How should a report be treated after completion?

• A. Entered into the patient's EHR
• B. Filed in a secure cabinet
• C. Shared with patient via mail
• D. Stored only in department

Answer: (A)

After completion, the report should be entered into the patient's electronic health record. This makes it part of the official medical record and ensures it is readily accessible to all authorized members of the care team, supporting safe, coordinated care and proper legal documentation. The EHR provides a centralized, secure place with access controls and audit trails, which helps protect privacy and maintain the integrity of the record. Storing a report only in a department or filing it in a secure cabinet isolates it from other clinicians and can hinder continuity of care. Mailing a copy to the patient bypasses secure channels and can create privacy concerns and delays. Therefore, documenting the report in the patient’s EHR is the appropriate approach.