Purposes/Reasons for Client Records

Purposes/Reasons for Client Records

1. Communication.

2. Planning client care.

3. Auditing health agencies.

4. Research.

5. Education.

6. Reimbursement/payment.

7. Legal documentation.

8. Health care analysis.

Communication:

• Prevents repetition and delays in client care.

Planning client care:

• Client records may be used to plan for care.

Auditing health agencies:

• Review client records for quality assurance to determine if the hospital is meeting its stated standards.

Research:

• Data in the record can be used for nursing research.

Education:

• Client records may use data as educational tools.

Reimbursement/payment:

• Records help facilities receive refunds from the government or get payment through Medicare.

Legal documentation:

• Client's records serve as evidence in court.

Health care analysis:

• Records may help health care planners identify agency needs, such as overuse or underuse of hospital services.