| Electronic health record system is definitely a | | | | at the same time which could lead to healthcare |
| better way to do store patient's medical health | | | | providers not having updated information when |
| records. It allows for accurate record keeping, | | | | they become available. However, with centralized |
| increased level of healthcare and a reduction in | | | | repositories this problem has been solved, but it |
| malpractice insurance premiums. It involves doing | | | | has given rise to the above mentioned issue of |
| away with the pen and paper system of keeping | | | | data security and protection. |
| medical records and embracing the digitalizing of all | | | | High start up cost |
| information. Like every new thing, change is not | | | | There is a high start up cost when transforming a |
| always welcome. A few physicians are stuck in | | | | pen and paper system to EHR. Some physicians |
| their ways and are not embracing this new | | | | do not see any immediate benefit to their |
| system without a fight. | | | | practice in the short run and drag their feet in |
| The good news is that you can work around | | | | implementing EHR. |
| disadvantages to turn them into positive territory | | | | Legal issues |
| or find a replacement. Some of the disadvantages | | | | Taking the healthcare industry to court has in the |
| include:- | | | | past few decades been a lucrative venture for |
| Privacy Protection | | | | attorneys trying to right the wrong done to a |
| There will always been privacy issues in the | | | | patient, whether by omission or commission. |
| healthcare system on who has access to your | | | | Doctors are already practicing defensive medicine |
| medical records. With a pen and paper system, | | | | and electronic health record system brings a new |
| with the physical file located at a particular | | | | potential avenue for litigation and revenue stream |
| institution there is a limit to who can see your | | | | for lawyers. With a new system, anything can go |
| records. Even if there was a security breach and | | | | wrong, the system could fail or the stored data |
| your information is not secured, it is only available | | | | stolen. Improper uses of collected information are |
| to people in that proximity. | | | | all potential avenues for a law suit. |
| But in a situation where your information is sent | | | | Gradually, electronic health record system is |
| to a centralized information repository in digital | | | | gaining traction. More and more doctors are |
| format, all bets are off. This privacy concern is a | | | | embracing it, and depending on the part of the |
| big issue with many people and will continue to be | | | | country you are looking at, conversion could be as |
| an issue until it is addressed for good. | | | | high as 40%. With government involvement and |
| Medical records synchronization | | | | the amount of resources it is investing, the time |
| Until recently with centralized information | | | | will come when digital medical record keeping will |
| repositories, individuals being treated at different | | | | be the norm. |
| facilities could not have their information updated | | | | |