When correcting an incorrect entry in the electronic health record (EHR), what links the original document to the addendum?

The correct answer, which focuses on how to connect the original document in an electronic health record (EHR) to the subsequent corrections made, is the addendum being linked via a computer code. Each entry in an EHR is typically assigned a unique identifier or code that allows for tracking and management of that specific document. When an addendum is made to correct or add information to an original entry, this identifying code connects both records, ensuring that the continuity and integrity of patient information are maintained.

The importance of linking original documents and their addenda is paramount in the context of healthcare law and ethics, as it helps protect the continuity of care and enforce accountability. The original entry and the addendum must be clearly linked so that anyone reviewing the record understands the context and evolution of the patient’s information.

In contrast, while an electronic signature verifies the identity of the person making the changes, it does not directly link documents. An access log records who accessed the EHR but does not connect the original entry to its corrections. A document control number may be applicable in some systems, but it is not as commonly utilized for linking original documents to corrections in EHR systems as the distinct computer codes typically are. This makes the identification and tracking of medical records more