Final answer:
When Medicare audits a medical record that is illegible to at least two people, the record is typically returned to the provider for correction. Legibility ensures accurate and consistent documentation, which is necessary for Medicare compliance. Proper policies must find a balance between the sharing of health records and the safeguarding of patient privacy.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Medicare audits a medical record and the record can't be read by at least two people, the correct course of action would typically involve the medical record being returned to the provider for correction. Legibility is important for ensuring that care is consistent and accurate. Medicare requires documentation to be legible to not just the provider but also to others who may need to review the record. If Medicare encounters illegible records, it may question the validity of the records and potentially refuse reimbursement until they are corrected. Therefore, the option that states the medical record is 'returned to the provider for correction' aligns with good record-keeping practices and compliance with Medicare policies.
In considering the balance between health records privacy, quality of life, and cost, three questions that might come up when developing policies could include:
- How can electronic health records be protected to ensure patient privacy while still allowing for efficient sharing among health providers?
- What measures will be taken to mitigate any potential privacy breaches in electronic health record sharing?
- How will the rights of patients to their own medical information be maintained in the face of digital sharing efforts?