subject: The Electronic Patient Record And The Evolution Of Medical Records Software [print this page] The Electronic Patient Record And The Evolution Of Medical Records Software
Similar to the healthcare industry, technology is unlikely to stand still anytime soon. Systems must carry on developing to meet the industry's changing requirements. While today's medical records software are outstanding for viewing and accessing information, healthcare organizations carry on pushing for more. Additionally, suppliers must keep developing greater intelligence within their systems to serve the industry while fitting in with important privacy rules.
The medical records software is the collection of patient charts, details, medical histories and more, depending on the vendor. They must also enable electronic routing of incomplete documents to suitable medical and administrative personnel for on-line processing, achievement and reporting and include advanced features like electronic signature.
The Final Measures Of Success
In addition, to be truly successful, electronic patient record systems must address additional functions such as dictation and transcription. For instance, one basic deficiency with paper medical records is "missing notes" from clinicians, such as physician orders and progress notes. In order to fix that deficiency, a physician must go to another station to perform the necessary dictation. From there, the information must be transcribed and then entered into the patient's chart.
While technology of today has helped this method, it's still awkward and has involved in numerous non-integrated manual or automated systems. Therefore, the ideal electronic patient record system would include closely integrated document imaging, workflow, chart completion, dictation and transcription capacities. This allows caregivers with all tools necessary to process, complete and view medical charts on a single workplace, without relying on multiple manual or automated systems.
The Benefits
For administrators, faster medical records software allows quicker billing, reduces A/R days and costs. It means physicians and clinicians have better productivity and convenience plus extra time for patients. For professionals it means easy processing and quicker accessibility to the health information for those who require it. At last, for healthcare associations to truly get the vision of enterprise-wide electronic patient record, seamless incorporation between the developing imaging systems and computer data repositories will is essential. It's something that is no longer science fiction in electronic patient record software circles, and it's coming to a practice near you very soon.
Carly Wilkinson is an editor/trainer at http://www.medical-software.org. Read more about the real benefits of electronic medical records here.
