Certified Healthcare Technology Specialist (CHTS) Process Workflow & Information Management Redesign Practice Exam

How does effective care coordination benefit patient health?

1. By speeding up treatment

2. By reducing costs

3. By ensuring continuity of care

4. By increasing hospital admissions

The correct answer is: By ensuring continuity of care

Effective care coordination significantly contributes to patient health by ensuring continuity of care. Continuity of care refers to the seamless and consistent provision of healthcare services to patients, where multiple providers and different care settings communicate and collaborate effectively. This process is vital as it helps prevent gaps in treatment, reduces the likelihood of medications being missed or prescribed incorrectly, and enhances the overall patient experience. When care is well-coordinated, patients are more likely to receive timely follow-ups, necessary screenings, and appropriate referrals to specialists. This holistic approach means that all members of the healthcare team are informed about the patient's history and current treatment plan, enabling them to make well-informed decisions that promote better health outcomes. Continuity also fosters a trusting relationship between patients and providers, encouraging patients to engage more collaboratively in their care, adhere to treatment plans, and participate in preventive measures. In contrast, while speeding up treatment and reducing costs can be beneficial outcomes associated with effective care coordination, these elements primarily stem from a foundation of continuity. Increasing hospital admissions, on the other hand, typically does not relate to effective care coordination, as the goal is to keep patients healthier and out of the hospital whenever possible through proper management of their health needs.