Patient Benefits of Electronic Medical Records
Patient Benefits of Electronic Medical Records
Electronic Medical Records are gaining in popularity and more doctors are willing to invest in the software systems to transfer their paper records to electronic ones. Of course, there are several benefits to doctors in order for them to decide to make this change. It is better for the patients to opt for a doctor who has EMR facility.
Save Time
One benefit that is greatly preferred by patients is that electronic medical records do not waste time. Not only can doctors access their medical records quickly and easily, but there is no need for pulling a record, taking it to the doctor, giving the doctor time to review it, and the like. Instead, access is instant and this can be a time saver in the doctor’s office. Not to mention, in an emergency electronic medical records can truly mean the difference between life and death due to the fast access.
Reduce Errors
Many times it is difficult for doctors to read the handwritten notes left by other doctors in patients medical records. As a result errors are more likely to occur when doctors have to make an educated guess on the information written in a particular record. However, errors of this nature are practically eliminated altogether due to electronic medical records because they are legible. The doctors can review the medical record of the patient instantly and decide the method of treatment.
Safety
One way doctors find out about your medical history is by simply having you fill out a form of questions asking you regarding past illnesses, operations, drugs you take or have taken, family illnesses, and so forth. As you move from doctor to doctor not to mention age you may forget important pieces of your medical history. However, when your medical history is retained electronically the answers you provide to your medical history questions will always be available no matter what.
These are just a few of the benefits electronic medical records can provide to patients. There are many others, too, like making it possible for easy transfer of records and the chance to change doctors without worries for losing your medical records.
Electronic Medical Records software is now considered a necessity by most doctors and hospitals. EMR software systems help improve efficiency and increase focus on patient care.