Medical records have many purposes.

First, in decision analysis, the record review process helps the administration and strategic planners gain valuable insight into patient needs and develop effective strategies to address those needs.

Second, in education, patient records can be a valuable source of information for healthcare professionals and students to learn about disease conditions, diagnostic investigations, treatment modalities, and patients' responses to treatment.

Third, patient records are legal documents that can be used as evidence in court proceedings. They are crucial in accusing or clearing health practitioners of improper care.

Fourth, a health record is critical for requesting reimbursement from insurance companies, as it documents the services provided and their associated costs.

Next, the patient's record is a historical document because the patient's medical history can be accessed years later with an accurate date stamp accompanying each entry.

Finally, health records can be used for research, helping identify trends and patterns in illness and disease and informing the development of new treatments and interventions.