Canadian Health Information Management Association Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The attending physician is responsible for writing and signing discharge summaries and discharge instructions. This responsibility typically falls on the physician who oversaw the patient's care during their hospital stay. The discharge summary is a critical document that provides a comprehensive overview of the patient's condition, the treatments received, and follow-up care recommendations. It serves not only to inform the patient about their progress and next steps but also to communicate relevant information to any healthcare providers involved in the patient's post-hospital care.

While the admitting nurse, head nurse, and primary physician have important roles in patient care and documentation, it is the attending physician's responsibility to ensure that the medical aspects of the discharge are accurately reflected in the summary and that proper instructions are provided for the patient’s continued care. The attending physician's training and qualifications enable them to make the necessary medical assessments needed to complete these vital documents correctly.