What is an electronic health record (EHR) audit?

What is an electronic health record (EHR) audit?

• A. A financial audit of hospital billing.
• B. A security scan of network infrastructure.
• C. A review of documentation within the EHR to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
• D. A patient satisfaction survey.

Answer: (C)

An EHR audit is a review of the content and use of the electronic health record to verify accuracy, completeness, and adherence to policies and regulations. It looks at whether clinical notes reflect what actually happened, whether key sections are complete (such as diagnoses, medications, allergies, problem lists, orders, and sign-offs), and whether entries are timely and properly documented. It also checks that the documentation supports appropriate coding and billing, and that privacy, security, and professional standards are followed in how the record is accessed and updated. The goal is to identify gaps, errors, or noncompliance to improve patient safety, care quality, and regulatory adherence.

Other options describe different activities: a financial audit focuses on billing and financial practices, a security scan examines network protections rather than patient records, and a patient satisfaction survey measures experiences rather than the integrity of the EHR documentation.