What should a Medical Administrative Assistant do if they notice an error in a patient's medical record?

When a Medical Administrative Assistant notices an error in a patient's medical record, reporting the error and following the office’s procedures is critically important. This ensures that the integrity and accuracy of patient records are maintained, which is essential in the healthcare setting. Accurate medical records are necessary for effective patient care, billing, and legal compliance.

Following the proper procedures often involves notifying a supervisor or the healthcare provider responsible for the patient’s care, who can then assess and authorize the correction based on established protocols. This approach protects patient privacy and complies with regulations like HIPAA, which govern how health information is managed.

Making corrections on one's own without following procedures could lead to further errors and compromise the record's integrity. Similarly, ignoring an error, regardless of how minor it seems, could potentially affect patient safety and care. Contacting the patient immediately may not be appropriate, as the healthcare team needs to assess the situation and determine the correct course of action before involving the patient.