Electronic Medical Records discussion

Electronic medical records make records available at all times. Eliminating the need to have to physically pull records, transport, deliver, stamp and sort information, cutting down on the incidence of human error. Clinicians can access the charts off site securely. Also clears up physical space within the hospital or office and allows for the redeployment of human resources.

Electronic records also allow for the physician to place orders for labs and imaging electronically, send prescriptions and other notices electronically. Reducing the errors of hand written orders and allows other clinicians to access those orders, as well.

Using electronic records can keep track of patient's use of hospital resources like equipment, medical supplies, diagnostic testing and medication. This helps with billing to patients and third party payers.

Electronic records allow for prompts for preventative screenings and routine care. The doctor can help set these appointments when due by checking patient records.

I don't really think that opting out of something like this is really beneficial. Electronically recorded data is more of a help than a hindrance for record keeping on the facilities and the patient's end. We put all of our credit card information online when making purchases. We put our personal information on social media sites. Some things are secure and some are not. I don't see why having your records available to your doctor on a secure site for record keeping is necessarily a bad thing.

2nd students discussion

I believe this question maybe referring to The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act of 2009. There are several advantages and disadvantages to having medical records on an electronic database or EHR systems.

There are advantages of EHR systems. Medical errors can be reduced. The records would have a patient’s allergies, medicines, and tests available along with medical history. Medical personal will be reading typed information and not handwritten illegible records. Patients records are stored in one place and not at serval locations. Reduced costs is also an advantage. The cost of maintaining paper files is reduced. Transcript costs are reduced. Providers would save money by not mailing hard copies of test results as they can be sent electronically.

There are disadvantages of EHR systems. There are costs to adopt, implement and maintain the systems. The costs include training personal to operate the systems, hard and software purchases, and converting paper records to electronic. The biggest disadvantage is a patient’s privacy. The patient would not know who has access to their medical records. Systems can be hacked or breached, and medical records have been held hostage.

I believe patients should be allowed to opt out at this time. So far, to date, the systems have not been proven to be secured. Systems are breached. Even though there is HIPAA, patients do not know who is accessing their information or if their data is being sold to drug or research companies. It is to a person’s advantage to have electronic medical records in such cases as emergencies. This helps if a person is unable to speak to inform medical staff of allergies or other problems.