Preview

Medical Record Keeping

Good Essays
Open Document
Open Document
1101 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Medical Record Keeping
1. What are the problems with America’s current medical recordkeeping system? How would electronic medical records alleviate these problems?

The majority of America’s current medical record keeping is paper based which creates a lot of problems like:-
a. Recordkeeping became really difficult with growing numbers of patients and their visits to Medical Practitioner. There are shelves full of folders and papers in corridors.
b. It makes it difficult to effective communication, referring and access to the records. During emergency it could be the matter of life and death.
c. It’s difficult to systematically examine and to share the information; the updating of these records is almost a challenge. There are cases of wrong entry and duplicate entries etc.
d. When a patient changes a Doctor or moves to other problems, it becomes a hassle for patient as well as for Doctor.

The electronic medical records will allow patients to enter their basic medical data into an online site initially and after that Doctor also will be able to send relevant information for regular update. This system will make record keeping more effective and streamlined which are easily accessible. The use of electronic record keeping reduces errors in medical records. The handwritten records are subject to lots of human errors due to misspelling, illegibility, and differing terminologies.
Thus digitations and standardisation of records will make the information universally accessible and cost effective too. Apart from this, it could also be used for remainder message for refilling of prescription, directories for doctors and personalised health advice.

2. What are the pros and cons of electronic patient records? Do you think the concerns over digitizing our medical records are valid? Why or why not?
The main proponents of electronics patient record cite the following advantages:
a. The electronics patient records reduce errors in medical records. With the use of electronics patient

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Better Essays

    Twenty years ago, Riverview Hospital was limited with technology. The use of paper files for patient records is a thing of the past. Today Riverview Hospital uses electronic medical records (EMR). “An EMR is able to electronically collect and store patient data, supply that information to providers on request, permit clinicians to enter orders directly into a computerized provider entry system, and advise health care practitioners by providing decision-support tools such as reminders, alerts, and access to the latest research findings, or appropriate evidence-based guidelines” (Wagner, Lee, & Glaser, 2009, p. 1). “Paper-based records have been in existence for centuries and their gradual replacement by computer-based records has been slowly underway for over twenty years in western healthcare systems” (Open Clinical, n.d., p. 1).…

    • 1106 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    Electronic health records are a health record for patients that are used between different health facilities and agencies. This system is used to improve effectiveness, quality care, and reduce cost (long term). This record of information contains the history of the patient’s visits to the healthcare facility all pertaining to documenting the contact information to patient histories and allergies. The record also contains a listing of medications, billing information, and additional data pertaining to the patient’s visit. The Computerized Physician Order Entry allows the physician to electronically enter patient’s orders and view patients care results. It can detect adverse effects of medical errors and reduce less patient suffering from receiving wrong medications.…

    • 363 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Best Essays

    Wgu Nut1 Task 1

    • 4110 Words
    • 17 Pages

    Instant access to records allows for updates, additions or corrections to be entered in a more timely manner. Charting can be completed while still at the bedside, improving accuracy and streamlining the work process. ("What Are The…

    • 4110 Words
    • 17 Pages
    Best Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    Nursing Informatics

    • 1911 Words
    • 8 Pages

    Another benefit of using an electronic medical record management system is that all patient information is accessible from multiple locations, and by multiple members of the care team at the same time. Prior to availability of computerized records, patient data was only available in paper hard copy, typically kept in one paper chart, which made it impossible for each member of the care team to access needed data in a timely manner. Access to an overview of the patient’s current state prior to face to face meeting with the patient allows the practitioner more time to implement and treat and less time reviewing the case in the patient’s presence. With the ability to view electronic records prior to visits and assessment from each member of the health care team, more efficient planning and implementation of interventions for the patient are achievable, leading to quality care (Thede & Sewell, 2010).…

    • 1911 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    It is no secret that the medical profession deals with some of population’s most valuable records; their health information. Not so long ago there was only one method of keeping medical records and this was utilizing paper charts. These charts, although still used in many practices today, have slowly been replaced by a more advanced method; electronic medical records or EMR’s. “The manner in which information is currently employed in healthcare is highly inefficient, which slows down communication and can, as a result, reduce the emergence and discovery of problems. Accelerating communication and the use of information creates new opportunities to improve healthcare, but also new opportunities for problems to occur” (Ethan, Norman, Prashila, Samuel, 2011, p.3-4). Although they are very reliable, paper medical records are becoming a thing of the past while electronic medical records are among one of the new advancements in our technologically savvy world. Both paper charts and EMR’s ultimately give clinicians and patients the same result but the journey is far from similar; A paper free work environment was once something to only imagine but in our present day is this new age technology exactly what we imagined?…

    • 1679 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Better Essays

    Nut1 Task 2

    • 1783 Words
    • 8 Pages

    Until the second part of the last century, all medical records were on paper. This system worked fine in an age of family doctors making house calls and patients never travelling far from their local hospital. Our modern society has changed and our healthcare record management has changed as well. Computerized record management (CRM) and Electronic Medical Records (EMR) are poised to increase the quality of healthcare. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, there are numerous ways that CRM’s are improving quality of patient care. Their web site lists problems with paper records. These include, illegible handwriting, multiple healthcare providers for one patient not communicating, and increased amounts of medical and new drug information. “Patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes or congestive heart failure often have to monitor their blood glucose level, weight, blood pressure, and medication regimens in their homes” (AHRQ, 2012). CMR will allow health care providers to track any abnormal values recorded from patient’s home, eliminating the need to wait until the next appointment which may be a month away. With CMR, patients will be able to go to different specialists who can all plug in to the same medical record. Also, the medical record will follow the patient if he is travelling and needs to receive care far from his primary care provider. The switch to computer records will eliminate time trying to decipher a physician’s handwriting. EMR’s will also be updated continuously with updated medical and drug information. This resource will allow the healthcare provider to keep up to date on all the latest research which will increase quality of care as well. Another aspect of increased quality of care is the patient id band being linked to the electronic record. “The system of linking hospital ID bracelets to patients' EHRs has curbed medication errors” (iHealthbeat.org, 2012).…

    • 1783 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    R. Hillestad et al. “Can Electronic Medical Record Systems Transform Health Care? Potential Health Benefits, Savings and Costs,” Health Affairs 24, no.5 (2005): pp.1103-1117.…

    • 1696 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    I have seen a change in medical record keeping since I started more than 15 years ago. Every patient would have a paper chart. This would include there personal information, which included social security number and medical history. Physicians would document there progress notes and any orders for tests or medications. The nurses would document when they gave medication to there patients. This process was very time consuming and sometimes very hard to read. With electronic medical records this process has become much easier on the physicians and nurses. Especially for nurses because now they can read what the physicians are ordering. There are touch screens that make ordering medications easier, faster and accurate. If the medication is not in the patients chart the nurse can not order it. When insurance companies request medical records instance of mailing the records which can take several days, now these records can be electronically done. The disadvantages is if the computer system goes down than the nurses can not see patient’s records and it makes it difficult to treat patients. Depending on your positions records are available on a need to know bases. Implementing a universal electronic medical record in the hospital or physician setting can be very difficult. The cost is very expensive and keeping patient records safe. With so many viruses and hackers in the world security is the most important in electronic medical records. I believe electronic medical records is the way to go, with proper training and better security this process will continue to become the wave of the…

    • 263 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Better Essays

    Health Records Structures

    • 1567 Words
    • 7 Pages

    Lack of standards can also be a negative impact as they are difficult to create leading to issues with maintenance of security of patient data and ensuring patient privacy.…

    • 1567 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    There are many pros and cons to an electronic health record. Today, paper is being used less and less. Now, medical records are often stored on computers or online. These records can be accessed by those with clearance and are on a common network. Paper records and files can easily be lost or destroyed, such as in a fire or flood. An electronic database safely keeps your medical records.…

    • 499 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Electronic medical records are the future of health care. Information is the staple of any health care facility and the ability to speed up a process can only help provide efficient medical care. While we study and see what it takes to implement medical records and its structure in order to provide and organize a patient’s medical information to a medical facility. Implementing electronic medical records in long-term care will help make medical records accessible and efficient for a medical facility while also improving the quality of care for patients. Electronic records have…

    • 340 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    MIS questions

    • 449 Words
    • 2 Pages

    What is the business, political, and social impact of not digitizing medical records (for individual physicians, hospitals, insurers, patients, and the US Government)?…

    • 449 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    * Electronic medical records will improve the health care provider to assist patients of complex chronic…

    • 955 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    The Institute of Medicine (IOM) saw new technologies in the mid 1980’s that they wished to implement in Electronic Health Records (EHR) to reduce duplicate records and increase accuracy. In 1991, a committee was created to make a report and recommendations. That first report was titled “The Computer-based Patient Record: An Essential Technology for Health Care”. The results of this report spoke about the characteristics, features and purposes of the electronic record. (Johns, Merida L. (Ed.) (2011) Health Information Management Technology, Illinois: Chicago, Third Edition.)…

    • 623 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    What are the problems with America’s current medical recordkeeping system? How would electronic medical records alleviate these problems?…

    • 1078 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays