EMRIS

Electronic Medical Records Implementation Services

Transition of Care Summary

Improve Care Coordination
Electronic Exchange of Clinical Information
Medication Reconciliation
Transition of Care Summary

Objective:

The eligible professional who transitions their patient to another setting of care or provider of care or refers their patient to another provider of care should provide summary care record for each transition of care or referral.
 
Measure:

The eligible professional who transitions or refers their patient to another setting of care or provider of care provides a summary of care record for more than 50 percent of transitions of care and referrals.

Clinical Importance

A transition of care summary, also known as a discharge summary in some circumstances, provides essential clinical information for the receiving care team and helps organize final clinical and administrative activities for the transferring care team. This summary helps ensure the coordination and continuity of health care as patients transfer between different locations or different levels of care within the same location. This document improves transitions and discharges, communication among providers, and cross-setting relationships which can improve care quality and safety.