What type of information should not be scanned with referral documentation?

Referral documentation is essential for ensuring that a patient's care is effectively coordinated among different healthcare providers. When considering what should not be scanned as part of this documentation, it's important to focus on the nature of the information being processed.

Medical records contain a comprehensive and detailed history of a patient's medical information, which may include sensitive data such as diagnoses, clinical notes, treatment histories, and other personal health information. Because medical records are typically kept in a secure electronic health record (EHR) system, scanning them as part of referral documentation can lead to duplication, potential breaches of confidentiality, and disorganization. This type of information is better managed within the existing systems designed to keep medical histories intact and secured.

On the other hand, insurance cards, patient identification forms, and referral authorization letters are typically documents that serve a more transactional purpose in the referral process. These documents are often required for billing, verifying identities, and obtaining necessary approvals for referrals and are thus appropriate for scanning.