Friday 31 August 2012

Advantages Of Electronic Health Record Software Over Standard Filing Methods

By Jennifer P. Myeers


A lot of health care practices have moved from a standard filing system to an electronic health record filing system due to the many health advantages that it has to offer. Many health care specialists are discovering that this type of system is much easier to use once the transition from the traditional filing system has taken place. This electronic format allows health care professionals to easily access files quickly, store them in a more secure place, and quickly find any errors within the records.

Since health care workers no longer have to search through several different files to find the ones that they need, the electronic health record system permits them to get the files that they need in much less time. Rather, doctors and other health care workers can access the files from a secure terminal anywhere in the office or within a network. This means that they can browse the files for what they need and make changes without having to spend time looking for the file to begin with. Doctors can then spend additional time with the patients that they have or see additional patients since they have more time.

If files can be found as hard copies then it is possible for people to access them even when they don't have the proper authorization to do so. Rather than just looking at files that pertain to them, people will have access to all of the files that are stored in one place. Various levels of security are assigned to different health care workers, and there are times when workers will not be given access to all of the files or all of a patient's file. By utilizing software, various workers will only have access to the files that they have been cleared to view or they will have to enter a security code in order to access the files. Because the files are saved on computers, they can't be filed in the wrong place or misplaced completely.

The last benefit of electronic health record software over the traditional system is that errors can be identified in the medical record almost immediately. Although rare, it is not unheard of that doctors have prescribed a medication to a patient that they should not take because they have mistakenly overlooked something in the file. With the electronic prescribing system, the software will automatically notify the doctor if they attempt to prescribe a medication that will interact with a drug that the patient is already taking. The program that is used will act as a back-up in case something is missed or overlooked.

Some of the main advantages to electronic health record software would be that doctors can easily and safely access the files for their patients. Errors with medical and prescription information are also reduced with this type of system. Many medical practices have transitioned to this type of software since it is easy to use.




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