subject: Paper Records Versus Electronic Medical Records [print this page] A study has recently concluded that using Electronic Medical Records increases the productivity and efficiency of health care workers by as much as 6 percent annually. This is because there is less time and effort needed when reviewing and examining digital medical records than there is when we talk about paper records. In fact, some cities in the United States are starting to prohibit the use of paper when taking and storing a patients history. And although it is less trouble for doctors to scribble on their clipboard when diagnosing a patients case, US states are now ordering that physical records be only stored for a maximum of seven years. Anything more than seven years will be considered a violation, and will equate to financial sanctions for the doctors and the hospitals.
Choosing the less expensive route
It may not look like it, but paper records are actually significantly more expensive than digital records. The monthly cost of Electronic Medical Records system is lower than that of storing, transporting and copying paper records. The cost of paper and film is decidedly lower than simply buying a storage space on the world wide web. When collating paper records and storing them in warehouses, it also requires more money to be spent rather than simply updating digital medical records.
And when it comes to review these files, recopying and transporting them back to a health care providers office is more difficult and more expensive than simply opening a few files on the computer. Also, insurance companies are more likely to delay payments, claims and reimbursements when paper works are involved. As opposed to digital records where check and balance is a lot easier because of electronic formulas, paper works require that an insurance company follow the trail and personally check the hospitals records.
Because of such a need for digital medical records, the US Congress has even provided incentives for doctors, hospitals and other health care providers who will adopt an Electronic Medical Records system. Over $44,000 to $65,000 are being offered as incentives for the next six years that a particular hospital or physician uses the digital records system. For those who will fail to use the modern method, the Congress will impose penalty fees and decrease in insurance reimbursements.
These incentives and penalty fees fall under the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act, which is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
But aside from such benefits of the digital records system, it also prevents medical errors that cause lawsuits to be filed against medical practitioners, insurance companies and even major medical institutions. A system that provides for check and balance ensures that all transactions are recorded and that processes are monitored
