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

What does a Continuity of Care Document (CCD) primarily serve as?

1. An insurance billing document

2. A summary document for information exchange

3. A record for clinical trials

4. An emergency contact list

The correct answer is: A summary document for information exchange

The Continuity of Care Document (CCD) serves primarily as a summary document for information exchange. It is designed to facilitate the transfer of patient health information across different healthcare settings, ensuring that providers have access to crucial patient data. This includes information such as medical history, medication lists, allergies, and various clinical notes, which helps maintain continuity of care as patients move between providers or facilities. The CCD plays an essential role in improving communication among healthcare professionals, minimizing the risk of errors due to incomplete or missing information. This document supports a better-informed care process and enhances patient safety by providing a comprehensive view of the patient's health status. The other options, while relevant in a healthcare context, do not accurately describe the primary purpose of a CCD. Insurance billing documents focus on financial transactions rather than information exchange about patient care. Records for clinical trials pertain to research settings and monitoring patient outcomes during studies, and an emergency contact list is more about immediate response than comprehensive health information transfer.