Discharge Summary
/ˈdɪstʃɑːrdʒ ˈsʌməri/
Definitions
- (n.) A medical-legal document summarizing a patient's hospital stay, treatment, condition at discharge, and follow-up instructions; often used in legal and insurance contexts.
The discharge summary was submitted as evidence to clarify the patient's treatment during hospitalization.
Forms
- discharge summary
- discharge summaries
Related terms
See also
Commentary
In legal contexts, the discharge summary serves as a critical document for claims, liability issues, and continuity of care; its accuracy and completeness are essential for legal scrutiny.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.