| With the popularity of computers and the ability | | | | easier to share files between physicians and allows |
| for them to sort through information within a | | | | them to provide more efficient service to |
| short time frame it is no surprise that this | | | | patients. It also lessens the chances of the HIPAA |
| system would be applied to the medical files and | | | | compliance from being compromised. |
| information. Health records have been around for | | | | Although this electronic form of record keeping |
| many years and it wasn't until recently that they | | | | has been in existence for over 30 years, there |
| have become computerized. There are many | | | | are still only a handful of hospitals that use this |
| benefits of electronic health records that make | | | | type of system. Only 10% of hospitals nationwide |
| finding information easily accessible for medical | | | | use this form of medical record keeping. |
| professionals as well as the medical staff to help | | | | Another one of the benefits of electronic medical |
| patients in their treatment. | | | | record keeping is that it uses less room to keep |
| An electronic health record includes an array of | | | | these files on a computer then it does to have |
| information that includes the past medical history | | | | many filing cabinets stored with this information. |
| of the patient and can be used to transfer | | | | By eliminating the use of this paper the files will be |
| important files to providers from the convenience | | | | stored in a safe place and save money and space |
| of their computer. Such information includes, | | | | in the process. |
| demographic data, medical history, medications, | | | | One surprising fact about electronic health record |
| allergies, immunization status, laboratory test | | | | files is that 11 billion dollars was spent alone on the |
| results, other tests results, radiology imaging and | | | | printing of invoices and mailing of checks. This all |
| billing information. | | | | could have been prevented if these hospitals |
| Not only does the benefits of electronic health | | | | would have implemented the cost efficient |
| record help with the process of patient care. It | | | | method of using electronic medical record data. |
| helps also ensures that everyone helping the | | | | By using a more computer savvy method many |
| patient on the same page, so there is less room | | | | valuable benefits for storing electronic medical |
| for confusion. This type of electronic system also | | | | records. If hospitals implemented this system |
| helps increase the care provided by the physician | | | | they will not only save money, but also be |
| as well as cuts expenses and promotes | | | | protecting the clients personal information as well |
| generalization of care. | | | | as provide better services to them. |
| This type of electronic system also makes it | | | | |