A 'care gap' is defined as?

• A. A missing or delayed element of care
• B. An unnecessary duplication of tests
• C. A completed care plan
• D. A patient complaint that cannot be addressed

Answer: (D)

A care gap is an instance where a recommended element of care is missing or not provided when it should be, or is delayed beyond when it’s needed. This concept focuses on opportunities to improve quality and outcomes by identifying where essential tests, treatments, follow-ups, or preventive services were due but未 delivered. For example, if a patient is due a routine screening but isn’t offered it, or a follow-up appointment after an abnormal result is delayed, that creates a care gap. It’s not about duplicating tests, which is wasteful, nor about a completed care plan, nor about a patient complaint—those describe different issues.