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Clinical Documentation

Meaning

Clinical documentation is the meticulous, contemporaneous record that captures a patient’s health status, the full spectrum of care provided, and the resulting progression of their condition within the healthcare system. This essential record includes the detailed history, findings from physical examinations, all diagnostic results, the comprehensive treatment plan, and every patient encounter note. High-quality documentation is a clinical imperative, ensuring the continuity of care, establishing medical necessity for treatments, and upholding legal and ethical standards in clinical practice.