Important Reminder: Returning Medical Records
The Health Information Services Department reminds all staff that patient medical records must to be returned to the Health Information Services (HIS) Department (formerly Medical Records) upon patient discharge. The HIS staff makes rounds each morning to retrieve the records of the patients discharged the previous day. Medical staff are reminded not to ask the staff on the units to hold the records. Medical records are then assembled, matched with the folder, coded and filed. This assures 100 percent accountability, coding/billing and retrieval for research, quality review, re-admission and payer review. Also note that medical records are not to be taken to on-call rooms or lounges. The HIS Department is available to assist medical staff in making a record available in the event it is needed after discharge. Prompt return of medical records to the HIS Department is imperative to maintain a high standard of patient care, revenue and compliance for the hospital.
Questions should be directed to George Wilson at ext. 2-5599 or via e-mail- gwilson@partners.org .