How is "medical records" defined in healthcare?

The term "medical records" in healthcare is defined as a comprehensive collection of a patient's health history and the treatment they have received. This includes detailed documentation from various healthcare providers that encapsulates clinical notes, diagnoses, treatment plans, medications prescribed, lab results, and progress notes. These records are pivotal not only for ongoing patient care but also for legal and financial aspects of healthcare.

Option B accurately reflects this understanding, emphasizing the importance of thorough documentation that supports both clinical decision-making and continuity of care. Medical records serve as a vital tool for healthcare providers to track progress, ensure that treatments are effective, and coordinate care among different specialists. This broad definition encompasses a patient's entire healthcare journey, making it integral to both patient safety and quality of care. Other options do not capture the essential elements of a medical record, instead focusing on more specialized or limited aspects of patient information.