Which term describes a patient who has been examined and diagnosed with a treatment plan?

• A. Patient of Record
• B. New Patient
• C. Outpatient
• D. Emergency Patient

Answer: (A)

After a patient is examined and a diagnosis with a treatment plan is made, they have an established relationship with the care provider and their medical history is kept on file for ongoing follow-up. This is described as a patient of record. It shows they are part of the practice’s ongoing care, not just a one-time or new visit. It differs from a new patient, who hasn’t yet been integrated into the clinic’s records. An outpatient describes the care setting (coming in for treatment without staying overnight) rather than the patient’s ongoing relationship with the provider. An emergency patient refers to someone who presents in urgent need of care, again about the context of the visit rather than long-term care status. Therefore, the term that best fits is patient of record.