What should be included in the documentation following a bone densitometry procedure?

• A. The patient's demographics and their treatment history
• B. The patient's demographics, the scan details, BMD results, and any relevant clinical information
• C. Only the scan details and BMD results
• D. Just the patient's demographics and clinical information

Answer: (B)

The inclusion of the patient's demographics, scan details, bone mineral density (BMD) results, and any relevant clinical information in the documentation following a bone densitometry procedure is essential for several reasons.

First, documenting the patient's demographics ensures proper identification and helps in continuity of care, especially for follow-up consultations or comparisons with future scans. Including the scan details, such as the type of scan performed, the date, and any specific measurements taken, provides context for the results and can assist healthcare providers in understanding changes over time.

The BMD results are critical for diagnosing conditions like osteoporosis and for determining the patient's fracture risk, which is a primary goal of the bone densitometry examination. Furthermore, adding any relevant clinical information, such as pre-existing conditions or medications that may affect bone density, enhances the interpretation of the results and aids in formulating a comprehensive treatment plan.

Overall, thoroughly documenting these elements creates a complete medical record that supports clinical decision-making, tracking of changes in bone health, and ensures adherence to medical and legal standards.