Electronic medical records have revolutionized health care practices and processes. Read on to learn how electronic medical records are changing and will continue to change the health care system.
Decreased Wait Times
Health care service wait times can be a few days to a few weeks. This is stressful and inconvenient for patients, who depend on health care providers to share vital information that may drastically change lives. For starters, health care providers can easily transfer patient data between different departments with the help of electronic medical records.
As a result, health care professionals can quickly access patient information and respond faster to patients who normally would have to wait days for a response.Electronic medical records will increase productivity and enhance the patient workflow. This means the health care organization will be able to increase the number of patients served every day.
Better Clinical Outcomes
Electronic medical records will increase the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of patient care. Quality in the health care industry is defined as something that is done the right way at the right time with the best possible results. When integrated with an electronic health system, electronic medical records will result in health care providers closely adhering to effective care practices and evidence-based clinical guidelines.
Sometimes, health care providers may not realize that certain guidelines apply to the patient’s situation, or they simply may not have enough time during the visit. However, an electronic system with accurate patient data means that the health care provider can make a timely and accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Health care organizations face ongoing issues, such as reducing preventable errors, decreasing care costs and improving communication among health care providers and facilities. Electronic medical records dramatically improve communication and record access without increasing costs. Electronic medical records document every aspect of the patient’s clinical and administrative history, including physician notes, pharmacy orders, lab results and radiology graphs
Electronic medical record systems are centralized sources of all relevant patient data that health care providers need in order to make clinical decision at the point of care. Consequently, electronic medical records reduce administrative labor and processing costs, as well as saving space and reducing paper waste.
Increased Patient Safety
Electronic medical records have drastically increased patient safety through increasing information and diagnosis accuracy. Bear in mind that paper records are more prone to handwritten errors, especially when the physician has poor handwriting. In addition to this, transcriptions services aren’t always accurate and may mistakenly interpret poorly written or confusing information.
Thus, having an online system eliminates errors and even the problem of misplaced patient files. This reduction of medical errors benefits both patients and doctors. Electronic medical records also increase privacy because software systems offer excellent information security. Therefore, electronic medical records will ensure compliance with HIPAA while also increasing the quality of patient care.
Increased Patient Participation
Electronic medical record systems from places like Health Data Archiver are often integrated with web-based insurance platforms that allow patients to easily access and control their own information. This is especially important for patients who have chronic health conditions, such as diabetes or asthma. Web-based patient portals that are connected with electronic medical records empower patients to maintain and manage their own information.
Through these portals, patients can log in to view their visit history, lab results and medication list. Some of these systems offer online e-prescribing functions that allow users to order medication through the pharmacy with only a few mouse clicks. As patients become more empowered to understand and control their health care information, they will be able to make better choices.
To review, electronic medical records will improve patient care and results through reducing errors and operational costs while also increasing patient safety and care quality.