Electronic Health Records Provide A Wide Variety Of Benefits
(Guest Post)
Digital technology has resulted in many changes in the way we do everyday activities, including gathering information and communicating. This is especially true in the health care field. Electronic health records have provided many benefits in various areas of health care, from cardiac care to pediatrics. Here are some of the ways that creating a digital health care infrastructure with electronic health records can transform the way health care is delivered in your facility.
Easy Access To Health Records
Digital medical records allow health care providers to access important information whenever and wherever it is needed. Records can be accessed at the facility during a routine appointment or from a remote location like a lab or testing facility. Having the health records available at a click of a button will allow health care providers to make medical decisions based on the most accurate information available and provide reminders of examinations and tests that are due. Being able to access health records immediately will also improve performance and the results obtained from providing the correct services.
Increased Convenience For Providers
Using electronic health records provides health care providers with legible, complete documentation whenever it is needed. Providers no longer have to take the time to try and decipher the different handwriting styles of their peers or incorrectly spelled medical terms. Prescribing becomes more reliable when using digital health records. Coding and billing will be more convenient with a much higher percentage of accuracy. Digital health records can also be interfaced with the records of labs, registries, and other health care providers.
Improved Health Care For Patients
Visiting a health care facility that uses electronic health records can improve the quality of care for patients. There will be no need for patients to fill out the same information forms for each provider that they visit and family health records can be entered once and modified as needed. Many facilities that use electronic records also have patient portals that provide patients with a way to interact with their providers online. All of the patient’s medical information can be transferred electronically for referrals and follow-up care can be scheduled as soon as the initial treatment has been completed.
Reliable access to complete information about a patient’s health is important for safe and effective care. Digital health records place accurate and complete information about patients’ health and medical history at the fingertips of any provider or specialist that needs them. This can result in better patient outcomes and a better patient experience.