What is the purpose of medication reconciliation?

The purpose of medication reconciliation is to ensure the patient's medication list is accurate. This process involves reviewing and comparing a patient's medication orders to their current medications to identify discrepancies and prevent potential medication errors. An accurate medication list is crucial for safe and effective patient care, as it helps healthcare providers understand what medications a patient is currently taking, whether they are being taken correctly, and if there are any interactions or duplications that need to be addressed.

By focusing on the accuracy of the medication list, healthcare providers can make informed decisions regarding treatment plans and avoid complications that can arise from medication errors. This process is particularly important during transitions in care, such as when a patient is admitted to a hospital, discharged, or transferred between different healthcare settings.

The other options do not capture the core intent of medication reconciliation, which is fundamentally about accuracy and safety in managing a patient's medication regimen. Changing medications, providing additional options, or directly contacting a physician may happen as a result of identifying issues during reconciliation, but they are not the primary purpose of the process itself.