The Advantages of Computers in a Medical Practice

Doctors use computers in their medical practice on a daily basis. Computers provide physicians with the technology to keep track of patients. They can be loaded with software such as electronic medical record (EMR) programs, calendar programs and spreadsheet programs used for a variety of purposes including the creation of stock supply lists.

Organization

• Computers make organizing a doctor's practice simple. They provide a way to schedule patient appointments, store contact information and allow for easy access to patient files. Staff members working in a physician's practice use computers to create forms for every need. These include forms for patient use like new patient questionnaires and privacy statements.

EMR

• Doctors use computers to access, share and store patient Electronic Medical Records (EMRs). EMRs include information regarding the patient's medical history, medication list, diagnostic test results and physician's orders. Computers provide the opportunity for doctors to share EMRs with other health care providers giving the chance to view the files simultaneously.

Consultations

• Computers give doctors the chance to consult with colleagues from around the globe from their office. Video conferencing using web cams let doctors discuss patient cases with specialists they would otherwise lack access to. Computers allow diagnostic imaging scan results to be transferred electronically to the consulting physician, allowing her to form an opinion based on all available information.

Portable Access

• Doctors can keep track of patients from any location with the aid of computers. Whether out of town for a conference or on vacation, doctors can keep track of patients and their conditions. Laptop computers are portable and can be taken anywhere the doctor travels. This mobility gives them the chance to learn about test results as soon as they are available from any location with Internet access.