevertheless, before obtaining the consent of the client, the medical practitioner must explain the operation or procedure to the patient. The benefit and the adverse effect of it if any, other options and what happens if the patient will not have it. For some reasons complains and in some cases goes to judicial.

Medical record and consent are two legalized documents in the health care business. It must be well secured.

The first is the record of the patient, going back from the first time the patient went to see the health practitioner for consultation or medical support. It should hold all diagnostics and assessments done by the doctor of the person's physical, emotional and mental state. The person's habit and way of living is also recorded and kept in file. Unlawful access to it is a violation of the person privacy.

The second record is known as the consent. It is giving approval to the whole medical procedure, therapy and surgery. This record is very basic. It can protect the medical practitioner from complaint of medical malpractice.

The medical assistant must have a very good knowledge about these two records in order for him or her to totally protect and maintain the security and integrity of these records. This task may seem effortless but it is not. To keep these records secure, the medical assistant must possess high level of integrity and dedication in the job.




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