Maybe you noticed something a little different the last time you visited the doctor. Was there a computer in the room? Did you get a message after you left letting you know your records were electronically filed?
Lately, many doctors are shifting towards electronic health records and these are providing a better relationship between patient and doctor, which in turn means better health care.
Benefits of Electronic Medical Records
Electronic Medical Records (EMR) can provide better health care by being accessible to the doctor at all times.
For instance, a doctor can come in the room and pull up all the patients’ records and history on the computer. Everything is there in front of him, including drug allergies, past histories, past symptoms and problems.
Another benefit of EMR is that electronic records (properly backed up) can’t be lost or destroyed. If there is a fire or water damage, records are still safe.
Doctors can also reference your records when they aren’t in the office, like after hours, which can be helpful if a patient needs something in the middle of the night.
EMRs can be shared with the patient as well. Many doctors now are encouraging patients to create electronic portals to view assessments, diagnosis and follow up after a visit. This keeps communication clear and confusion at a minimum.
With EMR’s, multiple people can work on them at once, so things can be done more efficiently. This helps get patients get taken care of better and faster. There’s not paper shuffling and handing off records from one person to another.
Another benefit is EMRs are easier to share than paper records. If you need to get your own or your child’s records to another doctor, records can be sent electronically rather than paying for and delivering a copy. It’s just another facet of convenience.
There is also less chance for mistakes with EMR. Files will be less apt to be lost, confused or mixed up. Allergies can be clearly marked. Mistakes can cost lives in the medical world, and electronic records can help prevent them.
Transfer from Paper to EMR
When doctors switch from paper records to EMR, there will be some transition time. At some point, though, doctors will be able to get rid of paper records, which means no more fat files in space-stealing filing cabinets. Services like document scanning Minneapolis can help streamline this transition by converting paper files into digital formats, ensuring a smoother shift to electronic records and freeing up valuable office space.
In the meantime there will be training within the office and a search for finding the right EMR service.
As the article, “Finding the right EMR for pediatrics” looks at, doctors will take some research and investigation, but it’s all part of the transition.
When it comes to medical issues, the easier something is the better.
If transferring records to a specialist is a little easier or faster, it makes the whole process more bearable. If appointments can be more thorough and follow up clearer, medical care can be better. With EMR, this is possible.
Doctors can have information at their fingertips, and everything from updating records to prescribing medicine and requesting follow up care can be easier and more convenient.
It’s a win-win for doctors and patients alike.
About the Author: Heather Legg is an independent writer who covers topics related to social media, small business and health and well-being.
