Certified Healthcare Technology Specialist (CHTS) Process Workflow & Information Management Redesign Practice Exam

What functionality does Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) provide?

1. Monitoring patient health records

2. Facilitating the entry of orders for tests or medications

3. Managing electronic health records

4. Establishing patient privacy guidelines

The correct answer is: Facilitating the entry of orders for tests or medications

Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) is designed specifically to enhance the ordering process within healthcare settings. The primary function of CPOE is to allow healthcare providers to electronically enter orders for various services, including diagnostic tests, treatments, and medications directly into a system. This reduces reliance on handwritten notes and faxes, which can be prone to errors, misinterpretation, or delays in communication. By facilitating the entry of orders for tests or medications, CPOE streamlines the ordering process, improves accuracy, and enhances overall patient safety. The system often includes built-in clinical decision support tools that alert providers to potential drug interactions, allergies, and other important patient information at the point of order entry, thus minimizing the risk of adverse events. While monitoring patient health records, managing electronic health records, and establishing patient privacy guidelines are important functions in healthcare technology, they are not the primary purpose of CPOE. CPOE specifically targets the ordering process, making it easier and safer for healthcare providers to manage orders efficiently.