What are to definitions of accessibility as it relates medical records?
There are two primary definitions of accessibility as it relates to medical records:
1. Physical accessibility: This refers to the ease with which patients can physically access their medical records. This includes factors such as:
- The location of the records (e.g., are they stored on-site or off-site?)
- The hours of operation of the records department
- The availability of parking and public transportation
- The ease of navigating the records department
- The ability to obtain copies of records
2. Informational accessibility: This refers to the ease with which patients can understand their medical records. This includes factors such as:
- The use of clear and concise language
- The organization of the records in a logical manner
- The availability of explanations of medical terms and abbreviations
- The provision of summaries of the records
- The ability to ask questions about the records and receive clear and understandable answers
Both physical and informational accessibility are important for ensuring that patients have the information they need to make informed decisions about their health.