Electronic Medical Record Services: Should You Make The Change? Article

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Electronic Medical Record Services: Should You Make The Change?

Author: Cassie Netherfield

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Despite the fact that electronic medical record programs and services are in demand, many have remained skeptical about them. But an article on the American Academy of Family Practice has shown that it may be a feasible option. The piece addresses all queries and hesitations on the efficiency of the service and the systems themselves.

First, the battle is between using the usual paper and file based medical records and using an electronic medical record software method that turns everything digital. Many may wonder, if it isn't broken why fix it? But with the rising patient numbers, any product that would lessen the health care professionals' time handling papers and increase patient visits is a good thing.

The promise of technology with an electronic medical record service is the capacity to quickly and easily obtain patient records from virtually anywhere and quickly and accurately make correct diagnosis.

Skepticism involved questions on the software's accuracy with records, operational costs, and difficulty of use. Some are skeptical about giving their patients' private history under the care of an electronic medical record company. We list the issues raised here:

- A doctor can still be efficient even without these electronic record keeping products.
- The price may be too high.
- It might not be HIPPA regulated.
- It might be too difficult to understand and would only waste very important time.
- What will become of the physical records if the transition to computerized form happens?
- There are so many electronic record service providers to choose from.

Electronic medical record programs will at first have a high cost to them without doubt. Money is recovered via the increase in patient care, reductions in paperwork and associated costs for equipment, supplies and staffing and in centralizing information and data and health records. Compare it with medical transcription, which costs as high as $25,000 and you'll notice the difference.

HIPPA compliance concerns are also not a setback, as electronic medical record packages all meet HIPPA standards. As regards ease of operation, while it could take time to learn, it's really not difficult to master, given a very user-friendly interface. Customer hotlines are even available at all times for all concerns and queries.

Using an electronic medical record service has also been proven to tack on some minutes to each patient consultation and even allows real-time updating. Some opt to store their records for a year first, before turning over to electronic records firms.

Regarding the specific program that the physician should use, it really depends on the purpose. Shopping around and reading articles and reviews about the programs in the market first will allow you to bag the most appropriate suite.

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