Top 4 Errors Made When Handling Medical Records

While most medical records display the correct information, there can be errors from time to time. Slight mistakes can have a huge impact on your health care and the treatment you receive, so it’s important that your medical records are kept up to date and provide factual information. To give you more clarity, here are the top 4 errors made when handling medical records.

Typographical Spelling Errors

There are various typographical spelling errors on your medical record that may or may not need to be corrected. For instance, if mesenteric is spelled incorrectly as ‘mesenteric’, you may not have to go through the hassle of having it changed because there won’t be a big impact on your medical or health care.

Name Errors

If there are any spelling errors in your name, these do require immediate correction as they can stop your records from being shared amongst the correct providers. Name errors can also play a part in how much you pay out for your healthcare. While it may not seem like a big deal initially, one minor mistake can lead to disastrous consequences.

Outdated Address or Phone Number

If you have recently moved home or changed your number, it’s crucial that you get this corrected straight away. If you don’t take immediate action, this can lead to the wrong information being copied in your future medical records. If a healthcare provider needs to get in touch with you urgently, they won’t be able to do so if you haven’t given up to date information, so no matter what has changed in your life, your first port of call should be to let your doctor know.

Inaccurate Information

If there are any inaccuracies about your symptoms, treatment, or diagnosis, they need to be corrected immediately. For instance, if your medical records state that you have a temporal tumor instead of a testicular tumor, these two diagnoses are completely different, meaning they need to be corrected to ensure you’re getting the right treatment.

Amending Your Medical Records

If there are any errors on your medical record, it’s important that you get it nipped in the bud as soon as possible. To retrieve your medical records, there are various websites that you can use such as American Retrieval who specialize in document retrieval. The teamwork alongside small and large law firms to provide evidence for personal injury cases, insurance defense, as well as medical malpractice. If you have been a victim of medical malpractice, for example, it’s important that you get your medical records as quickly as possible and look for any errors which could cause problems with your case.

While your medical record may be complicated to read at first, you will begin to learn the most important features. If you have any worries or concerns, it’s important that you contact your doctor’s office who will in most cases provide a speedy correction. Minor errors can have big consequences on your healthcare, so it’s important to read through your medical record to ensure everything is correct.