The Advantages of Electronic Medical Record-Keeping

Electronic medical record-keeping (EMR) is the foundation of computerized health information systems. Health information entered into the electronic record is shared by other hospital departments, health-care workers and outpatient centers. The electronic medical record keeps up-to-date information about your care and any ongoing treatments. Immunization records, laboratory data, progress notes and radiology reports are all in one easily accessible place.

Safety

• Paper medical records can be destroyed by flooding or fire.

  Paper-based medical records take up a lot of storage space. Records bundled and stored in secure warehouses are at risk if a natural disaster occurs. The records are easily destroyed by fire or flood. Once the records are lost, there is no way to regain that information. Using computer technology to maintain these records keeps them safe and accessible in the event of any type of emergency. This helps health professionals offer better care by providing easy access to your personal records in an emergency.

Easy to Manage

• Electronic medical record-keeping gives health-care professionals a complete picture of your health. Your complete health history, earlier treatments, medications and results are in one place. This information is easy to share with other professionals involved with your care. It is simple to compare previous results with currents ones to analyze the effectiveness of treatments, or to monitor changes in your health.

Improved Care

• Electronic medical records can notify doctors of medication interactions, results of new studies and inform them if there is a drug recall. In case of a drug recall, the doctor can easily contact his patients and change the medication if needed. Reminders pop up so doctors can order blood work or other tests at recommended intervals. This ensures timely care and follow-up for your prescribed treatments.

Improved Privacy

• Electronic medical record-keeping maintains your information under tight security. Restricted access is granted to departments that do not need to view your complete history. With paper charting, copies are made, and then sent to other professionals involved with your care. This increases the risk of losing a page, or having someone view your chart that is not involved directly with your care. Electronic medical records are sent over a secure network directly to other professionals. The computer can also track information about anyone who accessed or changed your private file. This adds an extra level of security to your medical records.