As electronic health records (EHR) are now established practice across the United States for most healthcare providers, both providers and patients are becoming accustomed to using them. As electronic health records were intended to improve the healthcare system, here is a closer look at some of the benefits to all users.
What are the benefits of an EHR to the patient?
- quicker access to records
- ability to request appointments
- ability to request refill on medications
- ability to contact one’s healthcare provider
- ability to view test and laboratory results
- one central location for all one’s healthcare records
- ability to send healthcare reminders to patients which can improve health compliance and follow-up care
What are the benefits of an EHR to the healthcare provider?
- less paperwork and charting
- improved quality of care provided
- increased productivity
- opportunity for more complete medical history
- readily accessible records
- improved decision making based upon more complete records
- reduced medical errors
- ability to send healthcare reminders to patients which can improve health compliance and follow-up care
- remote access to patient information
- improved patient billing
As with other technology, there are also risks to using electronic health record systems. One of the major risks includes data breaches which can pose a risk to a patient’s privacy of their health information. You can help reduce the risk if you are a healthcare provider by securing your computer and notifying proper authorities of any suspicious activity. Check with your organization and make sure you are informed of security procedures.
Sources:
https://www.usfhealthonline.com/resources/healthcare/benefits-of-ehr/
https://www.aafp.org/practice-management/health-it/product/intro.html
