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Self Instructional Manual for Cancer Registrars - SEER - National ...

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SECTION<br />

B<br />

THE COMPOSITION AND ORGANIZATION OF A MEDICAL RECORD<br />

A medical record may be quite simple, containing only a few pages; or it may be extremely complex<br />

containing a variety of reports, many of which will be handwritten. It is imperative that you master medical<br />

terminology to the best of your ability not only because of the unfamiliar terms you will encounter, but<br />

because of the difficulty in deciphering physicians' handwriting. If you know your root words and how to use<br />

your medical dictionary, you can generally decipher most medical terms. You may also refer to other portions<br />

of the medical record <strong>for</strong> clues as to what the incomprehensible term might be. Request assistance from your<br />

medical consultant if necessary. In any case, familiarize yourself with the diagnostic procedures used in your<br />

hospital so that you are aware when in<strong>for</strong>mation is missing or when a record is incomplete. Medical records<br />

have certain characteristics in common. It is these fundamental characteristics which you will study in this<br />

block of instruction.<br />

COMPOSITION OF A MEDICAL RECORD<br />

The following is a list of specific types of in<strong>for</strong>mation contained in most medical records. The<br />

in<strong>for</strong>mation will not necessarily appear in this order.<br />

Patient<br />

Referral<br />

Identification<br />

In<strong>for</strong>mation<br />

Biographical<br />

In<strong>for</strong>mation<br />

Medical<br />

History<br />

Chief Complaint (CC) (date of onset and description of symptoms)<br />

Review of Systems (R.O.S.)<br />

Personal Medical History (to include medically-related social history, <strong>for</strong> example, drinking,<br />

drug habits, smoking and exposure to other carcinogens)<br />

Family Medical History (especially history of cancer in the family)<br />

7

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