What is a patient ledger?

A patient ledger is primarily concerned with providing a summary of healthcare services rendered to a patient along with any payments that have been received for those services. It serves as a comprehensive account of the financial transactions for a patient and typically includes details such as dates of service, types of services provided, amounts charged, and any payments applied. This means it gives a clear picture of what has been performed in terms of care and how much has been paid towards those services, making it an essential component for both patients and healthcare providers in managing billing and account status.

The other options do not capture the full purpose of a patient ledger. While a record detailing charges and amounts owed focuses more on the financial aspect, it does not encompass the complete picture of services rendered. A document listing prescribed medications pertains to a patient’s treatment plan rather than financial information, and a ledger containing appointment histories is more about scheduling and tracking visits than it is about financial accountability. Thus, the summary nature of option B effectively embodies the essential elements of a patient ledger.