CPB Certified Professional Biller Certification Practice Exam

What is the primary purpose of an Electronic Health Record (EHR)?

1. To provide patient demographic information

2. To maintain patient payment records

3. To store a patient's medical history electronically

4. To issue insurance claims data

The correct answer is: To store a patient's medical history electronically

The primary purpose of an Electronic Health Record (EHR) is to store a patient's medical history electronically. This includes vital information such as medical history, medications, allergies, lab results, and treatment plans. EHRs are designed to provide a comprehensive digital view of a patient’s health, allowing healthcare providers to make informed decisions based on up-to-date and accurate information. While patient demographic information, payment records, and insurance claims data are important components of healthcare administration, they do not encapsulate the fundamental objective of an EHR. EHRs focus specifically on the clinical aspects of a patient's care, enhancing the continuity of care, improving patient outcomes, and facilitating better clinical decisions through easy access to complete medical records. This ensures that healthcare providers have all pertinent information at their fingertips to deliver efficient and effective care.