What is the primary purpose of a medical record?

The primary purpose of a medical record is to ensure continuity and quality of care through a comprehensive patient medical history. Medical records serve as a vital tool for healthcare providers to understand a patient's medical background, treatments, medications, allergies, and other critical information that can affect their current and future care. This comprehensive documentation allows healthcare professionals to make informed decisions, coordinate care among different providers, and maintain a clear communication record regarding the patient’s health status.

In addition to promoting patient safety and the effectiveness of treatments, medical records are also crucial for legal purposes in the event of disputes or inquiries into the care provided. While billing and financial tracking are aspects that medical records might support, those functions are secondary to the essential goal of ensuring that patients receive coherent and high-quality healthcare throughout their treatment journey.