The Disadvantages of Computerized Medical Records

The active push for computerized medical records began during the administration of former President George W. Bush. According to the Bush administration, computerized medical records would allow for more efficient operations with fewer errors and lower costs. However, there are a number of potential pitfalls involved with the transition from paper to computerized records, which would begin with the actual process of conversion. Ongoing problems could also plague the system.

Personnel Requirements

• According to Don Detmer, president of the American Medical Informatics Association, an estimated 130,000 information technicians and 70,000 informatics specialists would be required to achieve the goal set by President Barack Obama to computerize the medical records of all Americans within five years. The work would be painstaking, tedious, and would have to be carried out while maintaining current treatment programs. Even with a well-run transition, the process would be extremely disruptive.

Maximum Cost, Uncertain Benefit

• Another objection, raised mainly by physicians, is that they would have to bear the brunt of the disruption and expense of converting to electronic medical records but would realize little of the profits. According to a USA Today column referring to a New England Journal of Medicine study, only 13% of physicians today have a basic electronic medical records system. Physicians without electronic records systems said capital costs and uncertainty about benefits were among the barriers to adoption. A study by Robert H. Miller and Ida Sim reported in the journal Health Affairs said the upfront costs of converting paper records to computer files can run as high as $36,000 for each physician practice.

Software Implementation and Maintenance

• Another barrier to adopting electronic records involves the learning curve required whenever a new system is implemented. This could be an especially difficult barrier for workers who are entrenched or invested in an established system, but it would almost certainly involve adaptation by all parties involved. There is also the issue of IT maintenance, and concern that the software could quickly become obsolete, with few options for upgrade (as opposed to more expensive and disruptive replacement).

Privacy Concerns

• Computer privacy is also a major concern. There have been well-publicized breaches of business and commercial data security, even sensitive government data by computer hackers and careless handling of laptops and memory devices. The legal and moral repercussions involved with data leaks of sensitive personal and medical data are unlimited, with malpractice suits covering only a small percentage of the potential problems.

A Prelude to Socialized Medicine?

• Many conservative pundits view the move toward computerized medical records as a cloak for a stealth adaptation of a socialized medical system similar to that of many European countries. They cite the possibility of "tracking" patients through their electronic records to ensure compliance or ration medical care. These criticisms arose even though the push for computerized medical records began under the Republican administration of George W. Bush. The criticisms have persisted despite assurances to the contrary by the Obama administration.