American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Certification Practice Exam

When a patient cannot read their CD copies of medical records, how should the hospital proceed?

1. Provide the medical records in paper format

2. Burn another CD for the patient

3. Offer both paper and CD copies of the medical records

4. Review the CD with the patient on a hospital computer

The correct answer is: Provide the medical records in paper format

Providing the medical records in paper format is the most appropriate course of action when a patient is unable to read their CD copies. The primary goal in healthcare is to ensure that patients have access to their medical information in a way that is understandable and usable for them. If a patient cannot read the CD, it is essential to provide an alternative format that they can access without any barriers. Paper records are universally readable and can be physically handled, allowing patients to review their information comfortably. This approach ensures compliance with patient rights regarding access to their medical records while also prioritizing accessibility. While burning another CD may seem like a temporary solution, it does not address the underlying issue of the patient's inability to read the format. Offering both formats would also be unnecessarily complicated if the patient cannot utilize one of them, and reviewing the CD on a hospital computer may not be feasible or convenient for the patient. Therefore, providing a well-understood and accessible format, such as paper copies, is the best choice in this scenario.