The implementation of electronic health records has been a boon to the healthcare industry. Revolutionizing healthcare information technology and giving primary care physicians the chance to more efficiently coordinate care are some of the benefits of electronic health records. Thanks to electronic health records (EHRs) with the press of a button, primary care physicians can safely and accurately view valuable health information about their patients. Let’s take a look at some of the advantages of EHRs.
They Provide Doctors with Detailed and Accurate Information
In order for primary care physicians to make the most informed decisions about their patients, they need to get the full picture of that patient’s health status. This includes them being able to access detailed information such as a full and complete family health history, lists of current medications, allergies to medications, and a total list of diagnosed health conditions. Electronic health records provide doctors with highly accurate and extremely detailed information instantaneously so they can make the best assessment to help their patients. Previously, doctors may have only had access to pieces of the information, and since records where handwritten, some information may have been illegible.
The Information is Transmitted Instantaneously
For people with complicated and complex health issues, the instantaneous transmission of health information, lab work results, and other medical tests can be life-saving. Prior to electronic medical records, primary care physicians would have to mail or fax test results to each other, leaving ample room for human error and it could take weeks for primary care physicians to coordinate care with each other. Now, the information is transmitted instantaneously which can impact the expediency with which patients with critical health needs can get care. Some patients have life-threatening health issues and receiving quality care as quickly as possible could save their lives.
Patients Can Communicate With Doctors Directly
Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of today’s healthcare technology is that patients can now securely and easily communicate with their healthcare providers directly utilizing things like email in patient portals. Being able to communicate with their doctors can help them get answers to both simple and critical questions, saving both the patient and doctors valuable time. It also may eliminate the need for unnecessary doctor’s appointments if the answer to a simple question can solve a patient’s problem.
It Is Safer and Eliminates Errors
Not only do e-records save time, but they can save time and money in the form of prescribing errors. Doctors can cut down on the instances of prescribing someone the wrong medication because they are able to clearly see all medications the patient takes and any medication allergies that the patient experiences. They are able to immediately assess any possible drug interactions or potential negative effects. Furthermore, cutting down on prescription errors saves money, as mistakes can be costly, to the doctor, to the pharmacy, and to the patient.
The advances in electronic health records have simply revolutionized the industry and present many advantages to both patients and their caregivers.
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