Canadian Health Information Management Association Practice Exam

What chart-processing activity is eliminated by using an EDMS with scanned images of barcoded forms?

1. assembly.

2. chart preparation.

3. quality review.

4. scanning.

The correct answer is: assembly.

Using an Electronic Document Management System (EDMS) with scanned images of barcoded forms primarily eliminates the necessity for assembly in the chart-processing activity. Traditionally, chart assembly involves organizing various documents into a patient's chart in the correct order, which can be a time-consuming task. By utilizing an EDMS, the documents are scanned, and barcodes allow for efficient identification and retrieval of these documents without needing to manually put them together in a physical format. With barcoded forms, each document can be easily scanned and automatically categorized, significantly streamlining the process. This not only enhances efficiency but also reduces the likelihood of human error that might occur during manual assembly. Although chart preparation, quality review, and scanning activities are also part of chart processing, they are not completely eliminated by the use of an EDMS. For instance, chart preparation may still require some degree of work to ensure all necessary documents are included before scanning. Quality reviews are essential to maintain accuracy and adherence to standards, and scanning is the initial step that allows digital processing to occur. Therefore, the primary benefit of an EDMS with barcode functionality is the elimination of assembly work, resulting in quicker access to patient records and improved workflow efficiency.