Technology has infiltrated into every pore of society and healthcare is no exception. Medical institutions are required to take a step further by using special software, designed to keep track of patients’ data along with their medical history.
EHR (Electronic Health Record) system is among the most commonly used software programs, aiming to provide better information flow between healthcare providers as well as faster patient service. Its popularity is gradually increasing considering the rising number of health organizations that are adopting this system and employing its benefits.
Nevertheless, medical institutions aren’t the only ones that benefit from EHR systems, patients do too. The following benefits will demonstrate its advantage over paper documentation.
Greater accuracy
Getting rid of old paper medical documents by transferring them to an electronic form has created numerous advantages in terms of data accuracy. Handwriting mistakes are part of the past, as typing errors can be corrected immediately, without wasting time on re-writing the whole document. It also eliminates the risk of misinterpreting patient data which commonly happens due to illegible handwriting.
In addition, electronic records provide greater accuracy when it comes to updating data. While the patient is at the doctor, his/her data are being updated into the system in order for all the other healthcare providers to be familiar with the latest alterations in the file.
Therefore, if the patient is supposed to visit another clinician, there’s no need of explaining the previous check-up and prescribed treatment, as the clinician is already notified with the recent changes in the patient’s medical history. Healthcare providers get first-hand data from other colleagues, without having to rely on the information given by the patients, which is frequently incomplete or misunderstood.
Involvement of patients
The EHR systems aren’t only providing greater insight for healthcare professionals, but for the patents as well. Nowadays, most of the medical facilities have launched their own portals which enable patients to be up-to-date with the information on their electronic files. They have full access to their medical history, prescribed medicine, laboratory results, and treatments.
Furthermore, if patients find anything unclear or confusing, they are allowed to get in touch with their doctor through the portal by sending a message or making a call. The idea is to establish a closer doctor-patient relationship that is going to make healthcare more transparent and efficient. Read more about the effects of increased patient access to digital medical records.
Saving time
Another important advantage of the introduction of EHR systems is saving time on both ends. By having access to their electronic records, patients are given the opportunity to enter data themselves, which indicates no more wasted time on filling out the documents prior to entering the doctor’s office. It can be done from their homes even weeks before the doctor’s appointment.
EHR systems are an excellent time-saver due to their advantage of speedy information flow. Clinicians are able to instantly give orders to other care providers, laboratories or pharmacies, which automatically reduces waiting time. Until you set your foot in the laboratory or pharmacy, the results or medicine might already be waiting for you, instead of the other way around.
Improved billing
A huge benefit on the side of healthcare providers is the ability to improve billing, which is one of the most common issues of every medical facility. Using EHR systems suggests more insight for the insurance companies which are immediately notified on all charges that have to be covered.
Although, implementing this software is quite costly for medical institutions, they are provided with the option to take advantage of the incentives offered by the local government which is a smart solution, as these systems are becoming mandatory. Visit the following link: https://selecthub.com/medical-software/why-participate-in-the-ehr-incentive-program/, to learn about the requirements you need to meet in order to be eligible for the EHR incentive program.
Wrap up
Electronic health record systems has made a revolution in the healthcare sector, facilitating the administrative work of caregivers, speeding up the information flow between various medical providers as well as reducing waiting time.
In case you haven’t transferred to this system yet, don’t hesitate to implement it. Both you and your patients will feel the merits!