What is a Health Record?

A Health Record is a paper or computer-based software that is used to collect, store and update information about the services provided to the patient in a single healthcare setting. Depending on the healthcare facility, it can also be called:

• patient record
• medical record
• resident record
• client record

The primary use of the Health Record is to deliver and manage patient care. The Health Record is used as a communication tool between a patient's doctors, nurses and other members of their healthcare team. The Health Record also keeps track of all the services provided so that it can be sent to the patient's insurance company for payment of services.

The secondary use of the Health Record is for research, education and areas outside of the health facility like law and public health. For example, if there is an outbreak and the patient has contracted the illness, it can be used for public health to educate and help spread awareness. Other professionals can used medical records such as:

• Employers - ex: If a patient has a medical issues for employment
• Lawyers - ex: If a plaintiff or defendant has an underlying issues 
• Researchers - ex: For case studies
• Government Facility - ex: For making policy