Friday, 30 March 2012

The New Technology With EMR

By Belle Florentine


Patient information stored on paper records takes a large amount of storage space in contrast to digital records. Most states require that these records be held not less than seven years. Electronic medical records (EMRs) have become very popular in hospitals and doctors' offices. This type of health information system makes storage and retrieval of records much easier than physically sifting through hundreds of boxes hunting for a particular file.

Many doctors are slow to adopt this new technology due to financial concerns. Physicians, particularly those with small private practices, aren't financially motivated to invest in converting to computerized records. However, experts are convinced that the changeover results in improved care, fewer errors and reduced costs.

Each time a patient's records are moved from paper and physical file cabinets to computers, it is very efficient for both the patient and the doctor. First of all, computers have huge storage capabilities so there's no need for rows of file cabinets or storage boxes. Electronic medical records, like lytec, allow for quick access to our health records when they're needed with no worries about something that has been misfiled.

Typically you have to fill out medical history forms for every doctor that you see. But digital records are often shared so you don't have to fill in the same forms for each specialist or other physician that you might visit. Quick access to your health conditions, blood type, current medications, allergies and other information might be lifesaving if there is an emergency.

There are lots of advantages to employing an electronic health records (ehr) system. The initial investment may be a bit expensive, but with time greater savings are seen by the doctors, patients and insurance companies. There's a significant decrease in paper used by the medical office which helps save trees, water, energy and landfill space.

Many times a health care team cares for a particular patient with complicated health issues. With an EMR system everyone on the medical can stay informed of actions and recommendations from other team members. This avoids duplicate testing which could be costly and multiple prescriptions which could be dangerous when taken together.

Electronic medical records lets a doctor have instant access to a patient's information. There is a waiting period when vital lab test results needs to be faxed, emailed or even sent by courier. Each time a doctor can see the results immediately he can act right away to properly treat his patient. This is of utmost importance in a medical emergency if the patient may be struggling to respond.

Whenever a new prescription turns up on a patient's digital record, the system can alert the doctor if it might cause a hypersensitive reaction or interact negatively with other medicines the individual takes. This prevents medical errors and adverse drug reactions that could require hospitalization. The system also tells the physician when there is a less expensive generic type of the drug available that is good for the individual.




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