American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practice Exam

What is required to be provided to a patient or their representative following the completion of a signed form?

1. A copy of the completed signed form

2. The original signed form

3. A verbal explanation of the form

4. Documentation of the services provided

The correct answer is: A copy of the completed signed form

The requirement to provide a copy of the completed signed form to a patient or their representative follows the principles of transparency and patient rights in healthcare documentation. Patients have the right to access their own health information, which includes any forms they have signed. Providing a copy ensures that they are fully informed about what they have consented to, retaining their autonomy and the ability to reference the document if needed. This practice helps to prevent misunderstandings and confirms the patient's awareness of the terms and conditions outlined in the signed form. It also allows for better communication between patients and healthcare providers, aligning with ethical standards in medical practice. In contrast, other options do not fully uphold these principles. Providing the original signed form would not allow the patient to retain a personal copy for their records. A verbal explanation might not cover all the details captured in the signed document, potentially leading to confusion. Lastly, documentation of the services provided, while important for medical records, does not address the requirement pertaining specifically to the signed form.