subject: Benefits of Electronic Medical Records [print this page] Benefits of Electronic Medical Records Benefits of Electronic Medical Records
In a world where just about everything seems to be on the internet, it's not terribly surprising that medical records are migrating to the electronic realm. The only thing that's surprising about it, really, is that it's still in the process of migrating. Granted, most people approach change like a curious caveman with a prodding stick, but it's hard to ignore the obvious advantages of electronic medical records (EMRs). For some, the hesitation to migrate is a monetary issue. But, for others, the hesitation is because practices feel they can operate just fine without them. It's kind of like grandma not wanting to get a cell phone because her house phone seems to work just fine. Well, while there isn't a whole lot I can do about those in a monetary bind, I can express some persuading benefits of EMR software.
The obvious advantages are, well, obvious. Finding the storage space for years upon years of paper medical records can be a task in its own. An EMR system confines storage to a few work stations around the office. Also, since the records are more confined, it makes access to a patient's record easily accessible.
So, those are the obvious. What about the not so obvious?
Easy Additions
Even with paper medical records, notes are always being added. But, that requires physically getting the record and physically writing itand let's be honest, doctors don't have the best handwriting. Certain systems allow doctors to utilize mobile devices to quickly drop a note in a patient's file. Now, the notes are legible, and it requires less effort on the doctor's part. Additionally, instructions for medication can easily be added to a patient's file, so medical errors are greatly reduced.
Caters to You
We love to personalize things, don't we? Well, EMR systems provide some personal options for its users. Since we all tend to take to technology differently, the most useful option is how you want to input data. This allows you to work with the new system in the way that is most comfortable to you. Users have the options of templates, speech recognition, transcription, digital pen, dictation, and web-based patient data entry.
Web Access
As much as we may hope and pray, doctors aren't perfect. But, with an EMR system with internet integration, doctors have a world of information at their fingertips. A patient's record can be analyzed with information found on the web. This can protect patients against dangerous combinations of medicine as well as keep a patient's record up to date with the rapidly advancing world of medicine.
Mobility
This benefits the patient more than anyone. Traveling from country to country has never been easier. But, unfortunately you can still get sick in a foreign country, and that can be a problem. However, with electronic health record software, your medical information can be readily accessed around the world.
