subject: How Electronic Medical Records Work [print this page] How Electronic Medical Records Work How Electronic Medical Records Work
You're probably thinking of purchasing an electronic medical record system for your clinic, but the system confuses you. What exactly is an electronic medical record? This system has been prevalent in the country for quite some time now. Many medical experts believe that this technological innovation brings a slow yet gradual change in the ways of many medical practices.
But because it is a birth of technology, many medical practitioners who have been used to the traditional paper and filing', are quite confused as to how these digital records work. If you're one of them, you have to understand how electronic medical records can create, store, access, and secure vital information of your patients in order to utilize the system to its full potential.
Electronic medical record systems contain information about a patient's visits. This system implements its own data formats wherein assistants will fill the required fields. During the first appointment, health assistants will require patients to provide personal and medical information that will be stored in a digital database. The entire appointment will be recorded, including the doctor's notes, ailments, laboratory results and findings, images, and prescribed medicines.
Software vendors use data banks to store a patient's electronic medical records. The good thing about these data banks is that they provide easy access through a compatible computer. They are also durable and are not easily destroyed, unlike papers and file cabs that can be destroyed by insects, rust, and floods.
Accessing electronic medical records is easy. This can be done through computers, tablet PCs, and internet-based smart phones. Electronic medical records are also shared by many health professionals all over the world over a network. This makes treating patients easier and faster. Electronic medical records can be downloaded within a few clicks, which is very helpful for patients seeking immediate attention. Patients do not have to worry about mistaken identities as they will be assigned an individual and unique code for identification protocols.
Although electronic medical record system has been a very helpful tool for many doctors and patients, there are still issues about its security and privacy. Many patients are concerned about the confidentiality of their health, which makes them hesitant in using such system. To solve this issue, software vendors have provided encryptions and security firewalls to provide patients with peace of mind.
