Electronic Health Record

878 Words4 Pages
Electronic Health Record Alison Gierach HCS/320 August 27, 2012 Stephen Southern Electronic Health Record The Electronic Health Record or EHR is a collection of electronic health information about patients. It is the record in digital form that can be shared through different health care settings. It is shared through network connected information systems. EHR’s include data, medical history, medications, allergies, immunizations, lab tests, radiology images, personal statistics, and billing information. Electronic health records make it possible for health care providers to manage your care better through secure use and sharing of health information. EHR makes going to the doctor so much better because of the efficiency of the program and the amount of time a physician can spend with you. Hospitals that use EHR have a three to four percent lower mortality rate than those that do not. The EHR provides a central location of a patient’s medical history, therefore physicians can access the information easier and quicker with will prevent errors. The EHR has many advantages. It is a way for health care facilities to improve quality and safety. It is also a huge cost savings and decreases workplace inefficiency. There is more storage capacity for longer periods, and the information is available at remote sites to many people at the same time. It can be used concurrently and is updated continuously. EHR can provide medical alerts and reminders, such as abnormal lab results. The EHR also allows specialty groups to have customized screens, which makes it more flexible. It can also be used to improve risk management outcomes. Finally, it will provide more accurate billing information and it will allow providers to submit their claims electronically. The disadvantages include the startup cost, which can be excessive. Although they can be large,
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