Let’s discuss the benefits of Electronic Medical records, have you wondered what’s in it for you? In the traditional healthcare system, medical record-keeping was a manual, paper-based task that was time-consuming, problematic, and open to several risks. These inefficient means of record-keeping caused delays in healthcare services delivery, increased the cost of healthcare systems, and posed potential dangers to patients. Fortunately, electronic medical records (EMRs) have revolutionized the traditional medical record system in recent years. Using EMRs, healthcare providers can now quickly create, store, and access patients’ medical data electronically. In this blog, we will take a closer look at the many benefits of switching to EMRs from the patient perspective.
1. Unified Electronic Record
One significant benefit of switching to EMRs is how they can give providers access to all your medical records. With EMRs, healthcare providers can easily access all your past medical records and provide you with more accurate and better-provided care. Easy and fast access to past medical records can significantly enhance healthcare providers’ diagnostic accuracy, treatment, and management of patient conditions.
2. Improved Efficiency
EMRs offer a streamlined, automated approach to medical documentation and record-keeping. As a result, healthcare data can be entered, accessed, and updated much more efficiently, facilitated by digital solutions such as computers or tablets. EMRs can also help with appointment scheduling, prescription renewals, and medication management, making it easier for both healthcare providers and their patients.
3. Reduction in Duplication of Services
One of the potential drawbacks of the traditional paper-based system was that patients might be subjected to unnecessary tests, treatments, or procedures if their medical records were not available. With EMRs, healthcare providers can quickly see which tests and treatments have been administered in the past, allowing them to avoid duplicative services and prevent unnecessary healthcare costs.
4. Increased Security
Another benefit of switching to EMRs is the enhanced security measures for personal information. Whereas paper records can be lost, damaged, or even stolen, electronic medical records can be encrypted to offer a layer of protection. This encryption requires a secure password and login to access, ensuring that confidential patient information is not easily accessible to unauthorized parties.
5. Cost Reduction
Lastly, EMRs can result in cost reductions for healthcare providers and their patients. EMRs’ use reduces administrative costs associated with paperwork, physical storage, retrieval, and shipping of medical records. EMRs also help with medication management, reducing medication errors leading to increased healthcare costs.
Undoubtedly, electronic medical records stand to offer significant benefits over the traditional paper-based medical record system. EMRs improve efficiency, reduce costs, reduce duplication of tests and treatments, and enhance healthcare data security. As employers, implementing EMRs could lead to health insurance plan cost reductions, hence facilitating an objective toward providing better employee healthcare services. It is time for healthcare providers to fully adopt electronic medical records and take advantage of the numerous benefits that come with them.
Common Cents Tip$: Sign up for EMR that allows doctors access to your health records. Doing so will minimize duplication of services and therefore out of pocket expenses for you.
