subject: Electronic Health Records (EHRs) Overview and Solution Search Tips [print this page] Electronic Health Records (EHRs) Overview and Solution Search Tips
An electronic health record (EHR), also known as an electronic medical record (EMR) or an electronic patient record (EPR), is an electronic version of a patient's medical history. This overview will provide information about the importance of EHRs, with regard to the nation's healthcare and to physicians' practices, and will also provide tips on how to choose EHR software for your medical business.
EHR Overview
EHRs were incorporated into the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, or the "Stimulus Plan," which was created in an effort to protect and improve affordable healthcare.
The EHR section of the ARRA is referred to as the HITECH Act (or the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act), and defines "meaningful use" of health information technology as meeting certain compliance requirements.
In July 2010, Medicare and Medicaid issued a monetary stimulus incentive for medical professionals for the meaningful use of Electronic Health Records. This motivation for correct usage of EHR technology stems from a belief that electronic health records will not onlyhelp eliminate waste to help offset the high cost of healthcare but also will improve the quality of healthcare overall by:Reducing medical errors by increasing accuracy and clarity.Reducing duplication of tests.Reducing delays in treatment.Improving the tracking of prescription drug misuse and abandonment as well as the reporting of prescription side effects with electronic prescribing. Hence, in addition to incentives, penalties will be handed down to any medical facility not making use of electronic medical records by the year 2015.How to Choose an EHR Solution Of course, all this leaves many medical professionals at a loss about which electronic health records software program to choose. So, here are some tips as you research EHR solutions for your physician practice or other medicalservice company:Remember that your EHR program must meet meaningful use compliance requirements.Write down your own EHR needs, such ePrescribing, lab and other HL7 interfaces, and drug-to-drug interaction alerts.Request information and/or try a free demonstration to see if the program will fit your particular needs.Measure up the best electronic health record software and determine the most affordable with a great reputation (check for BBB-accreditation, testimonials, awards, etc.)Start research for EHR solutions today. Clearly EHR provides a means for reducing avoidable healthcare costs, improving your office's efficiency, and enhancing the quality of care.http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/electronic-health-records-ehrs-overview-and-solution-search-tips-3898205.html
