Which type of data should always be validated before filing?

Validating device data before filing is essential due to the reliance on electronic sources for accurate and timely patient information. Device data often includes measurements from medical devices, such as heart rate monitors, blood pressure cuffs, and other monitoring equipment. These devices can sometimes produce erroneous readings due to technical errors, calibration issues, or user mistakes. Consequently, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of this data is critical for making well-informed clinical decisions and ensuring patient safety.

By validating device data, healthcare professionals can confirm that the readings are reliable before they are recorded in the patient’s medical record. This validation process helps prevent possible misinterpretations that could arise from faulty data, which ultimately protects against incorrect diagnoses or inadequate treatment plans. This principle applies generally across all types of clinical data; however, device data stands out because it is often more prone to discrepancies without direct human observation compared to the other options.