American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Certification Practice Exam

What term describes a health record that is incomplete and not rectified within the specified timeframe?

1. Suspended record

2. Delinquent record

3. Pending record

4. Illegal record

The correct answer is: Delinquent record

A health record that is incomplete and not rectified within the specified timeframe is referred to as a delinquent record. This term is specifically used in health information management to indicate that there are outstanding deficiencies that must be addressed in order for the record to be considered complete and compliant with regulatory standards. A delinquent record typically arises when the healthcare provider fails to complete documentation or make necessary corrections within the required timeframe, thereby jeopardizing the integrity of the health record and potentially impacting patient care and legal compliance. The other terms may have distinct meanings within the context of health records. For example, a suspended record implies that the record is temporarily halted from being processed due to certain issues that need resolution, but not necessarily related to timeframes. A pending record denotes that certain elements are awaited, which does not imply incompleteness due to non-compliance. Meanwhile, an illegal record suggests a record that may contain unauthorized entries or violate regulations, which is unrelated to the aspects of completion and timeliness that characterize a delinquent record. Understanding these distinctions is vital for managing health records effectively and ensuring adherence to health information standards.