To ensure the completeness of the health record according to Joint Commission standards, what should the HIM director do?

The selection of reviewing each patient's health record concurrently is aligned with the Joint Commission's emphasis on ensuring comprehensive documentation and quality of care. Concurrent review involves evaluating health records during the patient’s hospital stay or care episode. This approach allows for immediate identification of missing information, discrepancies, or areas requiring further documentation, facilitating real-time corrections and ensuring that the health record reflects complete and accurate patient data.

This method is proactive and supports the ongoing quality improvement process. By engaging in concurrent review, the HIM director helps guarantee compliance with regulatory standards, enhances patient safety, and aids in fulfilling the standards set by the Joint Commission. It provides an effective way to maintain oversight of record-keeping practices throughout the entire care continuum rather than waiting until after discharge or relying solely on retrospective audits.