A Cost Effective Transition Plan to the Electronic Medical Record – Medical Records Management Solutions

Currently, about 8% of the nation’s hospitalselectronic files.
use electronic medical records management andThe discharged patients’ files that will not be
17% of physicians Although growth has been slowseen again should be stored. A box of patient
due to the high initial cost, trends are shifting tocharts can be stored at an approximate cost of
computer based medical records management$3.00 per year vs the cost to convert an
systems. The number of users is increasing,individual patient chart to image of $15.00 to
because it has been proven that having an$20.00. These less active patient charts should be
electronic medical records system in placeconverted to image more selectively, upon
improves patient care. Transitioning to electronicdemand. When they are being converted to
medical records can be done cost effectively byimage, the chart should be reviewed and be
minimizing the high initial investment.discriminatingly converted in case some of the
When transitioning to an electronic medical recordsinformation is not necessary. These medical
management system cost effectively, it isrecords management solutions will ease the
suggested that a medical facility divide their oninvestment, and allow for a well-organized
site records. There should be two groups: patientstransition to the use of digital records.
who need to be seen with follow up appointmentsThere are many records Management Company
within the next six to twelve months, andavailable today with experienced with the unique
discharged patients who will not require follow upchallenges of medical records management. They
appointments. Since it is estimated that the costare familiar with the confidentiality and compliance
to covert to a digital image is $15.00 to $20.00rules for medical records, and can enhance the
per patient chart, the most cost effectiveproductivity and cost efficiency for a hospital or
transition plan is to convert the group that will bemedical practice.
seen in the next six to twelve months to