Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Embracing New Technology Can Take A While

Patient information stored on paper records takes a great deal of storage space in contrast to digital records. Most states require these records be held not less than seven years. Electronic medical records (EMRs) have become more popular in hospitals and doctors' offices. This type of health information system makes storage and retrieval of records much easier than physically sifting through hundreds of boxes hunting for a particular file.

 Many doctors are slow to embrace this new technology due to financial concerns. Physicians, particularly those with small private practices, are not financially motivated to invest in changing over to computerized records. However, experts are convinced that the changeover leads to improved care, fewer errors and reduced costs.

 Each time a patient's records are moved from paper and physical file cabinets to computers, it's very efficient for the patient and the doctor. First of all, computers have huge storage capabilities so there's no need for rows of file cabinets or storage boxes. Electronic medical records, like lytec, allow for fast access to our health records when they are needed with no worries about an element that has been misfiled. Traditionally you have to fill in medical history forms for every doctor that you see. But digital records are easily shared so you don't have to fill out the identical forms for each specialist or other physician that you may visit. Quick access to your health conditions, blood type, current medications, allergies and other information might be lifesaving if there is a crisis.

 There are many advantages to employing an electronic health records (ehr) system. The initial investment can be a bit expensive, but over time greater savings are seen from the doctors, patients and insurance providers. There's a significant reduction of paper used by the medical office which helps save trees, water, energy and landfill space.

 Often times a health care team cares for the patient with complicated health problems. With an EMR system everyone on the medical can stay informed of actions and recommendations from other team members. This avoids duplicate testing that may be expensive and multiple prescriptions that could be dangerous when taken together.

 Electronic medical records lets a doctor have instant access to a patient's information. There's a waiting period when vital lab test results have to be faxed, emailed and even sent by courier. Every time a doctor can easily see the results immediately he is able to act right away to correctly treat his patient. This is very important during a medical emergency if the patient may be struggling to respond.

 Whenever a new prescription turns up on a patient's digital record, the system can alert the physician if it might cause a hypersensitive reaction or interact negatively with other medicines the individual is taking. This prevents medical errors and adverse drug reactions that may require hospitalization. The system also tells the doctor when there is a less expensive generic type of the drug available which is beneficial to the individual.

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