Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) Practice Exam

What is the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) standard used for?

1. Insurance claim processing

2. Transferring information between imaging systems

3. Storing patient medical history

4. Networking between clinics

The correct answer is: Transferring information between imaging systems

The Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) standard is primarily used for transferring information between imaging systems. This standard facilitates the sharing and storing of medical images and associated data across different devices and systems from various manufacturers. By ensuring compatibility between diverse imaging modalities (such as MRI, CT, and ultrasound) and health information systems, DICOM enables seamless communication and integration of medical imaging into electronic health records, enhancing the workflow and efficiency in healthcare settings. The focus of DICOM is specifically on imaging data rather than on processes such as insurance claims or the storage of patient medical history. While networking between clinics might involve sharing images, DICOM is specifically designed for the medical imaging domain, making it essential for the exchange of detailed imaging information rather than broader clinical information or administrative processes.