How to Review Inpatient Medical Records

A comprehensive guide to chart review elements for discharge and concurrent account coding

Patient Demographics & Timeline

Patient Information

Verify gender (Male, Female, Newborn) and age category (Adult, Child, Newborn) for accurate coding classification

Critical Dates

Document ED date, Observation date, Admission date, and Discharge date to establish complete patient timeline

Coding Type

Identify whether performing concurrent coding during stay or discharge coding for all accounts

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Admission & Emergency Documentation

Admission Order Review

Begin with the Admission Order folder, which contains the initial documentation authorizing the patient's hospital stay and treatment plan.

  • Verify admission orders are complete
  • Check physician signatures
  • Confirm date and time stamps

ED Documentation

Review emergency department records for symptoms, conditions, and procedures performed such as:

  • Laceration repair
  • Intubation procedures
  • PICC line placement
  • TPA administration
  • BIPAP treatment
  • MDM (Medical Decision Making) notes

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History & Physical Examination

01

HPI - History of Present Illness

Document the patient's current condition and symptoms leading to admission

02

PMH - Past Medical History

Review previous medical conditions and chronic diseases

03

ROS - Review of Systems

Systematic review of body systems for symptoms

04

PSH - Past Surgical History

Document previous surgical procedures and outcomes

05

Social & Family History

Review SH (Social History) and family medical background

06

Physical Examination

Complete GE (General Examination) and PE (Physical Examination) findings

Additionally, review home medications, allergies, vital signs, and assessment plan for comprehensive patient evaluation.

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Clinical Notes & Progress Documentation

1

Consultation Notes

Review specialist consultation documentation including assessment plans and any bedside procedures performed during consultation

2

Progress Notes

Daily progress notes documenting patient status, assessment plans, and bedside procedures throughout hospital stay

3

Scanned Notes

Review any written documentation that has been scanned into the electronic medical record system

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Surgical & Procedural Reports

Operative Reports

When present, operative reports provide detailed documentation of surgical procedures performed during the hospital stay. These reports are critical for accurate procedural coding.

Anesthesia Reports

Review anesthesia documentation for type of anesthesia administered, duration, and any complications during surgical procedures.

Key Elements

  • Pre-operative diagnosis
  • Post-operative diagnosis
  • Procedure performed
  • Surgeon details
  • Anesthesia type
  • Complications

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Laboratory & Diagnostic Reports

Lab Reports

Review COVID test reports and other laboratory results essential for diagnosis confirmation

Radiology Reports

Review imaging studies including X-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound, catheterization, lumbar puncture, and thrombectomy procedures

Pathology Reports

When present, pathology reports provide tissue analysis and biopsy results for accurate diagnosis coding

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Treatment & Medication Records

Medication Summary

Complete review of all medications administered during hospital stay, including dosages, frequencies, and routes of administration

Dialysis Records

Document dialysis treatments performed, including type, duration, and patient response to treatment

Transfusion Records

Review blood product transfusions, including type of product, volume, and any transfusion reactions

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Nursing & Case Management

Nurse Records

Nursing documentation provides continuous monitoring of patient status, vital signs, interventions, and response to treatment throughout the hospital stay.

Case Management

Review case management notes for discharge disposition planning, including post-acute care arrangements, home health services, and follow-up appointments.

  • Discharge planning coordination
  • Post-acute care needs
  • Patient education documentation
  • Follow-up arrangements

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Discharge Summary Review

Hospital Course

Complete narrative of patient's hospital stay, treatments provided, and clinical progression

Final Diagnosis

Principal and secondary diagnoses established at discharge for accurate coding

Discharge Plan

Post-discharge instructions, medications, and follow-up care requirements