Electronic health records are proving to be more efficient than paper records. They are not only easier to manage but are also more efficient when it comes to data recording. To reduce the massive paperwork that hospitals used to keep in the past, electronic records are the new way to go. They are also environment friendly because they end up saving a lot of trees by eliminating the need for paper records. There are numerous benefits that electronic health records have and health practitioners should be aware of the same. Therefore, to help you out, we bring you some important ones:
1. They Save Time
Medical staff always wants to spend less time filing papers and more time concentrating on the patients. This is especially true for newer clinics that don’t have enough staff members to file everything. Therefore, to save time, opting for an electronically controlled clinic management system is the best thing out there. Also, the data maintained electronically, can be availed easily and without much trouble. According to a recent survey, medical practices that relied on an electronic health records were more efficient than the ones that were heavily dependent on paper.
2. They Are More Convenient
Another advantage that electronic health records have is that they are more convenient to use. You don’t have to carry heavy amounts of paperwork to ponder over a medical case. With the help of electronic health record systems, medical data can be accessed remotely, without any significant trouble—you just need a laptop or a smart phone with a stable internet connection. Many EHRs can access charts, respond more quickly to medical emergencies and be more prepared when they have a quick access to medical data, irrespective of their location. Consultations are easier and this encourages efficiency and a good coordination.
3. Communication Is Easier
An electronic network can be enabled and secured to encourage discussion between doctors and medical staff members. Checking referrals, handling billing, sending and receiving messages from other doctors and seeking consultation are some of the ways this channel can be used. This system will make communication easier for all parties involved. Rather than relying on paperwork, that can’t be transferred easily and therefore face to face communication becomes necessary, more reliance should be given to an electronic filing system. Better communication makes it easier to diagnose patients, without creating any unnecessary confusion or trouble.
4. Prescribing Drugs Is Safer
Prescribing the wrong medicines or overlooking allergies to give something inappropriate to the patient can be risky and life threatening. The chances of prescribing wrong medicines is less when there is a proper channel of communication and this is only possible through an electronic channel that has all the required data. Also, if a prescription does react in a negative way, getting help is easier when there is an electronic filing system. Doctors can also compare thousands of prescriptions easily with the help of electronic health records. The electronic system then can alert the doctor if a certain drug is unlikely to match with the specific medical condition that the patient is suffering from.
5. More Care Coordination
Patients are sometimes subjected to repetitive tests and continuous examination because each doctor in the same hospital has a separate health record regarding their condition. This can be easily eliminated with the help of electronic health records. Multiple doctors can easily access patient’s records and therefore come to a diagnosis quicker. Also, patients too don’t have to sit through repetitive examinations and tests.
So the above were some advantages of electronic health records that will help you do a better job as a medical practitioner.
